Opinion: Child Health is the National Security Crisis We Keep Ignoring

Leading experts Tina L. Cheng, Stanley McChrystal, and James M. Perrin argue that robust child health infrastructure is fundamental to national security. The authors assert that investing in pediatric healthcare, mental health services, and preventive medicine for children strengthens the foundation of a healthy, capable workforce and society. Addressing child health comprehensively—including physical development, psychological well-being, and access to quality medical care—directly impacts future economic productivity and resilience. This perspective challenges policymakers to prioritize child health not merely as a public health issue, but as a strategic national imperative essential for long-term security and stability.