News

Breakthrough WHO initiative launched in Europe to engage and empower civil society organizations in health emergency responses 16-06-2021
Throughout the pandemic, civil society organizations (CSOs) have been crucial partners in reducing the impacts of COVID-19 on individuals and communities, particularly those in hard-to-reach vulnerable groups. The direct participation of CSOs – from planning through to the implementation and evaluation stages of preparedness, readiness and response – has also helped reinforce the actions of governments and has been a key factor in encouraging citizens to comply with guidance.
Strengthening health system preparedness for mass casualty incidents: first WHO Academy learning programme in Europe 15-06-2021
A hospital room, previously used for meetings and presentations, was transformed into a stage for a fictional re-enactment of an emergency unit during the hectic few minutes after the announcement of a mass casualty incident (MCI).
For the common good: patients and health workers tell Regional Director of COVID-19 challenges and hopes for the future during country visit 28-04-2021
Health-care workers and patients were an important focus of WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge’s visit to Greece last week. During the second day of his visit, Dr Kluge spoke directly with health-care professionals and individuals at the accommodation site for refugees and migrants in Eleonas and the mega-vaccination centre Prometheus in Maroussi, northern Athens.
United action for stronger quality of care in the European Region – WHO supports Greece in building a national health system for the 21st century 27-04-2021
During his visit to Greece last week, WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, opened a new centre of excellence in Athens focusing on quality of care and patient safety. Alongside the Minister of Health of Greece, Dr Vassilis Kikilias, the Regional Director spoke of the importance of this new office in working to strengthen quality of care in south-eastern and Mediterranean countries of the WHO European Region.
Surging pandemic surpasses 1 million deaths in the WHO European Region 15-04-2021
Last week, we surpassed 1 million confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the WHO European Region. The situation in our region is serious; 1.6 million new cases are reported every week. That’s 9500 every hour, 160 people every minute. Once again, only vaccinating a chosen few, and excluding population segments, undermines our fight against the virus, everywhere.
New WHO Centre of Excellence for Quality of Care and Patient Safety opens in Athens 15-04-2021
WHO/Europe and the Hellenic Republic of Greece today open a new sub-office in the country focusing on quality of care and patient safety. Acting as a centre of excellence, the sub-office will work towards achieving the highest level of well-being, health and health protection in the WHO European Region, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Don’t let the COVID-19 crisis become an AMR catastrophe – countries put their weight behind World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2020 15-02-2021
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and all the pressures faced by public health providers, partners in countries across the WHO European Region nonetheless showed great commitment to marking World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) 2020. Partners and other organizations in Member States conducted a wide range of activities to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), operating within local restrictions and shifting events online to keep participants safe.
Leaving no one behind: access to rehabilitation services is an integral part of universal health coverage 22-12-2020
Universal health coverage means that all people have access to the full range of health services they need – including rehabilitation – without experiencing financial hardship. It is vital that rehabilitation services are recognized as an integral part of universal health coverage if we are to build an equitable society.
Ayat Al Huseein: refugee community psychosocial worker helps other refugees tackle mental health issues 15-12-2020
“In some ways, this job has helped me rebuild my own life. I can now help others heal and develop mental health resilience, too,” says Ayat Al Huseein, a thirty-year-old refugee from Syria, who left with her family by boat for Greece about three years ago and is now working as a psychosocial worker. She is part of a project offering refugees and asylum seekers psychosocial assistance.
Cities against COVID-19: citizens seek a “better normal” of urban life 30-10-2020
World Cities Day on 31 October 2020 is an opportunity for WHO to draw attention to the major role urban communities are playing in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Cooperation between ordinary city dwellers, local authorities and health professionals across the WHO European Region has helped countries respond to the disease while striving to minimize socioeconomic impacts.
Mobile laboratory expands testing capacity and outreach in Lesvos 20-10-2020
Today, the mobile laboratory of the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) was set up and began operations in the newly built refugee camp in Kara Tepe on Lesvos island, Greece. The mobile laboratory was deployed at the request of the Greek authorities with financial support from WHO/Europe, under the framework of WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN).
Greek Minister of Health makes first visit to WHO/Europe 16-10-2020
WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, and the Greek Minister of Health, Dr Vasileios Kikilias, spoke about a number of health matters, including quality of care and patient safety, during the Minister’s first visit to WHO/Europe in Copenhagen.
Greece and the WHO Regional Office for Europe commit to strengthening their collaboration on quality of care and patient safety 16-10-2020
WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Kluge, and the Minister of Health of the Hellenic Republic, Dr Vasileios Kikilias, signed a joint statement on strengthening collaboration on quality of care and patient safety.
WHO deploys help to refugees and migrants in Lesvos’s fire-burned camp in the midst of COVID-19 outbreak 24-09-2020
In a catastrophic fire that broke out on 8 September 2020, the Moria reception and identification centre for asylum seekers and refugees on Lesvos, Greece, was burned to the ground. The world turned its attention towards the Greek island as some 12 000 refugees and migrants were left without shelter, food or access to health-care services. With 35 refugees and migrants having tested positive to COVID-19 a few days prior to the fire, the situation was particularly urgent, calling for immediate action and coordination.
SocialNet 2019: a real-life rehearsal on risk communication, community engagement and social science for the COVID-19 pandemic 08-09-2020
“When COVID-19 emerged, we quickly committed to daily press conferences and answered each and every question. If we didn’t have the answer, we said so honestly and promised to get more information as soon as possible,” says Oskars Sneiders, Head of the Communication Division in the Latvian Ministry of Health. “We saw a strong effect: people really listened and followed our recommendations, which has helped us to keep case numbers down so far.”
Athens protects vulnerable communities during COVID-19 01-09-2020
As COVID-19 swept across Europe, Greece started implementing nationwide measures to contain the virus, including cancellation of major public gatherings and lock-down measures. The city of Athens followed these measures while also moving quickly to protect marginalised communities.
Personal story: Rehabilitation of a COVID-19 patient after 17 days of intensive care in Greece 14-07-2020
Having contracted COVID-19, John Tsichlakis was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at the Sotiria Thoracic Diseases Hospital in Athens, Greece. With the help of his physiotherapists Alex Kokolios and Dimitris Konto and an intensive rehabilitation programme, John regained enough function to eventually return home to continue his recovery.
WHO addresses European Parliament on COVID-19 response 01-07-2020
On 25 June, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge spoke to the European Parliament Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) about the global response to COVID-19. They highlighted the leadership of the European Union (EU) at this unprecedented time and responded to questions from Members of the European Parliament.
Stories of hope as refugees help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic 19-06-2020
As many countries in the WHO European Region still struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic, refugees and migrants are playing an important part in efforts to fight the coronavirus, supporting health systems and communities with their skills across the Region.
WHO report on health behaviours of 11–15-year-olds in Europe reveals more adolescents are reporting mental health concerns 19-05-2020
In around a third of countries, the report reveals a rise in adolescents feeling pressured by schoolwork and a decline in young people reporting to like school. The report also discloses that over 1 in 10 adolescents report having been cyberbullied at least once in the past two months.
Chief Nurse of Anaesthesiology Department Maria Kapritsou – improving cancer patients’ experience 01-05-2020
“In the thirteen years I have worked as a nurse, I have witnessed a lot. I have learned that a relationship with a patient can be formed by simply making eye contact. I have seen many battles against cancer being fought and rejoiced at the greatest wins. I have also cried with my patients and comforted families who experienced a terrible loss,” says Maria Kapritsou, Chief Nurse of the Anaesthesiology Department of the Day Care Surgery Clinic “N. Kourkoulos”, “Saint Savvas” Hospital in Athens, Greece.
Supporting Greece in improving equitable access to SRMNCAH services 20-03-2020
To support Greece in achieving universal health coverage (UHC), WHO has been conducting an assessment of the country’s sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (SRMNCAH) services. The findings of the assessment will identify potential barriers and inform feasible and practical options and policy recommendations for Greece to improve in these areas. This in turn will contribute to achieving UHC, so that all people have access to the health services they need, when and where they need them, without incurring financial hardship.
Moving towards a multisectoral approach to tackling antimicrobial resistance 19-03-2020
A new publication produced by WHO’s European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and published by Cambridge University Press outlines the need for multisectoral approaches – involving disciplines such as human medicine, veterinary medicine, agricultural sciences, epidemiology, economics, sociology and psychology – to address the global problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The publication goes on to describe the potential economic and policy responses for tackling the challenge of AMR in the European Union.
Standing up for health for all 06-02-2020
Dr Hans Kluge, the new WHO Regional Director for Europe, opened a country briefing yesterday to showcase collaboration between the Ministry of Health of Lithuania and the WHO Country Office in Lithuania. The briefing took place during WHO’s Executive Board meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. WHO/Europe has provided such briefings at several recent governance meetings in order to increase Member States’ understanding of WHO’s work and impact at the country level.
WHO and Greek government agree on review of public health and PHC reforms in boost to Health for All 16-12-2019
Just days before Universal Health Coverage Day, Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe nominee, met with high-level counterparts in Greece, agreeing a joint review by WHO and the Greek government of reforms to public health and primary health care (PHC) in the country.
Stories of change: countries making progress towards universal health coverage 24-09-2019
World leaders yesterday committed to scale up efforts in the pursuit of health for all by adopting a United Nations political declaration on universal health coverage (UHC). Through this, United Nations Member States have pledged to invest in mechanisms to ensure no one suffers financial hardship because they have had to pay for health care out of their own pockets, and to implement high-impact health interventions to combat diseases and protect women’s and children’s health.
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).
TOMYS and the rapid growth of primary health care in Greece 01-04-2019
In just over a year, Greece has established almost 120 new community-based primary health units, free at the point of access and known locally as Topikes Monades Ygias or TOMYs.
Improving the performance of public hospitals in Greece 26-02-2019
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.
New Greek primary health care network celebrates 1 year of operation 15-12-2018
To mark the anniversary of the first local health units set up in Greece, last December in Thessaloniki, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with WHO organized a policy dialogue event on 7 December 2018 in Athens. The units – known as “TOMYs” (Topikes Monades Ygias in Greek) – are key elements of the newly designed primary health care system.
Greece explores longer-term perspectives towards strengthening emergency medical services 03-12-2018
Greece made concrete steps towards tackling 2 major challenges for enhancing the coordination and clear prioritization of its emergency medical services: it initiated the process of developing a postgraduate curriculum for emergency medicine specialization and of establishing unified hospital triage guidelines.
Early diagnosis means successful treatment: 2 men living with HIV in Greece share their experience 23-11-2018
Late diagnosis of HIV remains a challenge across the WHO European Region. Every second newly diagnosed person has already reached an advanced stage of the infection. In the European Union/European Economic Area, the latest data from 2017 show that almost 90% of AIDS diagnoses happened within just 90 days of the HIV diagnosis. This indicates that the majority of these AIDS cases could have been avoided with early diagnosis.
Greece builds local capacity towards developing integrated health and social care services 07-11-2018
The city of Ioannina in north-western Greece has concluded the first important steps towards establishing a pilot model of service integration to better meet the needs of its people. After last year’s initial discussions facilitated by WHO, 4 new primary health care units have been established and now local authorities have moved on to preparing the ground for integrated care by building the capacity of stakeholders.
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.
Greece analyses effects of health reform 21-08-2018
The Greek health authorities, in close collaboration with WHO/Europe and other stakeholders, have been analysing the progress of health reform in Greece and making recommendations for its future direction and improvement.
West Nile virus infections spike in southern and central Europe 21-08-2018
West Nile virus (WNV) infections have sharply increased in 2018 as compared to the previous 4 years. This is largely due to the early start of the 2018 transmission season in the WHO European Region, which normally lasts from July to October. This year’s season has been characterized by high temperatures and extended rainy spells, followed by dry weather. Such weather conditions have been conducive to mosquito breeding and propagation.
As wildfires threaten Europe, WHO underscores health risks 25-07-2018
As parts of the WHO European Region experience exceptionally warm and dry summer weather, several wildfires are also burning. The wildfires in the Attica region of Greece have already cost lives, and Sweden has also been battling forest fires. Together with the current high summer temperatures, these fires are posing an additional health risk to people in the area.
Primary health care: the bridge to universal health coverage in Greece 28-06-2018
Greece is committed to providing effective health care to everyone living in the country – migrants and Greek citizens alike. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, and Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe made an official visit to the country on 20–21 June 2018.
WHO opens new Country Office in Greece 20-06-2018
Today, WHO and the Greek Ministry of Health inaugurated the new WHO Country Office in Greece. WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab were present for the official ceremony. The opening of the office reflects recent decisions taken by WHO and Greek leaders to strengthen bilateral cooperation, taking stock from past achievements.
New publication examines Greece’s health system reforms 18-06-2018
The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies has released a new health system review (HiT) that examines the impact of the economic crisis on Greece’s health systems and the multiple reforms that have been implemented in response. The HiT provides a detailed account of the success and shortcomings of the country’s efforts to respond to the challenges it faced.
Policy dialogue to reduce out-of-pocket payments for health in Greece 30-05-2018
High levels of out-of-pocket payments for health in Greece are a cause of concern for the Greek government.
Seventy-first World Health Assembly opens 23-05-2018
Delegations from WHO’s 194 Member States, many of them led by health ministers, have gathered once again in Geneva, Switzerland, for the Seventy-first World Health Assembly on 21–26 May 2018. Its outcome will determine WHO’s direction for the coming 5 years, as countries consider whether to adopt the proposed 13th General Programme of Work 2019–2023 (GPW13).
Workshop tackles challenges of health workforce change 22-05-2018
Greece is faced with the challenge of making changes to its health workforce to make it more sustainable and fit for purpose in the long term. This is an essential component in the ongoing reforms of the Greek health system, which are crucial to achieving universal health coverage, and improving population health and quality of care.
Greece aims to improve access to high-value medical equipment 21-02-2018
Greece has taken a concrete step towards improving access to high-value medical equipment, such as MRI and CT scanners, and mammography exams, by initiating a dialogue between key stakeholders.
New WHO Country Office to open in Greece 19-01-2018
Dr Ioannis Baskozos, Secretary General of Public Health in Greece, and Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, signed off on the final details to open a WHO country office in Greece. This amendment to the host agreement, signed in Geneva, Switzerland, on 17 January 2018, will elevate collaboration between the 2 organizations, strengthening WHO’s operational capacities on the ground.
Salmonella contamination of infant formula 22-12-2017
The French public health agency identified an outbreak of Salmonella enterica serovar Agona associated with infant formula products manufactured by the Lactalis Nutrition Santé group in France. As of 21 December, 35 confirmed cases of Salmonella Agona infections among infants aged less than six months have been identified in different regions of France. Sixteen infants have been hospitalized but all have fully recovered and no deaths have been reported.
Greece and Italy exchange experiences on organization of health services 22-12-2017
A Greek delegation visited the Puglia region of Italy on 26–29 November 2017 to learn about recent developments in organizing health-care services. The visit was part of Greece’s efforts to move towards universal health coverage.
Greece revises postgraduate training in family medicine to encompass people-centred care 21-12-2017
Experts have developed a revised postgraduate curriculum for general practitioners’ training in Greece, aligned with the modern principles of family medicine and people-centred care.
Greek health reform: opening of new primary health care units 14-12-2017
On 13 December, the Greek government inaugurated 3 local health units in the wider urban area of Thessaloniki, with the aim of reducing inequalities and barriers to accessing quality health services. The health units, established in the Ambelokipi, Evosmos and Pavlos Melas areas, are the first of their kind in the country. They are part of the government’s broader efforts towards establishing modern, people-centred primary health care services in Greece.
Greek health ministry addresses informal payments in health sector 23-11-2017
The Ministry of Health of Greece has initiated a dialogue with key stakeholders to better understand the root causes of informal payments in the health sector, analyse the potential implications for the health system and the population, and build consensus on feasible policy solutions.
Ioannina becomes the first city in Greece to pilot integrated health and social services 08-11-2017
Experts from WHO/Europe and the Greek Ministry of Health discussed the piloting of integrated services at a local policy dialogue in Ioannina on 25–26 October 2017. The policy dialogue included key stakeholders from health and social services, the city’s university, and local authorities. The event helped participants, who were eager to see the city set an example, to reach consensus.
Health reform process in Greece to be backed-up by sound workforce strategy 11-10-2017
The Greek government is taking important strides towards the development of a health workforce strategy, and is committed to investing resources towards the goal of universal health coverage (UHC) with an appropriately skilled, supported and deployed health workforce. The long-term goal is to improve population health and access to health services, the effectiveness of the health system and the quality of care.
Endemic measles interrupted in 42 out of 53 countries in the Region 26-09-2017
The number of countries in the Region that have demonstrated interruption of measles and rubella continues to increase and now stands at 42 for measles and 37 for rubella. However, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, warns that immunization coverage is decreasing. 1 in every 15 children still does not receive the first vaccination dose against measles and rubella on time.
Greece initiates development of postgraduate curriculum for family medicine 26-09-2017
Greece is making concrete steps towards the development of a postgraduate curriculum for family medicine. This is a necessary element of the overall reform in primary health care that is currently being rolled out countrywide.
WHO/Europe assists Greece in addressing informal payments in the health sector 08-08-2017
The Ministry of Health of Greece is moving to formulate policies to reduce and eliminate informal payments in the health sector, as part of its overall efforts to increase financial protection of the population. These policies are being developed in view of the Greek government’s commitment to tackle corruption in the public sector, and in the context of the recently approved national plan against corruption.
The voices of Greek patients to be heard by a more responsive health system 18-07-2017
The Greek Ministry of Health has committed to paying more attention to patients’ experience during the ongoing health reform. It aims to establish a continuous feedback mechanism to assess the quality of services provided and measure the impact of reform initiatives.
Public health advice as heatwave continues across southern and central Europe 13-07-2017
Excessively high temperatures are expected to continue in parts of central Europe, Balkan countries, Italy, Portugal and southern Spain. Such heat leads to increased concerns for the health and well-being of vulnerable groups such small children, the elderly and those who have chronic medical conditions.
Greece moves closer to integrating health and social services at the community level 11-07-2017
Greece has expressed its willingness to move towards integrated care at the community level, and to develop alternatives to inpatient care based on best practices from European people-centred care services.
Greece makes a step towards the use of health technology assessment in decision-making 13-06-2017
World Health Assembly Day 4: polio, pandemic influenza preparedness and health workforce in focus 29-05-2017
On Day 4 of the World Health Assembly, delegates made decisions relating to poliomyelitis (polio), the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework and the health workforce. Side events focused on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
World Health Assembly Day 3: WHO priorities aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 26-05-2017
Delegates at the World Health Assembly approved the Organization’s proposed programme budget of US$4421.5 million for the biennium 2018-2019. This proposed budget sets out the Organization’s priorities in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. It includes increased investments in the new WHO Health Emergencies Programme and combatting antimicrobial resistance.
Demand for the WHO Barcelona course on health financing continues to increase 02-05-2017
Now in its seventh year, the annual WHO Barcelona Course on Health Financing for Universal Health Coverage, held in March 2017, was more heavily oversubscribed than ever before. With three applicants for every place, the course is an important fixture for health policy-makers in Europe. This year the 66 participants from 25 countries included senior officials from health and finance ministries, health insurance funds, major international institutions, universities and nongovernmental organizations.
Greece set to tackle migration challenges with proactive reforms 10-04-2017
With over 62 000 refugees and migrants stranded in Greece, the need is imminent for effective health care reform that addresses the health needs of migrant populations. On 28 March 2017 in Athens, the Ministry of Health of Greece hosted a policy dialogue in cooperation with WHO/Europe to initiate its collaborative health care reform programme.
Greek Government hosts broad policy dialogue on public health reform 05-04-2017
The Ministry of Health of Greece, together with WHO/Europe, organized a policy dialogue on public health reform that took place in Athens on 28–29 March 2017 under the Strengthening Capacity for Universal Coverage (SCUC) initiative. The policy dialogue aimed to create a common understanding of the urgent need to shift from an emphasis on curative care to one on health promotion and disease prevention. It helped participants to identify structural challenges facing current public health services, clarify public health challenges related to migrants and refugees, establish a common commitment to all-of-government and all-of-society approaches, and agree on emerging priorities and principles for a national public health strategic plan.
Optimizing data reporting to support evidence-informed decision-making on immunization 21-03-2017
Progress in the control of vaccine-preventable diseases cannot be measured or accelerated without high-quality data on disease incidence, immunization coverage, vaccine procurement/policies and the performance of national immunization systems. 67 immunization programme managers and data managers from 36 European Member States met in Athens, Greece, on 23–24 February 2017 to discuss potential improvements to the data collection process and to identify technical assistance required to improve the timeliness and completeness of data collected and reported by their respective countries.
Strengthening countries’ pharmaceutical systems: a year in review 17-03-2017
The WHO Regional Office for Europe supports Member States in providing people with sustainable access to essential and affordable quality medicines and medical products.
A journey interrupted: the changing health needs of refugees and migrants stranded in Greece 02-03-2017
Greece has been on the front line of a large influx of refugees and migrants to the WHO European Region. Since the popular “Balkan route” out of the country shut down one year ago, refugees and migrants who had arrived in Greece expecting to stay only briefly have found their journeys interrupted. Today, more than 50 000 people wait in tent camps across Greece – stranded.
Seeking an integrated approach to re-profiling emergency medical services in Greece 03-02-2017
The aim of the visit was to identify priorities for the reorganization of EMS in the context of upcoming primary care reform in Greece. It included meetings with leaders from the Ministry of Health and key professional groups. A workshop was also held with relevant stakeholders to share good practices from Italy and the Netherlands.
Technical briefing: unaccompanied minors in Europe – implications for health, social and education sectors 22-12-2016
A technical briefing on unaccompanied minors (UAMs) in Europe was held during the High-level conference on working together for better health and well-being, which took place on 7-8 December 2016 in Paris, France.
Greece and WHO/Europe intensify collaboration in the area of public health 20-12-2016
The Greek Government expressed its intention to strengthen public health services and increase capacity to address priority public health issues in the coming years, during a recent evaluation visit by a team from the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
Greece commits to addressing excessive reliance on caesarean sections 29-11-2016
Over half the births in the country occur by C-section, putting Greece among countries with the highest C-section rates in the world. C-sections can cause significant and sometimes permanent complications, disability or death, particularly in settings that lack facilities or capacity for safe surgery and for treating surgical complications. C-sections also have potential implications for newborns and subsequent pregnancies. Ideally, C-sections are only undertaken when medically necessary.
Greece moves to raise awareness about salt consumption 28-11-2016
Average salt consumption in Greece is still high and is an important risk factor for raised blood pressure. Indeed, according to the Global Burden of Disease study, raised blood pressure is among the top 3 factors that account for most of the disease burden in Greece. Actions related to salt reduction are therefore a priority.
WHO/Europe and Ministry of Health of Greece expand collaboration on health reform priorities 30-09-2016
Greece, with support from the WHO Regional Office for Europe, has embarked on a two-year initiative as part of the country’s ongoing large-scale health sector reform. The second phase of the “Strengthening capacity for universal coverage” (SCUC2) project supports Greece’s move towards universal health coverage and will focus specifically on providing universal access to health services; establishing transparent, inclusive and modernized health governance; and ensuring fair and sustainable health financing.
Six influenza specialists from WHO European Region were supported by WHO to participate in the ‘Options IX for the Control of Influenza’ conference 30-09-2016
Every 3 years, the International Society for Influenza and other Respiratory Virus Diseases holds the largest international conference on influenza prevention, control and treatment, including seasonal influenza and pandemic preparedness. The Options IX for the Control of Influenza Conference was held on 24–28 August 2016 in Chicago, United States of America and included many international influenza specialists.
WHO stresses health reform should be based on equity at high-level EU meeting 20-07-2016
Health system reform should be based on the values of solidarity and equity. This was the message WHO conveyed in its statement at a high-level meeting convened by the European Commission’s Structural Reform Support Service in Brussels, Belgium on 5 July 2016.
Greece and Portugal exchange experience and good practices in health technology assessment (HTA) 20-07-2016
Under the strengthening capacity for universal coverage (SCUC) initiative, WHO/Europe organized a study visit to Portugal for Greek policy-makers on 6–8 July 2016, to provide an overview of the functioning of a well established HTA agency in a European country of comparable size and with similar economic, social and cultural conditions.
Summer School on using evidence to promote health equity and well-being 19-07-2016
On 6–7 July 2016, Pomurje Region (Slovenia), a member of the WHO Regions for Health Network (RHN), hosted a Summer School on advocacy and translation of evidence for different audiences on intersectoral action for health equity and well-being that brought together senior civil servants and public health experts from across the WHO European Region.
Building consensus on health system strengthening in Greece 21-06-2016
The Ministry of Health of Greece together with WHO/Europe organized a workshop on health system strengthening that took place on 8–10 June 2016 in Athens, under the "Strengthening capacity for universal coverage" (SCUC) initiative.
Exploring immediate and longer-term approaches for health technology assessment in Greece 03-06-2016
A series of meetings with WHO experts and key actors in health technology assessment (HTA) at country level took place in Greece on 17–19 May 2016, under the "Strengthening capacity for universal coverage" (SCUC) initiative.
The Greek Government launches a broad policy dialogue on primary health care reform 24-05-2016
The Ministry of Health of Greece together with WHO/Europe organized a policy dialogue on primary health care reform that took place on 9–10 May 2016 in Athens, under the "Strengthening capacity for universal coverage" (SCUC) initiative.
WHO/Europe facilitates exchange of experience between Greece and Portugal on primary health care reforms 12-05-2016
Under the "Strengthening capacity for universal coverage" (SCUC) initiative, WHO/Europe's Division of Health Systems and Public Health organized a study visit to Portugal for Greek policy-makers on 11–15 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.
Greece extends vaccination to refugees and migrants 29-04-2016
Two vaccination campaigns for the refugee and migrant population in Greece will begin in early May 2016, in order to ensure that all those who require vaccination receive it. Vaccination will be provided according to Greece's national immunization schedule. The first campaign, led by Médecins sans Frontières (MSF), will cover approximately 6000 individuals in Idomeni, and the second will cover approximately 20 000 individuals in the rest of the country.
WHO scaling up collaboration with Hellenic Ministry of Health in view of changing migration patterns 21-03-2016
In 2016, 144 000 people have already arrived in Greece, of which 96 have died and 36 are missing.
Greece explores options for optimal contracting of future neighbourhood family health units 15-03-2016
A set of WHO/Europe meetings on contractual arrangements for neighbourhood family health units (NFHUs) took place in Greece on 8–12 March 2016, under the "Strengthening capacity for universal coverage" initiative.
Quick supply of competent staff for neighborhood family health units – key to Greece’s primary health care reform 03-03-2016
A series of WHO/Europe meetings to develop an initial training package for staff of neighbourhood family health units (NFHUs) took place in Greece on 22–26 February 2016, under the "Strengthening capacity for universal coverage" initiative.
Greece takes critical step forward in defining service package for Primary Health Care 10-02-2016
Continuing its efforts to support medium-term reform priorities in the Greek health sector, WHO/Europe held a scoping mission to Greece on 27 January–2 February 2016 to assist in developing a package of services for furthering primary health care (PHC). The mission took place under the "Strengthening capacity for universal coverage" (SCUC) initiative and brought together senior members of the Greek Ministry of Health, representatives from WHO/Europe and other key decision makers involved in PHC reform.
WHO/Europe opens new page in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Health 25-01-2016
A team headed by Dr Hans Kluge, Director of WHO/Europe's Division of Health Systems and Public Health, visited Greece on 12–13 January 2016 to start a new initiative entitled "Strengthening capacity for universal coverage" (SCUC), which aims to support the medium-term reform priorities of the health sector.
WHO and the Ministry of Health strengthen response to refugee and migrant crisis in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 20-10-2015
According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the number of refugees and migrants crossing the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the way to west-European countries significantly increased during the last month.
Stepping up action on migrant and refugee health 18-06-2015
Since June 2013, with the generous support of the Government of Italy, the WHO Regional Office for Europe has conducted many assessment missions and piloted a toolkit with ministries of health to assess how their health systems could manage large influxes of migrants. 20 June is World Refugee Day.
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.
Towards a malaria-free European Region by the end of 2015 24-04-2015
The number of malaria cases in the WHO European Region has dropped dramatically. Cases reported locally have declined from above 90 000 in 1995 to only two reported in Tajikistan in 2014. Statistics indicate, however, that about 5000 cases were imported into the Region in 2014, and the threat of reintroducing the disease remains. The WHO European Region aims to interrupt the transmission of malaria and eliminate the disease by the end of this year.
Greece and Portugal exchange know-how on the organization of primary health care services 17-01-2015
A study visit to Portugal for policy-makers from Greece was organized by the WHO Programme Management Team in Athens on 1-5 December 2014. The main objective was to exchange experience on the organization of PHC services and their contracting with pay-for-performance components in the context of starting up family health units under the implementation of the PHC Law in Greece.
The WHO Regional Office for Europe conducts a joint health and migration mission in Greece on International Migrants Day 05-01-2015
The Ministry of Health of Greece through the Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention (HCDCP/KEELPNO), and the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe through the project ‘Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe’ (PHAME) have conducted a mission in Greece on 15 – 19 December 2014 aimed at strengthening the health-system capacity to better respond to the public health needs of large influxes of migrants.
WHO facilitates knowledge transfer on primary health care contracting in Greece 16-10-2014
A WHO mission to Greece on primary health care (PHC) contracting and key performance indicators (KPIs) in service delivery took place on 7–10 October 2014. The mission’s team included senior experts from the Ministry of Health of Portugal, the Portuguese Catholic University and WHO’s Programme Management Team in Greece.
WHO/Europe reviews progress and systemic challenges in health system reform in Greece 07-08-2014
As collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Health under the Health Reform Support Programme (HRSP) enters its second year, a WHO/Europe team headed by Dr Hans Kluge, Director of the Division of Health Systems and Public Health, visited Greece on 14–16 July 2014 to evaluate progress achieved so far. The team also addressed systemic challenges to the Programme and the overall health reform process in the country.
Stronger management of hospitals: the next step toward quality health care in Greece 01-08-2014
Senior hospital leaders and policy-makers in Greece attended an executive training workshop on 28 June 2014 focused on strengthening hospital management as a key step toward improving the quality of health care in the country.
Reforms to continue under new leadership of Greece’s Ministry of Health 28-07-2014
Addressing the main partners in the Health Reform Support Programme (HRSP) on 24 June 2014, the newly appointed Minister of Health of Greece, Mr Makis Voridis, expressed his readiness to continue dialogue on HRSP and related activities, and to scale up communication activities to promote reforms among various stakeholders. He stressed the importance of primary health care (PHC) as the cornerstone of the Greek health system’s reform and the urgent need for prompt action to strengthen the Unified Social Health Insurance Fund (EOPYY) to ensure financial sustainability of the system.
National and local authorities in Greece set priorities for utilization of European Structural Investment Funds in the health sector 23-07-2014
A European Structural Investment Funds (ESIF) workshop was organized on 24 June 2014 in Athens, Greece by the Ministry of Health’s Managing Authority, with WHO/ Europe’s technical and logistical support. The aim was to update all participants on the ongoing and forthcoming reforms in the health sector and agree on priorities for ESIF 2014–2020 utilization, in line with the established direction towards universal coverage with quality and integrated health services.
Greek policy advisors and WHO discuss health reform programme 09-07-2014
A delegation of 7 top health policy advisors to the Greek Minister of Health recently met with the senior managers and staff of WHO/Europe to discuss the ongoing health reform in Greece and agree on technical and administrative arrangements.
Ongoing collaboration to strengthen public health services in Greece 18-06-2014
Ambitious health reform process in Greece to be supported by broad communication strategy 04-06-2014
As part of a comprehensive Health Reform Support Programme (HRSP) in Greece, WHO is providing technical support to the Ministry of Health for development of a health reform communication strategy. The first mission took place on 5–7 May 2014, and comprised meetings with high-level policy-makers.
Malaria: great progress towards elimination, but persistent threat of imported cases and reintroduction 25-04-2014
The WHO European Region aims to interrupt the transmission of malaria and eliminate the disease by 2015.
High-level meeting to promote hospital reform in Greece 10-03-2014
A meeting dedicated to hospital reform in Greece took place on 7 February 2014. This event was a joint initiative of WHO/Europe and the Belgian Embassy in the context of the Health Reform Support Programme 2013–2015 (HRSP) under the Ministry of Health’s Health in Action Initiative.
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.
Monitoring the impact of the financial crisis on health and health systems in Greece 03-03-2014
A workshop organized in Athens by the Ministry of Health of Greece together with WHO/Europe on 24–25 February 2014 produced a list of indicators to monitor the impact of the financial crisis and identified steps needed to collect and compile the required information.
Greece launches new primary health care law 07-02-2014
Greece has launched a primary health care law, based on the core values of the Declaration of Alma-Ata, to ensure better health of the Greek people.‬‪ The new law, which was recently passed by the Greek parliament, is part of the health system reform Greece is undertaking to build a comprehensive and strong nation-wide primary health care service.
European Conference puts spotlight on Greek health system reform 18-12-2013
The Conference signals the start of the implementation of the Health in Action initiative, which aims to reform the Greek health system and address the impact of the economic crisis on health.
Working meeting with the Minister of Health, Greece 24-10-2013
The Minister of Health of Greece, Mr Adonis Georgiadis, the Greek Prime Minister Office, and Dr Hans Kluge, Director, Division of Health Systems and Public Health, WHO Regional Office for Europe, discussed on 23 October the ongoing collaboration within the Health Reform Support Programme funded by EU and Greece.
WHO, Greece sign agreement on support programme for health reform 22-07-2013
WHO/Europe has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Health to implement the health reform support programme for 2013–2015 in the framework of the health in action initiative.
Shaping the future of health care in Greece 06-06-2013
On 31 May 2013, WHO/Europe took part in a conference on shaping the future of health care in Greece, held in Athens.
Post-2015 development agenda in focus on first day of World Health Assembly 21-05-2013
The Sixty-fifth World Health Assembly, WHO’s annual global meeting of ministers and senior health officials, opened on 20 May. It will discuss a draft global action plan for noncommunicable diseases, as well as action plans on mental health and the prevention of avoidable blindness and visual impairment.
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.
Joint HIV technical mission to Greece: report released 30-01-2013
A substantial increase in the number of HIV cases related to injecting drug use had prompted Greek authorities to approach the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and WHO/Europe for technical assistance in 2012. The mission report is now available.
Contraception - myths and misconceptions discussed in Athens 26-06-2012
More than 2000 participants from all over Europe and many countries of the world attended the 12th Congress of the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health (ESC&RH) “Myths and misconceptions versus evidence on contraception” that took place in Athens, Greece 20-23 June.
WHO/Europe to assist Greece in pharmaceutical health care pricing 23-03-2012
WHO/Europe has responded positively to a request from the Greek Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity to provide technical assistance in the field of pricing and reimbursement of pharmaceuticals and other public health areas based on a joint assessment. This was announced by Dr Hans Kluge, Director of the Division of Health Systems and Public Health, at a conference about the future of health care in Greece held in Athens on 20 March 2012.
New WHO/Europe centre on noncommunicable diseases opens in Athens 23-09-2011
At a ceremony today in Athens, Greece, a new centre on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) was opened by Andreas Loverdos, Minister of Health and Social Solidarity of Greece, and Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
WHO/Europe supports health care reform in Greece 24-06-2011
Speaking at a conference in Athens this week, the Director of WHO/Europe’s Division of Health Systems and Public Health said that WHO/Europe is working with the Government of Greece on its health care reform.
World No Tobacco Day Awards 2011 23-05-2011
Every year on 31 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes individuals and/or organizations for their accomplishments in tobacco control with World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) Awards. The awards recognize international achievements in the fight against the global tobacco epidemic and in the promotion of tobacco control initiatives and policies
Opening of World Health Assembly: Director-General urges ministers to “remember the people” 17-05-2011
The Sixty-fourth World Health Assembly, WHO’s global annual meeting for ministers and senior health officials, opened yesterday.
European ministers discuss health needs of people displaced by north African crisis 13-04-2011
Today, European health ministers and high-level officials met in Rome to improve international cooperation and coordination on the health issues related to the mass migration resulting from the crisis in northern Africa.