[Disability in children and adolescents: a reflection of the Italian GBD initiative].

Childhood and adolescence are vulnerable and crucial phases for determining health in adulthood. Despite the enormous progress achieved in child and adolescent's health and well-being globally, the disability burden has remained almost unchanged. In 2019, in Italy and globally, low back pain, headache disorders, depression, and anxiety were among the first causes of disability. Through the analysis of the estimates of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, we propose a reflection on the state of health of the Italian paediatric and adolescent population in terms of disability, suggesting recommendations on preventive actions, and public health interventions. The aim is the improvement of their health, considering how the current COVID-19 pandemic is impacting on their quality of life.