News

E4As: new approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 09-06-2020
A new approach to accelerating action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) developed by WHO has been showcased in a special supplement issue of the European Journal of Public Health dedicated to the SDGs.
Joint statement by WHO and the Government of Azerbaijan 07-02-2020
WHO and the Government of Azerbaijan have had a strong history of collaboration for over 10 years. The Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan has taken much interest in the work of WHO globally and regionally over the years. It has played an active role in WHO’s governing bodies, and been represented on both the WHO Executive Board (the global governing body) and the Standing Committee of the Regional Committee for Europe (the regional governing body). Azerbaijan also hosted the 61st session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in 2011, when 53 Member States gathered in Baku to discuss the future plans of the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
Time for integrated and people-centred services for HIV, TB and viral hepatitis 10-01-2020
The international medical journal, The Lancet, has published an article demonstrating the benefits of integrated and people-centred services in responding to the rise of HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and viral hepatitis in eastern European and central Asian countries of the WHO European Region.
Day 4 highlights: Regional Director thanks “the strongest minds and warmest hearts in public health” 19-09-2019
On the fourth and final day of the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC69), Member States adopted a resolution on promoting health literacy that seeks to help people make informed health decisions. Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab also expressed her deep thanks to delegates and staff for their commitment to public health during her 10-year mandate as WHO Regional Director for Europe.
Day 3 highlights: Resolution on accelerating primary health care adopted 19-09-2019
WHO’s strengthened collaboration with the European Commission, the invaluable work of WHO country offices, and a resolution on 10 evidence-based policy accelerators for strengthening primary health care were in focus on Day 3 of the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC69).
Day 2 highlights: Dr Hans Kluge nominated next WHO Regional Director for Europe 17-09-2019
Member States of the WHO European Region nominated Dr Hans Kluge of Belgium as the next WHO Regional Director for Europe during a private session on Day 2 of the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC69).
Day 1 highlights: RC69 opens 16-09-2019
Health 2020, health equity and public health leadership were key themes on the first day of the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC69). The session opened with a charming series of international songs performed by the children’s choir of The Royal Danish Academy of Music.
Europe reviews decade of public health progress, and plans for the future at WHO annual meeting 16-09-2019
Over 500 high-level representatives, including many health ministers from the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region, will review 10 years of public health progress, address remaining and new challenges and nominate a new Regional Director at the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 16–19 September 2019. Together with partners and civil society representatives, they will mark the achievements of Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being that has driven the Region’s efforts on health towards sustainable development.
Member States to reflect on 10 years of progress in public health and set health priorities for Europe at RC69 15-07-2019
On 16–19 September 2019, health ministers and high-level representatives of the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region, along with partner organizations and civil society, will gather for the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC69).
Ljubljana Statement on Health Equity agreed – High-level Conference on Health Equity closes 14-06-2019
On the final day of the Conference, delegates from Member States, nongovernmental organizations and partners agreed to the Ljubljana Statement. It articulates what European Member States and partners will do to progress towards health equity, and how they will do it.
High-level Conference on Health Equity opens – achieve, accelerate and influence 12-06-2019
That reducing health inequities is politically doable, economically viable and has public support was a key conclusion on the first day of the conference. Delegates from across the WHO European Region discussed why health equity is an issue for our times, and how we can create the conditions and remove barriers for all to prosper and flourish.
2018: The WHO European Region’s Year in Review 21-12-2018
The year 2018 was a momentous one for WHO, which celebrated 70 years of working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. Here is a look back at some of the key moments from the year – highlighting both country-level activities and the collective achievements of the Region, but also emphasizing areas where continued work and even accelerated efforts will be needed to make progress.
Nursing and midwifery leaders report progress towards “health for all” goals 22-10-2018
Chief nursing officers, national nursing and midwifery associations and WHO collaborating centres from across the WHO European Region reported positive developments in nursing and midwifery towards achieving Health 2020 and the Sustainable Development Goals during a meeting in Athens on 3–4 October 2018.
New evidence gives policy-makers insights on measuring community empowerment and resilience 22-10-2018
Improved community empowerment and resilience allow people increased control over factors which influence their health, including access to health care and preventative services, as well as equal opportunity within the community. But while both of these values-based concepts are key to health policy-making, they are also difficult to measure. Two Health Evidence Network (HEN) reports just published by WHO/Europe offer policy-makers new insights, synthesizing the best available evidence on the measurement of these concepts at a national level.
Day 4 highlights: countries at the centre of health work 20-09-2018
“It is now clearer than ever that we need to be bolder and reach further, to engage effectively with all those that have a stake in health,” said Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab on the final day of RC68. Many non-State actors were accredited to attend future sessions of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, and Member States applauded the work of country offices.
Day 3 highlights: Strategy on the health and well-being of men in the WHO European Region adopted 19-09-2018
Why do men die prematurely, and what can be done to change this? And how do we advance public health to meet future societal needs? The Region now has stronger tools to answer these questions, following today’s adoption of the Strategy on the health and well-being of men and a 10-point action plan on public health.
Day 2 highlights: strengthening health systems to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 18-09-2018
“For us, the goal of universal health coverage is the lodestar of our health policy,” said His Excellency Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania. From improving vaccine coverage to ensuring financial protection, strengthening health systems was a key theme on Day 2 of the 68th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.
Annual meeting of ministers to set health priorities in Europe 14-08-2018
On 17 September 2018 in Rome, Italy, health ministers and high-level representatives of the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region will gather for the annual WHO Regional Committee for Europe. At this year’s 68th session, participants will consider topics including a new strategy on men’s health, financial protection and an action plan to improve public health preparedness and response.
New Action Network strengthens health literacy measurement in Europe 30-04-2018
The Action Network on Measuring Population and Organizational Health Literacy (M-POHL Network) was established under the umbrella of the WHO European Health Information Initiative (EHII) and aligned with Health 2020, the European policy framework for health and well-being. The Network aims to institutionalize a regular internationally comparative European health literacy survey of high quality and support the collection of data on organizational health literacy as prerequisites for evidence-based policy and practice on health literacy.
Cross-sectoral toolkit to guide Member States along SDG roadmap 25-01-2018
A technical meeting successfully advanced the development of a toolkit for Member States that will guide activities towards achieving health, equity and well-being for all at all ages within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 2-day meeting took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 18–19 January 2018.
New profile of health and well-being in Bulgaria shows significant progress 22-12-2017
WHO/Europe launched the fifth in a series of publications providing in-depth analyses of health situations in Member States. The report focuses on Bulgaria, and reveals a health situation that has improved significantly in the last decade but still faces considerable challenges.
Georgia achieves significant health improvements but still faces considerable challenges 26-10-2017
The fourth in a series of publications providing in-depth analysis of health status in Member States was launched on 26 October 2017. The report, focusing on Georgia, reveals a health situation that has improved significantly in the last decade but still presents considerable challenges.
Day 3 highlights: “The health workforce is the beating heart of any health system” 13-09-2017
On the third day of the 67th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, countries agreed to transform the health workforce in the WHO European Region to ensure that it is sustainable and able to respond to current and future health needs.
Day 2 highlights: Director-General outlines key health priorities 12-09-2017
In a plenary address, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus laid out his mission for WHO: “To keep the world safe, improve health and serve the vulnerable”. Engaging political leadership for health was a defining theme on the second day of the 67th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe. Delegates also adopted the Roadmap to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Regional Committee: making decisions on key health priorities for the European Region 29-08-2017
On 11 September 2017 in Budapest, Hungary, health ministers and high-level representatives of the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region, along with partner organizations and civil society, will gather for the annual WHO Regional Committee for Europe. The committees provide an opportunity to discuss and make decisions related to key health priorities in the Region. In this year’s 67th session, and in alignment with the Health 2020 policy framework and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, participants will consider topics ranging from building a sustainable health workforce to improving the environment and health.
Report shows progress towards Health 2020 targets 24-08-2017
A new report shows an overall improvement in the implementation of Health 2020 values and principles in the countries of the WHO European Region. Between 2010 and 2016, the share of responding countries that had policies addressing inequalities increased from 88% to 98%. Those that aligned national policies with Health 2020 also increased during this period, from 58% to 92%.
New path for health and human rights opens in Andorra 06-07-2017
Andorra inaugurated a 30-kilometre walking trail that spans the length of the country to promote physical activity in an innovative and inclusive way. Every kilometre along the path is marked by a sign representing one of the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Implementing the Bulgarian National Health Strategy (2014–2020) towards achieving Health 2020 indicators and the SDGs 27-06-2017
A 1-day workshop organized within the Biennial Collaborative Agreement 2016–2017, was held on 6 June in Sofia, Bulgaria to discuss implementation of the Bulgarian National Health Strategy (2014–2020) towards achieving Health 2020 indicators and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The workshop gathered together representatives of health, education, social affairs, foreign affairs, academia, the World Bank, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the European Commission and civil society.
Workshop held in former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on implementation of National Health 2020 Strategy at community level 19-06-2017
The 2-day workshop gave a closer look at the operationalization of global and European health policy – the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; and Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being – and possibilities for their implementation at local level. The National Health 2020 Strategy and the Operational Plan for its implementation were presented and used as examples to stimulate intersectoral coordination and collaboration, as a significant precondition of their successful implementation.
Day 3 of Environment and Health Conference: Commitments to advance the agenda in Europe 16-06-2017
After 3 days of discussions and deliberations, the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health drew to a close. The participants took stock of the progress made on environment and health in the WHO European Region, as well as committing the Region to further action, culminating in the signing of the Ostrava Declaration.
Day 2 of Environment and Health Conference: Addressing inequalities, good governance, rights and resilience 15-06-2017
On the second day of the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, participants explored the role of communities and national and regional authorities in strengthening resilience. Discussions focused on the global relevance of environment and health policy in Europe and how to stimulate changing patterns of consumption towards sustainable development.
Day 1 of Environment and Health Conference: Taking stock of the past to transform the future 14-06-2017
Opening the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, drew parallels between the host city’s industrial past and modern regeneration, and the “transformative spirit of the Agenda for Sustainable Development”. Health and environment experts are gathered in Ostrava, Czech Republic to track progress and prioritize future action on environmental risks to health.
Development of Health 2020 Operational Plan in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 04-04-2017
The Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia endorsed the National Health 2020 Strategy on 27 December 2016, following 2 and a half years of inclusive policy dialogue at both central and local levels. This included the establishment of an electronic platform to encourage citizen participation and ensure transparency.
New report offers in-depth analysis of health situation in Republic of Moldova 27-03-2017
WHO/Europe has launched the third in a series of publications providing in-depth analyses of health situations in Member States. Focused on the Republic of Moldova, the report reveals a health situation that has improved significantly in the last decade but still faces considerable challenges.
Global health diplomacy course for small countries held in Cyprus 15-03-2017
Dr George Pamboridis, Minister of Health, Republic of Cyprus, opened the global health diplomacy course for small countries on 13 March 2017, held in Nicosia, Cyprus.
WHO European Healthy Cities Network adopts the Pécs Declaration 14-03-2017
The WHO European Healthy Cities Network Annual Conference drew to a close on Friday 3 March, with mayors and political leaders adopting the 2017 Healthy Cities Pécs Declaration. This reconfirms their commitment to creating inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable societies.
Health and well-being depend on action at city level 01-03-2017
The city of Pécs is hosting the 2017 WHO European Healthy Cities Network Annual Business and Technical Conference, which opens today. This year’s theme is “Building Healthy Cities: inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”.
First meeting of the Health and SDGs Expert Working Group provides input to roadmap for health and sustainable development in the Region 25-01-2017
In 2016, countries of the WHO European Region recognized that the Health 2020 policy framework and related World Health Assembly and Regional Committee resolutions provide a strong foundation upon which to position health at the centre of initiatives to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The WHO Regional Committee for Europe also endorsed the development of a roadmap to support countries in this endeavour.
Day 2: new European platform for partnerships across sectors, United Nations agencies and civil society 13-12-2016
The second day of the high-level conference Working together for better health and well-being focused on how to implement intersectoral and cross-governmental policies. A common observation among delegates was the need to identify and communicate co-benefits for sectors other than health in order to generate effective, sustainable partnerships. They agreed to establish a new platform to improve and implement collaboration.
Day 1: Working together for better health and well-being 08-12-2016
Engaging children and young people as co-creators of health, together with the social, education and health sectors was a common theme on the first day of the High-level Conference Promoting intersectoral and interagency action for health and well-being, held in Paris, and hosted by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health of France.
Europe commits to leaving no child behind 07-12-2016
The health status of people in the WHO European Region is advancing, but not all children have the same chances of healthy growth and millions are being left behind. In 20 out of 28 European Union countries, children are at higher risk of poverty or social exclusion than adults.
101 examples of improving the health and well-being of children and adolescents through intersectoral action 06-12-2016
Addressing the root causes of poor health and well-being in childhood and adolescence requires engaging sectors beyond health. WHO has compiled examples of collaboration from the European Region across the health, education and social sectors to support discussions at the high-level conference Working together for better health and well-being, taking place in Paris on 7–8 December 2016.
WHO and European Committee of the Regions join forces to improve European dialogue on health policy 22-11-2016
The European Committee of the Regions and WHO/Europe signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), pledging to combine their efforts in several key areas of public health. The agreement was signed by Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Karl-Heinz Lambertz, First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions and President of the Parliament of the German-speaking Community in Belgium, on 21 November 2016.
What resilience is and why it matters to small countries 28-10-2016
UN Day: taking action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 24-10-2016
Waste, health, sustainability: what way forward? 13-10-2016
Representatives from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Romania, Serbia and Tajikistan as well as waste researchers, advisors, and specialists in waste, toxicology, hygiene and environmental health have agreed on priority actions for waste management.
Member States discuss key objectives for environment and health 30-09-2016
The Ad-hoc working group of the European Environment and Health Task Force (EHTF), comprising Member States, partners and stakeholders, met in Frankfurt, Germany on 26 September 2016 to take forward the drafting of outcome documents for the upcoming Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health. Participants at the meeting agreed on how to finalize the drafts that will be shared with all WHO European Member States for national consultations leading up to a meeting of the European Environment and Health Task Force on 29-30 November in Vienna, Austria.
RHN annual meeting 2016: reaching the Global Goals and leaving no one behind 29-09-2016
On 22–23 September 2016, Lithuania hosted the 23rd annual meeting of the Regions for Health Network (RHN) at Raudondvaris Castle in Kaunas region. The meeting focused on how regions can implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Developmen with its central role of health in leaving no one behind.
From local to global: improved urban health through stronger communication and leadership 23-09-2016
Healthy Cities, the WHO network promoting urban health, piloted a new training course for its coordinators in Turku, Finland, on 19–21 September 2016. Participants from across the WHO European Region joined the course, sharing knowledge and experiences in the fields of communication and leadership.
From research to implementation: World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion 22-09-2016
Injuries and violence are a major public health burden across the globe. In the WHO European Region, they cause 550 000 deaths each year and are the leading cause of death in people aged 5–44 years.
New publication on the participatory process used to develop the Trentino health plan 20-09-2016
In December 2015, the Autonomous Province of Trento in Italy adopted a strategic health plan for 2015−2025, broadening the concept of health and well-being in the Province from being solely cure-related to encompassing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health. This commitment resulted in a publication that will be presented during the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Regions for Health Network (RHN) to take place on 22–23 September 2016 in Kaunas, Lithuania.
Day 4 highlights: countries commit to strengthening the use of evidence and research in policy-making 15-09-2016
On the final day of the 66th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, Member States adopted a European action plan to strengthen the use of evidence, information and research for policy-making. They also approved an action plan for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases, which complements global plans and builds on the previous regional strategy.
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia plans 3 regional workshops on its National Health 2020 Strategy 15-09-2016
The WHO Country Office will support the Ministry of Health in organizing 3 subregional conferences between September and November 2016 as the country continues to implement its National Health 2020 Strategy using its framework “Together for Health for All”.
Day 3 highlights: agreement on women’s health strategy and action plans for HIV and viral hepatitis 14-09-2016
Dr Margaret Chan welcomed the WHO Regional Committee for Europe’s adoption of a European strategy for women’s health as well as action plans for both HIV and viral hepatitis in her plenary address, affirming the WHO European Region’s position at the forefront of global health developments.
Day 2 highlights: RC66 adopts European strategy and action plan for refugee and migrant health 13-09-2016
On the second day of the 66th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC66), Member States and partners warmly received the development of a regional roadmap to guide the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and a strategy and action plan for refugee and migrant health in the WHO European Region.
High-level delegation from Sweden visits WHO/Europe 02-09-2016
Health 2020 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development were in focus during a visit to WHO/Europe by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare and the Public Health Agency of Sweden on 1 September 2016. The visit provided Swedish counterparts with insights into WHO’s work at regional, national and subnational levels, as well as an opportunity to discuss how WHO/Europe can work with, in and for the country.
Environment and health for European cities in the 21st century 07-07-2016
With more than 80% of Europeans expected to live in urban areas by 2030, a rapidly ageing population and increasing migration to cities, urban, man-made environments have become the dominant environmental determinant of health and well-being. Cities provide a vital setting where different policies converge and can be integrated and leveraged to reduce inequality, increase the social and physical resilience of communities and promote and protect health and well-being from environmental threats. For the first time, a meeting bringing together representatives of cities and local authorities, intergovernmental organizations, agencies and Member States was convened by the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health in Bonn, Germany, on 27–28 June 2016.
Universal health coverage in action at European Development Days 06-07-2016
During European Development Days (EDD) on 15–16 June 2016 in Brussels, Belgium, WHO organized a session in partnership with the European Commission and Luxembourg's Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. The session, entitled 'Strengthening good governance and aid effectiveness to achieve universal health coverage' (UHC), provided insights on the implementation of the EU–Luxembourg–WHO UHC Partnership.
Fight against TB in focus during Regional Director’s visit to Slovakia 28-06-2016
Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, visited Bratislava, Slovakia on 21–23 June 2016 at the invitation of Dr Tomáš Drucker, Minister of Health of Slovakia.
Closing of the World Health Assembly: WHO Framework for Engagement with Non-State Actors adopted 01-06-2016
The World Health Assembly has adopted the WHO Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors (FENSA), after more than 2 years of intergovernmental negotiations.
Day 2 of the World Health Assembly: Highlights for the European Region 26-05-2016
Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, addressed the World Health Assembly on 24 May 2016. She stressed the links between climate change and health, including those related to the spread of vector-borne diseases. Her address was followed by a technical briefing that underscored the need for multisectoral action for achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and agreement on a new resolution on meeting those goals.
How and how much the environment impacts health 25-05-2016
Two WHO/Europe offices, the WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development in Venice, Italy, and the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health (ECEH) in Bonn, Germany, have been recently placed in the Division of Policy and Governance for Health and Well-being. As the Venice Office coordinates the Regions for Health Network, there is a renewed opportunity to make further progress, in participating regions, in key areas such as health equity, noncommunicable diseases, environmental and social determinants of health and public health capacity.
The National Meeting of Italian Healthy Cities Network focuses on migration health 23-05-2016
Palermo, in the region of Sicily, between 12 and 13 May 2016, hosted the 14th National Meeting of the Italian Healthy Cities Network, which in 2016 focused on migration health. The Meeting emphasized that to be a healthy city means, first of all, to reduce inequalities among people including unequal access to health care.
WHO strategy highlights challenges and way forward for women’s health 18-05-2016
Although women in the WHO European Region generally have longer life expectancy than men, they also spend more years in ill health. The quality of life and well-being they experience is often unsatisfactory and there are also health inequities within and between countries in the Region. To unlock enormous gains, reduce inequalities and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), women and girls must be able to fully realize their right to health with a focus on gender-specific needs.
Nurses and midwives: A force for enhancing health and strengthening health systems 12-05-2016
Nurses and midwives make up the majority of health care professionals in the WHO European Region, delivering health services to people of all ages. International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day, observed on 5 May and 12 May, respectively, offer opportunities to highlight some of the vital ways in which nurses and midwives contribute to public health and well-being.
Transforming integrated health service delivery in the WHO European Region 11-05-2016
"Everything starts with people. Without people there is no health system." This sentiment was echoed in keynote presentations, illustrative country cases and expert interventions throughout the 2-day final consultation of the European Framework for Action on Integrated Health Services Delivery in discussions of entry points and processes for integrated health service delivery that took place in Copenhagen, Denmark on 2–3 May 2016.
Turkey: strengthening primary health care for better noncommunicable disease outcomes 11-05-2016
An interdisciplinary team visited Turkey from 18 to 22 April 2016 to follow up on the country's progress in scaling up core noncommunicable disease (NCD) services in primary health care. The focus was on strengthening the model of care, addressing human resource issues, introducing performance management and reviewing incentives.
Increasing the availability of safe abortion in Kyrgyzstan 09-05-2016
On 25 April 2016 the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan and WHO disseminated findings from a project that trained midwives to provide safe medical abortion up to 9 weeks of gestation to women living in rural, underserved areas of the country.
Expert workshop on health systems performance assessment 06-05-2016
The Division of Health Systems and Public Health, hand in hand with the Division of Information, Evidence and Research and Innovation and the Division of Policy and Governance for Health and Well-being, convened an expert workshop on health system performance assessment (HSPA) on 12–13 April 2016.
Country-by-country profiles on national health situation relaunched 06-05-2016
The first in a series of publications providing in-depth analyses of the health situation in Member States has been launched, focusing in its first edition on Greece. Written in collaboration with ministries of health, the new series is based on Health 2020 indicators and provides insights into performance against Health 2020 targets and into implementation. Reports on Slovenia and the Republic of Moldova are forthcoming.
Adverse childhood experiences in Republic of Moldova: stakeholders agree to conduct a national survey 06-05-2016
On 19 April 2016, stakeholders from the health and social and child protection sectors, law enforcement bodies, civil society and organizations for victims of violence met to deliberate ending child maltreatment.
Data validation of first study on harmful use of alcohol and tobacco in Tiraspol 29-04-2016
During a roundtable held in Tiraspol on 25–26 February 2016, representatives of central health authorities and specialists discussed the preliminary results of the first knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) study regarding the harmful use of alcohol and tobacco in Transnistria region of the Republic of Moldova.
On World Health Day 2016, Czech Republic focuses on diabetes and prevention 29-04-2016
During the World Health Day campaign in the Czech Republic, the WHO Country Office presented the 2016 slogan "Be active – Eat healthy – Follow medical advice – Beat diabetes". The slogan illustrates the key areas where the country should focus political efforts to decrease the risk of diabetes among the population.
Cultural contexts of health project to work with UNESCO 27-04-2016
At the second expert advisory group meeting on the cultural contexts of health (CCH), WHO/Europe has begun a closer collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO's) Section for Intangible Cultural Heritage, in order to explore how health policy can benefit from a wide array of multidisciplinary research to promote a deeper understanding of the cultural contexts and experiences of health.
Regions for Health Network Steering Group plans next steps 26-04-2016
The first face-to-face meeting of the Regions for Health Network (RHN) Steering Group took place on 18–19 April 2016 in Venice, Italy. Steering Group members discussed the steps taken since RHN was revitalized in 2012, and identified crucial milestones for the current biennium 2016–2017.
Governments call on WHO and partners to support achievement of global road safety targets 26-04-2016
On 15 April 2016, the UN General Assembly and its Member States adopted a resolution to improve global road safety. The resolution, which was tabled by the Government of the Russian Federation, was co-sponsored by 55 governments.
Achieving better health for all in Slovenia 14-04-2016
On 30 March 2016 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the National Institute of Public Health organized a conference on a community-based approach to support and meet the health needs of local populations.
Marking World Health Day 2016 in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 12-04-2016
World Health Day (WHD) 2016 was celebrated with a series of events in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, organized by the WHO Country Office in cooperation with relevant institutions, particularly the Ministry of Health, the Institute for Occupational Health and the Macedonian Medical Society.
Improving sexual and reproductive health policies in 17 countries of the European Region 30-03-2016
On 14–15 March 2016, representatives of the United Nations Population Fund, WHO staff and policy-makers from 17 countries in eastern Europe, the Caucasus and central Asia met in Tbilisi, Georgia to discuss further improvement of their national sexual and reproductive health policies.
Small Countries Health Information Network meets for the first time 18-03-2016
The Maltese Ministry for Energy and Health hosted the first meeting of the focal points of the Small Countries Health Information Network (SCHIN) in Valetta on 3 and 4 March 2016.
New multilingual websites on sexual and reproductive health for migrants 15-03-2016
Two websites that aim to increase the sexual and reproductive health literacy of migrants and to improve their knowledge on available sexual and reproductive health services in Belgium and Germany were recently launched.
Informing policy for young people’s health 15-03-2016
The WHO Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study has influenced policy and legislation across the WHO European Region for over 30 years. The latest update of the study, based on a survey of over 200 000 young people in 42 countries, has been published.
National laboratory policy and strategic plan of Kyrgyzstan published for comments 10-03-2016
On 1 March 2016, led by the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan, a broad range of stakeholders met to consult on a proposal for a national laboratory policy and strategic plan for Kyrgyzstan.
E-health – when, not if 10-03-2016
A new report on e-Health in the WHO European Region reveals that tangible progress has been made, with clear benefits for many countries. In most Member States, it has become commonplace for technology to be used to deliver health services and public health improvements, such as electronic health records.
Towards a European strategy for women’s health 08-03-2016
Just over half of the 900 million people living in the WHO European Region (463 million) are women.
Memorandum of understanding between WHO/Europe and EFNNMA 03-03-2016
WHO/Europe and the European Forum for National Nursing and Midwifery Associations (EFNNMA) have signed a four-year memorandum of understanding. It was signed by the Regional Director, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, and the Chair of the EFNNMA Steering Committee, Ms Valentina Sarkisova.
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia makes significant progress implementing Health 2020 01-03-2016
On 17 February 2016, the WHO Country Office in Skopje hosted an event to present the results achieved by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in implementing in 2014–2015 Health 2020, the WHO European framework for health and well-being.
Policy dialogue for better health governance in Ukraine 18-02-2016
Improvement in health status, financial protection, well-being, equitable access and satisfaction with the health services provided to the Ukrainian population, especially to vulnerable groups, is the overall goal of the "Policy Dialogue for Better Health Governance" project launched on 17 February 2016 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Preventing cancer - The European code against cancer 04-02-2016
Cancer incidence is rising in the WHO European Region. A new edition of the European code against cancer lists 12 ways of helping people to adopt healthier lifestyles and of boosting cancer prevention across Europe. 4 February is World Cancer Day.
Country workshop in Poland on policies to restrict the marketing of food and non-alcoholic beverages to children 27-01-2016
WHO/Europe facilitated a workshop on restricting food marketing to children on 23–25 November 2015 in Warsaw, Poland.
High-level expert meeting in Serbia to implement European strategic directions for strengthening nursing and midwifery towards Health 2020 goals 26-01-2016
The Institute of Public Health of Serbia "Dr Milan Jovanović Batut", the Ministry of Health and the WHO Country Office in Serbia jointly convened an expert meeting on 29 December 2015 in Belgrade to introduce the "European strategic directions for strengthening nursing and midwifery towards Health 2020 goals".
Health system reform on the agenda during the Minister of Health of Montenegro’s visit 22-01-2016
Professor Budimir Segrt, Minister of Health of Montenegro, emphasized the importance of health sector reform in his country during his visit WHO/Europe on 18 January 2016. The Minister said that improving the education, knowledge and skills of health workers, introducing a new financing model for secondary and tertiary health care and ensuring good governance of drugs and medicine were essential components of the reform.
Collaboration on refugee and migrant health 21-01-2016
Countries in the WHO European Region have agreed to prepare a common framework for coordinated collaboration and action on refugee and migrant health, based on solidarity and mutual assistance and in the spirit of the 2030 Sustainable Development agenda, whereby "no one should be left behind".
WHO supports simulation exercise to test health crisis preparedness in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 19-01-2016
A simulation exercise to test the preparedness of a hospital in the region of Ohrid, as well as of the Emergency Medical Services was held on 2 December 2015. Health and emergency workers responded to a minibus carrying schoolchildren involved in a simulated traffic accident and ensuing fire.
Will there be sufficient health professionals to meet future needs? 18-12-2015
The number of physicians and nurses in the Region may not be sufficient to cover the future health needs of an ageing population, despite an increase of around 10% in the past 10 years. This is one of the key findings in this year's report on core health indicators in the WHO European Region.
Implementing Health 2020 – strengthening the role of national professional officers 16-12-2015
National professional officers (NPOs) from 13 European country offices met at WHO/Europe on 24–26 November 2015 in Copenhagen, Denmark, for training aimed at strengthening their role in developing and implementing national health policies in alignment with Health 2020 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
WHO Country Day in Bulgaria 15-12-2015
WHO together with the Ministry of Health and national partners met on 4 December 2015 for Country Day, organized for the first time in Sofia, Bulgaria.The aim of Country Day is to improve interactions with local partners, and to enhance better communication and coordination with WHO.
WHO/Europe launches 2 strategic publications showing nurses’ and midwives’ impact on reaching Health 2020 priorities 12-12-2015
WHO/Europe's programme on nursing and midwifery has launched first-of-their-kind publications highlighting the tangible role nurses and midwives play in reaching Health 2020 priority objectives for the WHO European Region.
New WHO publication on participation for better health with case studies from 4 European regions 11-12-2015
Including participatory concepts within the core of health plans and legislations makes it possible to improve health and well-being at different levels and in all groups of society. The recent WHO/Europe publication "Taking a participatory approach to development and better health" proves this with case studies from 4 members of the Regions for Health Network (RHN).
A strong agreement from COP21 matters to health – and to the European Region 11-12-2015
As negotiations continue in Paris, it is important to emphasize the vital and central role of health in climate change action. Without a strong, binding agreement from COP21, the WHO European Region, and the world, can expect to experience serious and even life-threatening effects.
Autumn School helps Member States make Health 2020 reality 04-12-2015
Some 30 participants gathered in Moscow, Russian Federation, for the third annual Autumn School on health information and evidence for policy making. The Autumn School, the flagship training course of the WHO Regional Office for Europe on health information and part of the WHO European Health Information Initiative, helps countries to focus on health information as part of the implementation of Health 2020.
Papers invited for Public Health Panorama 30-11-2015
WHO/Europe invites papers for the second thematic issue of its journal Public Health Panorama on the topic of intersectoral action for public health and reduction of health inequalities in the European Region. The deadline for submissions is 31 January 2016.
“Europe is Europe because of migration”: highlights from day 2 of the high-level conference on refugee and migrant health 24-11-2015
Recapping discussions from the first day, Dr Santino Severoni noted that delegates recognized that the current massive refugee, asylum seeker and other migrant influx in Europe is an urgent public health concern for all Member States in the Region.
“We cannot turn away our eyes”: highlights from day 1 of the high-level conference on refugee and migrant health 24-11-2015
Opening the meeting, Beatrice Lorenzin, Minister of Health of Italy read a short statement from His Holiness Pope Francis welcoming those attending the Conference, calling on them to bring wisdom, strength and peace to the discussions.
Efforts must be scaled up to halve road traffic deaths by 2020 19-11-2015
The publication 'European facts and the Global status report on road safety 2015' was launched at the 2nd Global High-Level Conference on Road Safety: Time for Results, in Brasilia, Brazil on 18–19 November. Delegates from more than 100 countries met to agree ways to halve road traffic deaths by the end of this decade – a key milestone within the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3.6), as set down in the Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety.
Violence and injury prevention experts meet in the Republic of Moldova 19-11-2015
50 participants from 33 countries attended the Eighth Network Meeting of European Ministry of Health Violence and Injury Prevention focal points on 11–12 November in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.
Engaging people in every step: patients and carers explain the benefits of people-centred health care 05-11-2015
"Voices of Patients and Carers" consists of a collection of personal stories, a photo series and a film called "Journeys to Health", which share the real-life stories of people throughout the WHO European Region who played an integral role in their own care during their personal health challenges.
WHO Regional Director visits Slovenia 02-11-2015
Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, Regional Director of WHO/Europe, made an official visit to Slovenia on 29–30 October 2015. At a meeting in Vila Podrožnik, organized by Ms Milojka Kolar-Celarc, Minister of Health of Slovenia, the Regional Director met with Mr Miro Cerar, Prime Minister of Slovenia, and Mr Dušan Mramor, the Minister of Finance.
European Public Health Alliance to support Health 2020 implementation 29-10-2015
A delegation from the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) met with senior staff from WHO/Europe on 27 October 2015, to lay the foundation for future cooperation and collaboration.
Statement - The challenges of migration require migrant-sensitive health systems for today and for the future 29-10-2015
Statement by Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe
Day 2 of Life-course Conference: Minsk Declaration signed 23-10-2015
The different life stages were discussed throughout the day's proceedings, starting with early childhood and adolescence – a time to optimize growth and development – through the middle years - with timely interventions to maintain peak health – and finally on the implications of the life-course approach for policy-making. The Conference ended with the signing of the Minsk Declaration.
Day 1 of Life-course Conference: synergies between Health 2020 and sustainable development goals 21-10-2015
On the first day of the Conference, delegates from across the WHO European Region recognized that the importance of giving children the best start to life is scientifically based and should be reflected in policies. They also discussed the unique opportunity provided by the recently agreed sustainable development goals (SDGs) and by the Health 2020 policy framework for pursuing a life-course approach to health.
Healthy ageing requires a life-course approach 01-10-2015
The first World report on ageing and health calls for urgent, comprehensive public health action to address population ageing. It summarizes current evidence, redresses common misconceptions and assumptions and outlines a framework of action to foster healthy ageing worldwide. Key messages of the report underpin those of the upcoming WHO European Ministerial Conference on the life-course approach: Start early to maximize functional ability. It is never too late to maintain peak health by preventing and delaying the onset of noncommunicable diseases. Minimize loss by ensuring supportive environments, effectively managing chronic conditions and developing systems of care.
New agenda for sustainable development: towards a healthier, equitable and peaceful future for all 25-09-2015
Today, world leaders launched the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit 2015.
European health report 2015 published 23-09-2015
This flagship report shows that Europeans are living longer, but high levels of tobacco and alcohol consumption, combined with rising obesity, could mean that the life expectancy of future generations will fall. The report charts progress towards the targets set in Health 2020 and recommends that new kinds of evidence be examined to understand the complex relation between health, well-being and culture.
Day 4 highlights: RC65 adopts new tuberculosis action plan and closes 17-09-2015
Highlights of the final day of the 65th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC65) included adoption of the action plan, agreement on closer cooperation between WHO/Europe and the European Commission and a description of countries' experience in addressing the migration crisis in Europe.
Day 2 highlights: focus continues on intersectoral action 15-09-2015
Panel discussions on the second day of the 65th session of the Regional Committee (RC65) focused on the need to work across sectors to address the health challenges of today's interconnected world. The WHO Director-General called on Member States to pay particular attention to how corporate interests influence health policy-making, asking, "Who really governs the policies that shape our health?"
Day 1 highlights: RC65 opens with emphasis on intersectoral action 14-09-2015
HRH The Crown Princess of Denmark and the WHO Regional Director for Europe opened the 65th session of the Regional Committee (RC65), recognizing intersectoral action as its overarching theme. The President of the Republic of Lithuania welcomed over 300 delegates to Vilnius.
New evidence: how the economic crisis has affected health systems and health in Europe 07-09-2015
Two new studies published by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and WHO/Europe provide new evidence on the impact of the crisis on health systems and health in Europe.
Population movement is a challenge for refugees and migrants as well as for the receiving population 02-09-2015
The large influx of refugees and migrants to countries of the WHO European Region, which has escalated in the past few months, calls for an urgent, concerted response to their health needs. Actions are needed between and within countries as well as among sectors.
Exploring the cultural contexts of health and well-being 28-08-2015
How does culture affect perceptions, access and experiences of health and well-being? With implementation of Health 2020, more emphasis is being placed on the well-being of European populations. WHO/Europe is leading a project on the cultural contexts of health, guided by a group of experts from the humanities, social sciences and public health.
Regional Director awarded San Marino Order of Saint Agatha for contribution to health 28-08-2015
Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, has been awarded the Order of Saint Agatha by San Marino for her and WHO/Europe's contribution to improving health in the country and throughout the WHO European Region. The Minister of Health, Dr Francesco Mussoni, and the Minister of Territory and Environment, Dr Antonella Mularoni, presented the Order.
Evidence-informed development of the Albanian National Health Strategy (ANHS) from a Health 2020 perspective 05-08-2015
The Albanian Ministry of Health requested WHO's support in developing ANHS 2016–2020 from a Health 2020 perspective.
A health movement starting in small countries 31-07-2015
On 2–3 July 2015 in Soldeu, Andorra, the second high-level meeting of the small countries initiative took place. During the event, Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino met to share their experience concerning national health plans and their alignment with Health 2020. "The health and welfare of people is one of the pillars of a welfare state," said Antoni Marti Petit, Prime Minister of Andorra.
WHO/Europe brings lessons from Ebola preparedness and good practices to international health security discourse 30-07-2015
On 13 July 2015, WHO convened a high-level conference in Cape Town, South Africa called "Building Health Security Beyond Ebola".
New report: Investing in public health offers large gains in health, the economy and other sectors 14-07-2015
Tobacco use reduces overall national income by 3.6%. Obesity accounts for 1–3% of all health expenditure in most countries. These and other surprising facts came to light in a report published by WHO/Europe on the long- and short-term effects of a country's health status on its financial and economic situation.
Meeting of small countries takes the life-course approach forward in the context of Health 2020 13-07-2015
Health promotion and disease prevention throughout the life course was one of the main themes at the meeting of countries of the WHO European Region with a population of less than 1 million held in Andorra on 2–3 July 2015, "Taking forward Health 2020: small countries at the forefront of the whole-of-government approaches to health".
Second meeting of the small countries initiative in Andorra: implementing the life-course approach vision 03-07-2015
Delegates from Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino gathered in Andorra on 2 and 3 July for the second high-level ministerial meeting of the eight small countries to confirm their commitment to implementing the Health 2020 vision in countries with populations of less than 1 million people.
Subregional training course for the central Asian republics on public health leadership 30-06-2015
WHO/Europe organized a subregional training course on public health leadership for the central Asian republics on 15–18 June 2015 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Public Health Panorama – the WHO Regional Office for Europe’s new bilingual public health journal 30-06-2015
The WHO Regional Office for Europe has published the first issue of its new quarterly journal of public health. Public Health Panorama features good practice in policy and research in public health from across the European Region; it is published online and in print in both English and Russian.
Health ministers in South-eastern Europe commit to achieving universal health coverage 26-06-2015
Ministers from 10 countries in the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) met in Belgrade on 22-23 June 2015 and agreed on joint regional and national actions towards securing universal health coverage. In addition to promoting an equitable Europe free of impoverishing health expenditures, the Belgrade Statement, endorsed by the ministers, also commits the countries to promote and scale up political commitment to implementing Health 2020 and agree on more specific regional actions for strengthening human resources for health and coordinating cross-border support in public health emergencies.
Special report on Healthy Cities in Europe launched 22-06-2015
Do healthy cities make a difference? is the central question addressed in the new Health Promotion International special supplement. Looking at intersectoral governance for health and equity in European cities, the supplement presents a collection of critical peer-reviewed analyses and reflections that build on a five-year evaluation process incorporating data from 99 cities across the WHO European Region.
Turkmenistan Country Day: addressing health needs and improved collaboration 10-06-2015
Nurmuhammet Amannepesov, Minister of Health and Medical Industry, and other delegates from Turkmenistan, visited the WHO Regional Office to meet Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and senior management for a Turkmenistan Country Day on 4 June 2015.
Final day of the World Health Assembly: highlights for the European Region 28-05-2015
The World Health Assembly closed on 26 May 2015. Three new resolutions were passed on the final day: one on air pollution, one on epilepsy and one laying out the next steps in finalizing a framework of engagement with non-State actors.
Days 5 to 7 of the World Health Assembly: highlights for the European Region 27-05-2015
Discussions continued in the drafting group on the draft decision on Ebola and follow-up to the Special session of the Executive Board on the Ebola emergency. Particular focus was given to core capacity assessment for implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) and to the contingency fund.
Day 4 of the World Health Assembly: highlights for the European Region 22-05-2015
Day 4 of the World Health Assembly: highlights for the European Region
Day 3 of the World Health Assembly: highlights for the European Region 21-05-2015
Day 3 of the World Health Assembly: highlights for the European Region.
Day 2 of the World Health Assembly: highlights for the European Region 20-05-2015
Day 2 of the World Health Assembly: highlights for the European Region.
New programme for health emergencies announced on first day of World Health Assembly 19-05-2015
Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, addressed delegates on the first morning of the Sixty-eighth World Health Assembly. "WHO is the only international organization that has universal political legitimacy on global health issues," she said.
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia develops National Health 2020 Strategy 19-05-2015
On 22–23 April 2015, over 60 experts and professionals met to assess progress and collaborate on the country's ongoing development of the National Health 2020 Strategy. The participants represented institutions within and outside the Government sector. They identified key strategic goals and objectives, and discussed and defined the basis of the Strategy.
Health financing course on universal health coverage another success 05-05-2015
The fifth WHO Barcelona Course on Health Financing took place from 16–20 March 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. Built on the theme of universal health coverage, the Course reviewed ways of improving health system performance through better health financing policies.
From the migration front line: interview with Lampedusa doctor 27-04-2015
"You have to believe me, we are making miracles here," said Dr Pietro Bartolo, head of health services on Lampedusa, about the work of health care staff and coastguard personnel on the small Italian island, in a recent interview with WHO/Europe.
Memorandum of Understanding for Life-course Approach Conference in Minsk now signed 01-04-2015
V. Zharko, Minister of Health of the Republic of Belarus and Z. Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the WHO European Ministerial Conference on Life-course Approach in the Context of Health 2020. The Conference will take place in Minsk on 21-22 October 2015, and will focus on how the latest evidence on influencing health across life stages can be applied by the health sector and the whole of government to improve health and well-being.
Slovenian Minister of Health visits WHO/Europe 06-03-2015
Ms Milojka Kolar Celarc, Minister of Health of Slovenia, made an official visit to WHO/Europe on 6 March 2015. Building on the strong existing collaboration between WHO and Slovenia, the visit provided an opportunity for Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, to explain the functions, programmes and new focus areas of the Organization, including the WHO reform process and implementation of Health 2020, the European policy framework for health and well-being. It also enabled the Minister to meet and discuss key health issues with senior WHO staff.
Belgian Minister of Health visits WHO/Europe 04-03-2015
Dr Maggie De Block, Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health of Belgium, made an official visit to WHO/Europe on 2 March 2015. The visit was organized to discuss the continuing exchange of technical information and collaboration between Belgium and WHO in coming years, and how WHO/Europe could assist the new Minister at national level. Dr De Block met Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, as well as senior WHO staff.
Health 2020 now available in Slovene language 27-02-2015
WHO opens office on primary health care in Kazakhstan 11-02-2015
WHO officially inaugurated a new centre for excellence in primary health care in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 11 February 2015. The centre will ensure that WHO/Europe is best equipped to support countries in revitalizing primary health care.
Briefing of newly appointed national technical focal points in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 05-02-2015
The Minister of Health of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia appointed new national technical focal points (NTFPs) responsible for cooperation with WHO in December 2014. An introductory meeting for the new NTFPs, to discuss and clarify roles, responsibilities and lines of communication in achieving planned outputs as part of the biennial collaborative agreement (BCA) between WHO and the Ministry of Health for 2014–2015, was organized on 27 January 2015 by the WHO Country Office in cooperation with the Ministry of Health. The meeting also provided an opportunity to review country developments and current progress in BCA implementation.
Zsuzsanna Jakab appointed WHO Regional Director for Europe for second term 27-01-2015
WHO’s Executive Board, currently holding its 136th session in Geneva, has appointed Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, for a second term. This follows her nomination in September last year by the Regional Committee for Europe, which comprises the health ministers of the Region’s 53 Member States. Dr Jakab will start her new five-year term in February 2015.
Multisectoral action to promote physical activity in Switzerland 22-01-2015
Although most people know that being physically active improves health dramatically, levels of physical activity are too low. The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health has focused on specific cooperative projects with other federal agencies in order to create opportunities to promote physical activity in urban and regional planning.
Minister of Health of Latvia visits WHO/Europe 09-01-2015
Mr Guntis Belēvičs, the new Latvian Minister of Health, visited WHO/Europe on 7 January 2015.
Malta launches food and nutrition policy and action plan 19-12-2014
Dietary factors are the single most important risk factors for the burden of disease in all 53 Member States in the WHO European Region. In Malta, levels of obesity among school-age children are a particular concern.
Health 2020 policy framework guides development of Poland’s future National Health Programme 19-12-2014
Hungary’s Minister of Health visits WHO/Europe 10-12-2014
On 5 December 2014, Dr Gabor Zombor, Minister of State for Health at the Ministry of Human Capacities in Hungary discussed a range of health issues with Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, during an official visit to WHO/Europe.
Working together for health and health equity goals 03-12-2014
On 27-28 November 2014, representatives from 8 countries in the WHO European Region met in Tashkent, Uzbekistan to share their policy experiences and the key lessons learned from the design and implementation of cross sectoral approaches to improve health and well-being. The meeting’s format provided a platform to discuss health policy developments that recognize the Health 2020 strategic objectives of reducing inequalities and better governance, using social determinants and equity perspectives.
WHO project to combat noncommunicable diseases with major grant from Russian Federation 26-11-2014
The WHO Regional Office for Europe will expand capacity in dealing with prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases through a major grant from the Russian Federation of 22 million USD over the next five years. The goal is to build capacity in the Region to combat avoidable NCDs through better data, more effective prevention and evidence-based disease management.
Ministers reaffirm commitment to the South-eastern Europe Health Network 24-11-2014
Ten health ministers met in Skopje, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on 18 November 2014, to underline their commitment to subregional collaboration and discuss health reform in line with Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being, and the South East Europe (SEE) 2020 Strategy: Jobs and Prosperity in a European Perspective.
Experts gather to debate child injury prevention 11-11-2014
Injury is the leading cause of childhood death in Kazakhstan. Responding to concern about the high rate of childhood injury, 28 stakeholders debated possible ways to reduce this burden at a meeting called by WHO and the Ministry of Health and Social Development on 30 October 2014 in Astana, Kazakhstan.
United Nations Development Group promotes Health 2020 in guidance note to country teams 10-11-2014
The strategies and priorities of WHO’s Health 2020 policy framework should be integrated into national development agendas, according to a recent Guidance Note from the United Nations Development Group (UNDG). The note, written to UN Country Teams (UNCT) in September 2014,also seeks to ensure that NCD prevention and control and efforts to address the Social Determinants of Health (SDH) are included.
South East European injury experts meet to discuss better data for injury prevention on 21-22 October 2014 in Budva, Montenegro 05-11-2014
24 main stakeholders gathered at the second South East European (SEE) sub regional workshop on building capacity for injury surveillance for prevention, hosted by WHO/Europe and the Ministry of Health of Montenegro.
“Health is a political choice” - 17th European Health Forum Gastein 03-11-2014
The European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG) held its 17th annual conference on 1–3 October in Gastein, Austria, with strong participation from WHO/Europe.
Regions for Health Network renaissance 31-10-2014
Members of the Regions for Health Network (RHN), representing 25 regions from 20 countries across the WHO European Region, met in Florence, Italy on 20–22 October 2014 to discuss cross-cutting public health issues from a subnational perspective.
Working for better noncommunicable disease outcomes in Turkey: challenges and opportunities for health systems 09-10-2014
A week long policy dialogue and training course is underway in Turkey, to take forward recommendations of a new WHO report assessing the health system response to NCD prevention and control. Turkey was one of the first countries to undertake an assessment of the health system capacity to respond to NCD, using the assessment guide developed by WHO Regional Office for Europe. The assessment was conducted in 2013 by WHO in partnership with the Ministry of Health in Turkey.
Aligning the agendas of Sustainable Development Goals and the European Environment and Health Process 09-10-2014
30 September 2014 (Bonn, Germany)
Advocating health: Polish journalists visit WHO/Europe 30-09-2014
“We always try to get information from the best sources,” explained Agnieszka Zamencka, a journalist from the Kwadryga publishing house, who organized a visit to WHO/Europe by over 80 Polish journalists from the Journalists for Health Association on 29 September 2014.
Highlights of RC64 day 4 – Ebola emergency update, food and nutrition action plan adopted, and six European progress reports discussed 18-09-2014
On its final day, the 64th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC64) enthusiastically adopted the European Food and Nutrition Action Plan 2015–2020
Country cooperation strategy (CCS) signed with Cyprus 17-09-2014
The Ministry of Health of Cyprus and WHO signed a memorandum of understanding on the CCS, which provides a medium-term strategic framework for their joint work in 2015–2020. The CCS creates a platform for mutually beneficial collaboration that addresses the country’s health needs, interests and capacities, and WHO’s global health leadership priorities, regional orientations and core functions.
Highlights of RC64 day 2 – Ebola emergency and nomination of Regional Director 16-09-2014
WHO Director-General Margaret Chan described the harm done in West Africa by the Ebola outbreak, and the global lessons to be learned from the emergency. Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, was nominated for a second five-year term.
Highlights of day 1 – Focus on more equitable, sustainable health for Europe 15-09-2014
“Our aim will be better health for Europe, more equitable and sustainable,” said Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, in her address to representatives of all 53 Member States in the WHO European Region.
Implementation of Health 2020 in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 10-09-2014
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is working intensively on developing a roadmap for implementation of the national Health 2020 policy in the country, in line with the WHO Health 2020 policy framework. WHO aims to support this all-inclusive participatory process of improving the health of the population and setting health higher on the political agenda. Within the scope of these activities, Ms Snezhana Chichevalieva, Head of the WHO Country Office in the country met with key stakeholders on 22 August 2014.
Nordic countries committed to tackling health inequities 02-09-2014
Participants at the 11th Nordic Conference on Public Health, organized by the Nordic Societies for Health and Well-being and held in Trondheim, Norway on 27–29 August 2014, negotiated and signed the Trondheim Declaration, committing themselves to contributing to increasing Nordic collaboration for equitable health and well-being in the Nordic region, and reducing global health inequities. The Declaration recognizes the key role of Health 2020, as the European framework and strategy to improve health and well-being.
Obesity: priority for Malta and WHO/Europe’s joint work 29-08-2014
Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Christopher Fearne, Parliamentary Secretary for Health of Malta, signed an agreement on 26 August, establishing priorities for collaboration for 2014–2015.
The San Marino meeting – a big step for small countries 25-08-2014
To help countries achieve health equity, WHO/Europe convened a kick-off meeting in July in San Marino with representatives from 8 small countries in the Region to discuss implementation of the Health 2020 vision.
Future public health experts in Skopje examine role of Health 2020 in health system development 15-08-2014
Post-graduate students of public health discussed the European Health 2020 policy framework and its implementation at country level on 23 June 2014 in a lively discussion with the Head of the WHO Country Office in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Ms Snezhana Chichevalieva.
Final versions of documents for RC64 now available 14-08-2014
Final versions of documents for the 64th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe are now available for download.
Montenegro shares experiences in health promotion at meeting of small countries in the European Region 21-07-2014
Sustainable development – directed toward long-term improvements of life quality – represents a key strategic priority for Montenegro, which is currently developing a new Strategy on Sustainable Development for the period 2014–2020. At the first high-level meeting of small countries of the WHO European Region on implementation of the Health 2020 vision, held on 3–4 July 2014 in San Marino, Montenegro’s Minister of Health Dr Miodrag Radunovic delivered a presentation on Montenegro´s experience in this area.
Development of a new child and adolescent health strategy in the Republic of Moldova 14-07-2014
To help improve noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevention and control, the Republic of Moldova is developing a new strategy for child and adolescent health and development (CAHD). A policy dialogue on integrating gender, equity and rights in the new strategy, in line with the principles of the European policy framework Health 2020, was organized on 27 May 2014 by the Ministry of Health with WHO/Europe support. The event brought together representatives from the ministries of health, social affairs, education, youth and sports, as well as the youth-friendly health services network, youth and gender equality organizations, inter-agency partners and development agencies.
Portugal develops country cooperation strategy 09-07-2014
Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, visited Portugal on 27 June 2014 to take part in the National Health Forum meeting held in Lisbon.
Central Asian countries launch unique health information network 09-07-2014
More than 30 delegates, representing the governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, national and international partner organizations, WHO staff and external experts, gathered on 3-4 July 2014 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Together they have established the new Central Asian Republics Information Network (CARINFONET), supported by WHO/Europe, which will be ready for rollout in 2015.
Eight small countries in Europe join forces to improve health 03-07-2014
Eight European countries with populations of under 1 million have committed to collaborate on a new project to improve the health and well-being of their citizens, and implement the Health 2020 policy framework. For the first time, health ministers and high level officials of Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino will meet in San Marino on 3-4 July 2014, to mobilize these plans.
Latest edition of Roma health newsletter out now 17-06-2014
New resources and reports relating to Roma health, including online Roma survey data from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, the joint position paper on the UN’s role in advancing Roma inclusion, and reports on medical education to promote non-discrimination, inequalities for Roma women, and Roma households in Slovakia, are included in the latest edition of the Roma health newsletter.
Implementing the Health 2020 vision in the Nordic and Baltic countries: high-level meeting in Helsinki, Finland 16-06-2014
What policies reduce health inequities? Policy-makers and politicians will identify and share effective policies and interventions at a subregional policy dialogue organized by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and Finland’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Health on 16–17 June 2014.
Realizing our vision: Regional Director’s report 04-06-2014
The adoption of Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being, is one of many recent achievements enabling WHO/Europe and the 53 countries it serves to respond to the changing health environment. This report documents WHO’s work in 2012–2013 to secure better health in Europe.
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia moves toward national Health 2020 strategy 02-06-2014
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is one of the countries in the WHO European Region to embark on the process of developing a national Health 2020 strategy and operational plan. This commitment was the result of a bilateral meeting between the WHO Regional Office for Europe Director on Policy and Governance for Health and Well-being, Dr Agis Tsouros, and the Minister of Health of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Mr Nikola Todorov.
Tobacco taxes save lives 27-05-2014
Increasing tobacco prices through taxation is the single most effective policy to reduce tobacco use and save lives. Tobacco use is the leading cause of death, killing around 6 million people globally and 1.6 million in the WHO European Region alone. It is a major contributor to noncommunicable diseases such as lung cancer and heart disease.
Prisons and health 23-05-2014
Prisons are not healthy places. WHO/Europe works with countries and partners to improve the health of prisoners. Good prison health reduces reoffending, the social costs of imprisonment, and public health expenditure.
Uzbekistan moves forward to develop a national Health 2020 strategy 20-05-2014
Uzbekistan is the latest country in the WHO European Region to embark on the process of developing a national Health 2020 strategy. With the support of the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Dr Adkham Ilkhamovich Ikramov, and the country’s Minister of Health, Dr Anvar Valiyevich Alimov, a national intersectoral meeting was held on the 14 May 2014 in Tashkent. The aim of this meeting was to strengthen whole-of-government actions towards health and well-being, under the implementation of the European policy framework for health and well-being, Health 2020.
WHO and Russian Federation sign country cooperation strategy 20-05-2014
On 18 May 2014, the Russian Federation and WHO signed a country cooperation strategy, providing a medium-term vision for technical cooperation, to support the country’s national health policy, strategy, action plan and related efforts, in line with Health 2020. The strategy will guide cooperation until 2020.
Applications invited for Health 2020 policy consultants 16-05-2014
WHO/Europe is seeking public health professionals, health academics and others with wide health policy development expertise to join a pool of accredited policy consultants to support its European Member States as they implement the European policy framework for health and well-being, Health 2020.
New global report: depression predominant cause of illness and disability among adolescents 14-05-2014
The report reveals that depression is the predominant cause of illness and disability for both boys and girls aged 10 to 19 years, so it recommends key actions to strengthen the ways countries respond to adolescents’ physical and mental health needs.
New websites on migration and Roma health 25-04-2014
An estimated 73 million migrants and 10–12 million Roma live in the WHO European Region. WHO/Europe works to establish supportive environments and resilient communities to improve these people’ health and well-being, and reduce health inequalities.
Hungary implementing recommendations from WHO and ECDC joint programme review 20-03-2014
Following WHO and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recommendations for the National tubercolosis (TB) programme in 2012, the Hungarian Ministry of Human Resources has set up a national forum for partnerships which will meet for the first time on 21 March 2014.
Regional Director: health systems should be accessible to all 07-03-2014
Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, spoke of the challenges of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in her keynote speech at the opening of the Joint Meeting of Chief Medical, Chief Nursing and Chief Dental Officers, held in Athens, Greece on 4–5 March 2014.
Albanian health minister signs agreement with WHO/Europe 03-03-2014
Ilir Beqaj, Minister of Health of Albania, met Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, on 24 February 2014. During the visit, Mr Beqaj’s first to WHO/Europe, he signed the biennial collaborative agreement (BCA) between WHO and Albania for 2014–2015.
Regional Director commends Catalonia’s multisectoral public health plan 27-02-2014
On 14 February 2014, the Regional Government of Catalonia, Spain, held a conference to introduce its Interdepartmental Plan for Public Health of Catalonia (PINSAP) to policy-makers, leaders and stakeholders from across the public and private sectors in the region. PINSAP aims to increase the number of years of healthy life of the population of Catalonia, and incorporate health into the design and evaluation of all public policies. It was developed with particular focus on addressing social inequalities and the effects of the economic crisis on health.
Kyrgyzstan commits to implementing Health 2020 11-02-2014
Kyrgyzstan has pledged its firm commitment to the goals and principles of Health 2020 by adopting a resolution to improve population health and reduce health inequities in the country. The resolution was passed at a policy roundtable held in Bishkek.
Improving access to quality health care in Tajikistan 10-02-2014
Within the framework of the European Union project “Technical assistance in support of health care reform” and in line with the National Health Development Strategy 2010-2020, delegates from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, health care organizations and development partners gathered together with leading specialists from the Tajik State Medical University and Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO Representative in Tajikistan, to discuss how to improve access to quality health care by developing a set of clinical guidelines.
Developing countries’ capacity to implement Health 2020 10-01-2014
Public health policy experts from across the WHO European Region, including several former health ministers, assembled on 8–9 January 2014 at WHO/Europe in Copenhagen, Denmark for the first training of consultants on Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being.
European Conference puts spotlight on Greek health system as it faces the challenges of reform 12-12-2013
Key stakeholders from the Greek and international communities are meeting to discuss how to boost the country’s health sector as part of the Greek health reform. The High-level Conference on the Greek Reforms in the Health Sector: Improving Citizens’ Health will take place in Athens on 12–13 December 2013, and will be attended by high-level officials from the Greek Government and regional authorities, and experts from the public and private sectors, the academic community and civil society. The Conference is organized by the Ministry of Health of Greece in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
Ashgabat Declaration signed: day 2 of Ashgabat conference on noncommunicable diseases 04-12-2013
Member States in the WHO European Region committed to the Ashgabat Declaration, “a landmark that will go down in the history of public health in Europe,” said Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
A quarter of all women in the WHO European Region experience physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner 25-11-2013
Today, on the first day of the 16-day global campaign of Activism Against Gender Violence, the City of Vienna, with the European Institute for Gender Equality and WHO/Europe, will raise the anti-violence flag to draw attention in Europe to this hidden epidemic.
How to avert a public health emergency. New review provides solutions to bridge the health divide across Europe 30-10-2013
Based on over three years of research by a cross-disciplinary consortium of Europe’s leading scientists, WHO/Europe today launches the "Review of social determinants and the health divide in the WHO European Region", coordinated by University College London’s Institute of Health Equity. The launch is supported by the United Kingdom’s Department of Health.
Healthy children learn best 07-10-2013
Studies have repeatedly shown that healthy children perform better in school. Researchers have known this for years, yet health and well-being are still not a top priority in most schools.
Health 2020 becoming reality 17-09-2013
Many Member States are now taking up the Health 2020 challenge, reflecting a clear and growing interest in implementing the Health 2020 policy framework in the WHO European Region. At the sixty-third session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, some 300 assembled ministers and stakeholders renewed their commitment to Health 2020. In addition to this, a high-level panel of ministers and delegates shared their plans and experience of implementing the Health 2020 vision within their own countries.
Identifying targets and indicators for monitoring Health 2020: results of regional consultation published 03-09-2013
A new WHO/Europe report, “Regional consultation on targets and indicators for Health 2020 monitoring: report of results”, outlines the work done by WHO-convened groups of technical experts to develop core and additional sets of indicators to measure progress in reaching the six Health 2020 targets.
16th European Health Forum Gastein 19-08-2013
The European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG) will hold its 16th annual conference on 2–4 October in Gastein, Austria. The EHFG is the leading health policy conference in Europe. Its main objective is to facilitate the establishment of a framework for advising on and developing European health policy while recognizing the principle of subsidiarity.
European Public Health Alliance, 4th annual conference 19-08-2013
The 4th annual conference of the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) will examine how the European Union (EU) can strive to make coherent decisions and improve the health and well-being of people living in Europe. The conference is an official event of the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The world health report 2013: research vital to universal health coverage 15-08-2013
WHO calls on all countries to invest in and produce research to develop universal health coverage tailored to their country needs. “The world health report 2013: research for universal health coverage” is launched today.
Significant progress in implementing activities for Roma health 12-07-2013
On 25–26 June 2013, with WHO/Europe, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) organized the second meeting of the Roma civil-society group on the right to health.
2nd Florence International Training (FIT) Course 12-07-2013
Applications are invited for the Course, which will address the impact of the economic crisis on the determinants of health and response strategies for health professionals in Europe, and will be held in Florence, Italy on 17–22 November 2013. The deadline for receiving applications is 30 August 2013..
Ministers approve declaration: day 2 of nutrition and NCD conference 05-07-2013
Childhood obesity and the monitoring and surveillance of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) related to diet and physical activity were discussed on the final day of the conference. Ministers approved the Vienna Declaration, committing countries in the European Region to address the root causes of obesity and diet-related NCDs, and to empower citizens to make healthy choices.
Obesity the “new norm”: day 1 of nutrition and NCDs conference 05-07-2013
The changed physical and food environment in the WHO European Region means that obesity is now normal in biological terms. Participants recognized that intersectoral measures, including legislation, must urgently be put in place to reverse the epidemic of nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
Turkey promotes universal health coverage 28-06-2013
A ministerial conference on universal health coverage is taking place in Istanbul, Turkey, on 27–28 June 2013, organized by the Ministry of Health of Turkey; Imperial College London, United Kingdom; Istanbul Medipol University and “The Lancet”, and with the participation of WHO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank.
Regional Director meets Minister of Health of Armenia 24-06-2013
Visiting Armenia at the invitation of Dr Derenik Dumanyan, Minister of Health, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, discussed cooperation between WHO and the country during an official visit on 19–20 June 2013.
Mission to Ukraine promotes communication for health 17-06-2013
A high-level communications team from WHO/Europe visited Ukraine on 4–6 June 2013 to discuss communications and social-mobilization initiatives in the country.
Progress in bringing health into all policies 14-06-2013
On the final day of the 8th Global Conference on Health Promotion, participants recognized the need for the health-in-all-policies approach to be central to the development agenda of countries, regions and cities. For the European Region, this approach is an integral part of developing Health 2020 plans in countries.
Italy hosts expert consultation on public health aspects of migration in Europe 12-06-2013
Forty experts, government and nongovernmental representatives met in Rome, Italy on 28 and 29 May to discuss emerging migration challenges facing Europe. Although formerly a continent of emigration, Europe now finds itself attracting refugees and migrants from all over the world and this creates significant health challenges.
Regional Director introduces Health 2020 during visit to Poland 06-06-2013
On 3 June 2013, Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, met ministers, members of parliament, members of the Polish Academy of Sciences, public health experts and journalists to present WHO findings and recommendations on how to improve health in Poland.
Greater focus needed on research on disease prevention 10-05-2013
This was the recommendation of the European Advisory Committee on Health Research (EACHR), meeting on 2–3 May.
Reigniting economic growth and reducing unemployment are good health policy 29-04-2013
Senior government officials reached broad agreement on the policy responses needed to address the health impact of the economic crisis, during discussions at a high-level meeting in Oslo, Norway on 17–18 April 2013. Participants said that the focus should be on areas and services that encourage economic growth and that reinforce solidarity and equity (such as health, unemployment, social benefits and education). Countries can reignite economic growth and improve health outcomes at the same time.
Montenegro collaborates with other small countries to implement Health 2020 23-04-2013
Montenegro works together with other small-population countries in the WHO European Region to better address health inequalities and social determinants of health as envisioned in the European health policy Health 2020. Professor Dr Miodrag Radunovic, Minister of Health of Montenegro, met with Ms Mina Brajovic, Head of the WHO Country Office in Montenegro, on 13 April 2013 to discuss opportunities offered to Montenegro under the collaboration framework set up for this project between WHO/ Europe and San Marino on 1 August 2012.
WHO high-level mission to Greece on health systems reform 18-04-2013
Mr Andreas Lykourentzos, Minister for Health of Greece, hosted a high-level meeting on 10 April 2013 to discuss an expanded role for WHO/Europe in the health care reform process in Greece and the governance and financing arrangements for technical assistance funded by the European Union.
Stronger collaboration with European Health Forum Gastein 17-04-2013
On 5 April 2013, President and Secretary General of the European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG), Professor Helmut Brand and Ms Dorli Kahr-Gottlieb, respectively, met with Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and senior managers at WHO/Europe to discuss collaboration between the two organizations. The meeting also provided an opportunity for Professor Brand, EHFG President since October 2012, to gain a deeper understanding of WHO’s work.
WHO/Europe in Copenhagen moving to new premises 05-04-2013
WHO/Europe’s head office, based in Copenhagen, Denmark, is moving to new premises during 22 March to 1 April 2013. All United Nations organizations in the Danish capital will come together in new premises known as UN City.
World Health Day 2013 – Reducing salt intake is key to reducing high blood pressure and stroke 04-04-2013
Reducing salt intake is one of the easiest ways to reduce high blood pressure and therefore the risks of stroke, and cardiac and kidney disease. Reducing salt intake to less than 5 g per day (the equivalent of about 1 teaspoon) reduces the risk of stroke by 23% and reduces the general rates of cardiovascular disease by 17%. The daily intake of most people in the WHO European Region is about 8–11 g, far above the recommended level.
Latvia’s stakeholders inspired by Health 2020 03-04-2013
It is time to break the vicious circle, in which people are “sick because they are poor and poor because they are sick,” said Mr Valdis Dombrovskis, Prime Minister of Latvia, in his opening address to the high-level, cross-sectoral Conference “Health for Growth”, held in Riga last week.
High blood pressure: serious but often preventable 02-04-2013
High blood pressure – the focus of World Health Day 2013 – is a serious but often preventable medical condition. Diseases of the circulatory system account for nearly 50% of all deaths in the WHO European Region.
How good is our information on health and well-being? 08-03-2013
Expertise in health information is fragmented and not shared sufficiently across Europe. A new online portal is one feature of an innovative collaboration between the Netherlands and WHO/Europe to collect and spread knowledge on health data, information, evidence and best practices.
Adolescence: a unique time requiring a tailored response 25-02-2013
Adolescence is a time of great changes and challenges, often overlooked by health systems and services. Focusing on adolescent health through school health services, health promoting schools and other targeted interventions has the potential to prevent up to two thirds of deaths in young people.
Joint meeting of experts on targets and indicators for health and well-being in Health 2020 07-02-2013
The WHO Regional Office for Europe convened a joint meeting of experts on targets and indicators for health and well-being in Health 2020 to advise on the measurement framework and indicators for the targets already set for Health 2020 (including the one on well-being), and to determine the support needed by countries in the use of such a framework and for further development.
Key WHO/Europe events in 2013 15-01-2013
Following the adoption of Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being, in September 2012 and building on past resolutions and collaborative work, WHO/Europe plans many activities, campaigns and events in 2013.
Minister of Health of Serbia visits WHO/Europe 21-12-2012
Professor Slavica Djukic Dejanovic, Minister of Health of Serbia, met Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, on 12 December 2012 for discussions focussing on implementing Health 2020 and continuing work on the health of Roma and socially-excluded groups.
Germany: model of good governance for workers’ health 10-12-2012
Health hazards and risks in the working environment kill more than 300 000 workers in the WHO European Region every year. WHO/Europe has produced a country profile of the occupational health system in Germany to provide policy-makers and advisers across the Region with lessons from this system, and up-to-date guidance on good practice in the governance of workers’ health.
Human Rights Day 2012: “My voice counts” 10-12-2012
Everyone has the right to health. WHO/Europe works with civil-society organizations to ensure that socially excluded groups that experience discrimination and stigma are involved in the development of health policies affecting them and are empowered to make decisions about their own health.
First step to stronger collaboration with UNFPA 05-12-2012
WHO/Europe works closely with the United Nations Population Fund Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (UNFPA EECARO) in a broad range of health areas. On 3 December 2012, Werner Haug, Regional Director of UNFPA EECARO, met Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, to discuss strengthening strategic collaboration between the two agencies.
Countries in European and Eastern Mediterranean regions build capacity in global health diplomacy 04-12-2012
Representatives of 10 countries in the WHO European and Eastern Mediterranean regions participated in an executive course on global health diplomacy, exploring common interests in health as a foreign policy issue and illustrating how countries have collaborated at the national and regional levels for global health. The course was held in Ankara, Turkey on 26–30 November 2012.
Regional Director meets President of Lithuania 30-11-2012
Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, introduced the concepts of Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being, at a conference during an official visit to Lithuania on 28–29 November 2012.
Standing Committee meets in Bulgaria 30-11-2012
At its second session in Sofia, Bulgaria, the Twentieth Standing Committee of the Regional Committee for Europe (SCRC) discussed technical and policy items for the next Regional Committee session, in September 2013. In addition, Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, met Rosen Plevneliev, President of Bulgaria to discuss future health development in the country.
Universal health coverage: from technical report to global movement 22-11-2012
While many countries have achieved universal coverage in the European Region, 19 million people are still subject to out-of-pocket health payments that place a catastrophic burden on their household budgets. WHO/Europe promotes policies that move towards or sustain universal coverage.
Regional Director reviews development of Kazakhstan’s health system 21-11-2012
Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, met with Dr Salidat Kairbekova, Minister of Health, and other senior members of the Government during an official visit to Kazakhstan on 14–15 November 2012. Her main purpose was to discuss health system reform, as well as progress made in implementing the national health strategy for 2012–2020 with the Ministry of Health and development partners.
Training focuses on ensuring greater equity in policies for Roma population 16-11-2012
Public health experts from national and international organizations in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Serbia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia recently attended a training course on reorienting strategies, programmes and activities related to Millennium Development Goals (MDG) 4 and 5 for greater health equity.
Regional Director reviews progress during visit to Tajikistan 14-11-2012
Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, met with Dr N.F. Salimov, Minister of Health, and other senior members of the Government during an official visit to Tajikistan on 12–14 November 2012.
New public health action plan focuses on disease prevention and health promotion 12-11-2012
Participants in the annual conference of the European Public Health Association (EUPHA), held in Malta, welcomed the launch of the WHO European Action Plan for Strengthening Public Health Services and Capacity on 9 November 2012.
Health 2020 celebration in Denmark 08-11-2012
On 31 October 2012, Astrid Krag, Minister for Health and Prevention of Denmark, Ninna Thomsen, Mayor of Health and Care in Copenhagen, and Tove Auda, from Bispebjerg Council, together with Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, celebrated the launch of Health 2020, the new European policy for health and well-being, at an event organized by the Danish Healthy Cities Network and Copenhagen City Council.
Health 2020 on agenda at Economist Global Healthcare Conference 08-11-2012
How should policy makers be dealing effectively with the health challenges of today and how should they be shaping health systems for the future? Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe will make a keynote address on future challenges for global health at the Economist Global Healthcare Summit on 30 November 2012.
New phase for regions for health 07-11-2012
In European countries, regions hold a unique position, translating national policies into services delivered at local level. Active for the past 20 years, the Regions for Health Network is entering a new phase, committed to implementing Health 2020 at subnational level.
Health systems must reorient services to meet new challenges 29-10-2012
Recognizing that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) represent the greatest health burden for countries in the WHO European Region requires service-delivery systems to shift towards more people-centred care.
Health 2020 and Phase VI of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network 24-10-2012
The recently adopted Health 2020 will provide the framework for Phase VI (2013-2018) of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network. Health 2020’s strategic objectives include reducing inequality and better governance. Healthy Cities and local communities provide a key role in helping member states achieve the targets set by Health 2020.
Report on WHO/Europe’s work in 2010–2011 out now 23-10-2012
In a report on her first two years as WHO Regional Director for Europe, “What we’ve achieved together”, Zsuzsanna Jakab describes the work of WHO/Europe with Member States.
Health in an age of austerity: WHO at European Health Forum Gastein 10-10-2012
Speaking during the opening session of the European Health Forum Gastein in Bad Hofgastein, Austria last week, Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, underlined the health sector’s vital contribution to the general economy, and the importance of investing in public health, health promotion and disease prevention in times of austerity. As more and varied groups now have an interest in health, Ms Jakab also spoke of the continuing relevance and even greater importance of WHO, and how Health 2020, the new European policy framework, supports action across government and society to promote health and well-being.
WHO opens new collaborating centre on social inclusion and health 04-10-2012
WHO has designated a WHO Collaborating Centre on Social Inclusion and Health at the University of Alicante, Spain. Dr Daniel La Parra, of the University, will lead the Centre.
Regional Committee: Highlights of Day 3 12-09-2012
Today, the WHO European Region adopted the Health 2020 policy framework. Discussions on the third day of the sixty-second session of the Regional Committee for Europe focused on WHO reform, and ended with the Strategy and Action Plan for Healthy Ageing in Europe 2012–2020.
Regional Committee: Highlights of Day 2 11-09-2012
Following an address by Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, that reflected on the global development agenda after 2015, debate on the second day of the 62nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe has been dominated by Health 2020 and its evidence base.
53 countries to set new European health roadmap for 2020 and beyond 07-09-2012
Health ministers and senior officials from the 53 countries in the WHO European Region are gathering in Malta next week to vote on an ambitious long-term WHO European policy for health and well-being, Health 2020.
Rio+20 puts health at the heart of development goals 22-06-2012
The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20, recognizes in its final document the fundamental need to act on the social and environmental determinants of health to create inclusive, equitable, economically productive and healthy societies.
Making cities healthy for everyone: European mayors share experiences 21-06-2012
Over 300 mayors and municipal health leaders met in St Petersburg, Russian Federation on 14-16 June 2012 for the Annual Business and Technical Conference of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks. At the Conference, participants shared solutions for creating urban environments that nurture health and well-being throughout life.
Forum finalizes Health 2020 policy framework 23-04-2012
The third meeting of the European Health Policy Forum of High-level Government Officials took place in Brussels, Belgium on 19–20 April 2012. The Forum advised WHO/Europe on the final shape of the Health 2020 policy framework and three other key documents that will be submitted to the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in September 2012.
Regional World Health Day launch: empower older people to participate in policy-making 03-04-2012
Empowering older people to be part of policy-making on active ageing was a key message of the World Health Day 2012 regional launch event in Copenhagen, Denmark on 2 April 2012.
European public health action plan: Consultation generates important feedback 20-03-2012
International organizations and more than 35 countries made recommendations on revising both the structure and content of the draft action plan.
WHO/Europe invites partners to develop European action plan on public health 18-11-2011
WHO/Europe is developing a new European action plan on public health. Participants at the Polish European Union Presidency conference, “Solidarity in health. Closing the health gap between European Union States”, were invited last week to partner WHO in developing and implementing the plan.
Global commitment to addressing social determinants of health 26-10-2011
The last day of WHO’s World Conference on Social Determinants of Health, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 19–21 October 2011, saw the Rio Political Declaration on Social Determinants of Health finalized.
World Conference on Social Determinants of Health opens 19-10-2011
WHO is holding a global conference on 19–21 October 2011 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to build support for action on the social determinants of health.
Call for case studies on intersectoral action for health 11-10-2011
WHO/Europe invites countries to submit case studies of their experiences in intersectoral action with the purpose of improving health. The deadline for submission is Friday 21 October 2011.