News

World Blood Donor Day 2021 – Promoting blood donations in Italy 14-06-2021
“When I think about why I donate blood, I ask myself a very simple question: ‘If I was on the other side and was in serious need of a blood transfusion, wouldn’t I hope someone had donated that blood for me?’ I have been donating blood since I was 18 and although it is a simple gesture for me, I know it is one that goes a long way for those who need it.”
Humanity, empathy and autonomy: Italian study on how to “humanize” health-care systems 25-02-2021
The Emilia-Romagna Region of Italy, a member of the WHO European Regions for Health Network (RHN), has shared the results of an ambitious report looking at “humanization practices” in health-care settings. The Regional Agency for Health and Social Care identified projects and initiatives deployed by the regional health system that could be adapted and applied to other regions and countries sharing similar objectives.
Italy: over 20% of children are overweight, says new report 09-12-2020
New data from more than 50 000 children in Italy shows the percentage of overweight children in the country is 20.4%, with 9.4% of children considered obese and 2.4% severely obese, when using International Obesity Task Force criteria, and even higher if using WHO growth references.
Schooling in the time of COVID-19: Opening statement at high-level meeting on keeping schools open and protecting all children amid surging COVID-19 cases 08-12-2020
School closures and interventions, such as distance learning, may have a negative effect on children’s long-term educational outcomes. Children living with disabilities are further disadvantaged by school closures and inadequate distance-learning measures to meet their needs. We owe it to the next generation, particularly those in vulnerable settings, to do everything we can to reduce vulnerabilities and to keep their in-person learning alive.
New WHO Collaborating Centre for Childhood Obesity designated in Rome, Italy 07-12-2020
The National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion of the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) in Rome has been designated as the WHO Collaborating Centre for Childhood Obesity. During the next 4 years, the Collaborating Centre will provide technical advice and assistance to WHO programmes and activities on childhood obesity prevention, policies and strategies that promote health in Europe, and the training of instructors to promote breastfeeding in the WHO European Region.
New WHO report reveals that while smoking continues to decline among European adolescents, the use of electronic cigarettes by young people is on the rise 02-12-2020
Tobacco use among young people in the WHO European Region remains a public health concern. Despite the overall downward trend, several countries of the Region observed an increase in tobacco use prevalence among young people in the latest round of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. While cigarettes remain the most used form of tobacco products, there is a concerning trend emerging from the use of electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes). According to the latest available data, young people are turning to these products at an alarming rate. The new report reveals that in some countries the rates of e-cigarette use among adolescents were much higher than those for conventional cigarettes. In Poland, for example, 15.3% of students smoked cigarettes and 23.4% used electronic cigarettes in 2016.
Preventing the COVID-19 pandemic from causing an antibiotic resistance catastrophe 18-11-2020
According to research conducted by WHO/Europe and reports from the field, the European Region now risks accelerated spread of antimicrobial resistance. The long-term problem of antibiotics being used inappropriately by individuals and in health care settings is worsening as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, set to take place on 18–24 November, is an opportunity to focus attention on the evolving situation.
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.
Towards a consensus on safe schooling in the WHO European Region during the COVID-19 pandemic 31-08-2020
Joint statement by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe and Roberto Speranza, Minister of Health of Italy. Our communities continue to deal with many uncertainties brought by the new COVID-19 reality. Following the initial phase of the pandemic, we have been able to ease lockdown measures and develop a more sophisticated understanding about how we can remain safe.
WHO helps reshape hospitals as COVID-19 eases its grip 21-07-2020
In a COVID-19 world, many hospitals need to rethink how they use their space. Italy is one of the first countries making adjustments as outpatient clinics and non-emergency services reopen.
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.
WHO joins forces with 17 central European countries to step up tailored COVID-19 response 05-06-2020
A joint task force has been established by WHO/Europe and the Central European Initiative (CEI) to respond to COVID-19 and step up regional coordination to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.
Delivering NCD services in a time of COVID-19 – stories from the field 03-06-2020
A new WHO survey looks at the extent of the disruption of services for the prevention and treatment of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. To mark the survey’s preliminary results, a new series of stories from the WHO European Region shares experiences of health workers and patients in managing these conditions.
Experience of health professionals, police staff and prisoners in Italy informs WHO COVID-19 guidelines for prisons 28-05-2020
The experience of doctors in Italy has contributed to the preparation of WHO’s guidance on preparedness, prevention and control of COVID-19 in prisons and other places of detention. Health professionals in Italy were among the first in Europe to face the threat of COVID-19. From the first days of the epidemic, there were concerns about prisons, as infection outbreaks in such closed settings can have an amplifying effect on the spread of the virus throughout the country.
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.
Iliana Colonna: enabling positive birth experiences in the time of COVID-19 05-05-2020
“At the beginning of the epidemic, our initial reaction was fear – fear of getting infected, of how our work may be affected and for the health of the pregnant women requiring our assistance. Our priority became tackling that fear by adhering to guidelines, including those from WHO, and putting a new structure in place that would allow us to continue the vital work we do,” explains Midwife Coordinator Iliana Colonna, from the Infermi Hospital in Rimini, Italy.
Countries working to sustain population immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases during COVID-19 pandemic 27-04-2020
Countries across the WHO European Region are utilizing guidance from WHO/Europe to include immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) as an essential health service during the current COVID-19 pandemic. WHO has called on countries to ensure that immunization is maintained wherever possible and surveillance for VPDs remains undisrupted during the ongoing pandemic.
Silvia Mambelli: how the COVID crisis is uniting the Italian health workforce 07-04-2020
“Despite 40 years of experience in various health-care roles, nothing could have truly prepared me for today’s COVID-19 emergency,” says Silvia Mambelli, director of nursing and technical services at the local health authority of the Emilia Romagna region in Italy.
Laura Lupi, COVID-19 nurse: together, we can beat this virus 06-04-2020
“How we put on our protective equipment at the beginning of each shift, determines our fate,” says 24-year-old nurse, Laura Lupi, who works at a COVID-19 hospital in Teramo, in the Abruzzo region of Italy.
Promoting tap-water consumption in Trentino: which policies work best? 26-03-2020
The Expert meeting on improving tap water consumption for decreasing the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and reducing the environmental footprint, organized by the WHO Regional Office for Europe in Moscow, Russian Federation, on 27–28 February 2020, provided the Autonomous Province of Trento (Trentino), Italy, with a unique opportunity to illustrate its policies on promoting the consumption of tap water. On the same occasion, Trentino, a member of the WHO Regions for Health Network (RHN), presented the latest results of the Italian national behavioural risk factor surveillance system (PASSI).
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.
WHO rapid response team concludes mission to Italy for COVID-19 response 06-03-2020
The WHO Rapid Response Team (RRT) has recommended maintaining a strong focus on containment measures across the country, combined with a combination of strategies in areas with wider virus transmission to prevent disease and protect lives. This is one of the team’s conclusions at the end of its 12-day mission to Italy on 6 March. This team of experts from WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) was deployed to Italy to strengthen understanding about the evolution of the disease and support the national response.
Best practices for infection prevention and control, with a spotlight on COVID-19: countries share experiences 03-03-2020
Every year, defective infection prevention and control (IPC) practices in everyday health care cause harm to millions of patients worldwide. Health care associated infections (HAI) are among the most common complications of hospital stays and include infections that are resistant to antimicrobials. No country, area or health system can claim to be free of HAIs.
Statement for the joint press conference on COVID-19 26-02-2020
Allow me to provide you with an update on the situation. As of today, we have over 80,000 cases of COVID-19 in 34 countries. Four new Member States – Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iraq, and Oman – have reported cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. 97% of the cases are reported from China and our thoughts are with all the families and communities affected by the disease there, and the health workers and authorities working tirelessly to treat and protect their populations.
Joint WHO and ECDC mission in Italy to support COVID-19 control and prevention efforts 24-02-2020
Italy has reported a rapid increase in cases of laboratory-confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) since 21 February 2020. An initial investigation by Italian authorities has found several clusters of cases in different regions of northern Italy, with evidence of local transmission of COVID-19.
Promoting healthy lifestyles in the Autonomous Province of Trento, Italy: the “Move your health” project 21-01-2020
A new project to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce health inequalities is being implemented in 3 Italian provinces: Bolzano, Trento and Verona. Coordinated by the Local Heath Unit of the Autonomous Province of Trento, the "Move your health" project (an integrated path towards the prevention and management of overweight and obesity), proposes tools and initiatives aimed at helping families to choose healthier lifestyles and reducing health inequalities associated with outreach activities, involving migrant or socioeconomically disadvantaged families.
A quarter-century of regional health 19-11-2019
From its launch in 1993 to the present day, the Regions for Health Network (RHN) has worked towards ensuring that no one is left behind on health matters around Europe.
Floods across Europe affect thousands 15-11-2019
Recent reports of flooding in the WHO European Region have included the highest tide in Venice in more than half a century, as well as communities cut off in Montenegro and people evacuated from their homes in the United Kingdom.
PedalAlzheimer Fest: 140 km on a bike to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease 01-11-2019
Two days on a bicycle across the stunning landscapes of the Trentino and Veneto regions to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease – these are the ingredients of PedalAlzheimer Fest 2019, an initiative organized by the nursing home in Levico Terme, in Trentino region, and supported by the Autonomous Province of Trento. Its goal is to reflect on the health, social and cultural issues that families are called to face when a loved one encounters Alzheimer’s disease.
Summer School: incubator for bringing Sustainable Development Goals closer to local communities 08-10-2019
A Summer School organized by the WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development (Venice, Italy) of the WHO Regional Office for Europe – in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia, the National Institute of Public Health in Slovenia, and the Centre for Health and Development Murska Sobota, Slovenia – has galvanized awareness about and a thorough understanding of the need to bring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) closer to the local communities, as well as the value of doing so. It resulted in the inception of 5 projects to be implemented at the local level.
Measuring the gender pay gap for action in the Autonomous Province of Trento, Italy 04-07-2019
According to the Global Gender Gap Index, in 2018, Italy ranked 70th among 149 countries in terms of participation in economic and political activity, access to education and health. The Health Observatory of the Autonomous Province of Trento, Italy, has taken measures to establish a baseline for monitoring the gender pay gap among employees working in its public health system over time, and propose coherent, wide-ranging action to tackle it effectively.
INMP becomes WHO collaborating centre, as WHO launches report on refugee and migrant health 10-05-2019
The Italian National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty (INMP) is a valuable extension of the long-standing cooperation that WHO has enjoyed with the Italian Ministry of Health.
Collaboration between the Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy, and the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on strengthening primary care and community hospitals 10-04-2019
With the launch of a new project entitled, “Emilia-Romagna Region–Brazilian Unified health System (RER–SUS) intermediate care: exchange of experience and organizational knowledge between Italy and Brazil”, the Emilia-Romagna Region in Italy and the state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil are demonstrating how powerful a tool international collaboration can be in promoting effective and innovative practice. The project is the result of a well-established relationship between these 2 partners who have been collaborating since 2014 on strengthening comprehensive universal health care in their respective territories through the platform provided by the Italian–Brazilian Laboratory of Training, Research and Practices in Collective Health.
Simulated poliovirus containment breach helps countries increase biorisk safety and security 01-11-2018
Preparing for biosafety accidents helps to prevent them and limit their impact should they occur. In the WHO European Region, 12 countries plan to keep polioviruses for vaccine manufacturing or critical research purposes after the virus is no longer circulating anywhere in the wild; to do so, they must apply for certification of a poliovirus essential facility (PEF), where the materials can be safely stored and contained.
WHO delivers medical supplies to treat up to 1000 trauma patients in eastern Ukraine 05-10-2018
WHO has delivered emergency trauma kits to health facilities near the contact line in eastern Ukraine. The kits are sufficient to cover more than 200 major or around 1000 minor operations. The delivery of the kits was made possible with financial support from the Italian Government, which allocated US$ 250 000 in 2017.
First summit of Italian seaside resorts discusses resources and sustainable development 27-09-2018
For the first time, representatives of seaside resorts of 7 regions in Italy gathered to discuss the current opportunities open to, and the challenges faced by, seaside resorts. The event held on 5–7 September 2018 in Bibione, Veneto Region, Italy, provided a platform for sharing best practice in this area and for drawing up guidelines related to sustainability, innovation and strategic planning.
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.
Day 1 highlights: RC68 opens 17-09-2018
“Health investment is the smartest investment – it pays off,” said WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab in her opening address on the first day of the 68th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe. This was a common theme also raised by the WHO Director-General and delegates alike.
Europe tops rankings on life satisfaction index, but findings expose not for all and not everywhere, WHO says 14-09-2018
WHO Regional Committee for Europe annual meeting in Rome will discuss new findings on health and well-being of people in Europe and track progress against key health targets
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.
Seventy-first World Health Assembly comes to a close after charting a new course for WHO 29-05-2018
The Seventy-first World Health Assembly took place on 21–26 May 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland. Over the course of the 6 days, delegates charted a new course for the Organization.
Promoting well-being and reducing health inequity through international networks 01-05-2018
The 7th international workshop of the Italian-Brazilian Laboratory, held in Bologna, Italy, on 19–23 February 2018, highlighted the role of international networks in fostering innovation and strengthening public health and welfare systems.
Urban Health Rome Declaration adopted at Health in the Cities 18-01-2018
Health in the cities is an investment opportunity rather than purely a cost driver. This is the key message of the Urban Health Rome Declaration, signed jointly by Beatrice Lorenzin, Minister of Health of Italy, and Antonio Decaro, President of the National Association of Italian Municipalities, and adopted during the international conference “Health in the Cities” on 11 December 2017 in Rome, Italy. The Declaration promotes multisectoral approaches and health-promotion policies as strategic assets for enhancing health and well-being in urban settings.
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.
Public awareness of avian influenza needed as migratory birds return to Europe 19-12-2017
WHO/Europe calls on the public to remain vigilant about avian influenza virus outbreaks in poultry and wild birds. Since some avian influenza viruses can infect humans, it is important that people in countries experiencing outbreaks take protective steps and avoid unnecessary contact with sick and dead birds.
Gender transformative health promotion: Friuli Venezia Giulia Region confronts gender stereotypes 13-12-2017
The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Italy, a member of the WHO Regions for Health Network (RHN), confronts gender-related prejudice by adopting an integrated approach to educating people through a life-course perspective, starting in childhood. The implementation of the approach was presented at the 10th European Public Health Conference, which took place in Stockholm, Sweden on 1–4 November, 2017. The presentation was part of the RHN-organized workshop entitled, “Gender stereotypes, women’s and men’s health strategies”, which took place during the Conference.
Emilia-Romagna Region’s new Social and Health Plan: an inclusive, people-centred approach to tackling exclusion and frailty 26-10-2017
At an event held in Reggio Emilia, Italy, on 9 October 2017, the Emilia-Romagna Region presented its Social and Health Plan 2017–2019. Stefano Bonaccini, President of the Region, opened the session with Elisabetta Gualmini, Vice-President and Regional Welfare Councillor, Sergio Venturi, Regional Health Councillor, and Kyriakoula Petropulacos, Regional Director of Health and Welfare. The event provided the opportunity to introduce the overall objectives and contents of the Plan.
WHO Director-General announces leadership team 03-10-2017
Five members of the senior leadership team announced on 3 October 2017 by Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, are from the WHO European Region. The team of 14 comprises former ministers of health, some of the world’s leading physicians, scientists and researchers, and programmatic experts.
WHO and Italy sign first country cooperation strategy 26-09-2017
Italy and WHO signed a country cooperation strategy (CCS) for the first time on 13 September 2017. The CCS covers the period from 2017 to 2022 and defines a medium-term strategic framework for cooperation between the partners.
Chikungunya outbreak confirmed in Italy 18-09-2017
In Italy, 14 autochthonous cases of chikungunya have been confirmed , 6 in Rome and 8 in the coastal area of Anzio (Lazio region). Additional cases are being investigated. The date of onset of symptoms of the first case was on 5 August 2017. The dates of onset of the latest cases are between 25 August and 7 September 2017.
Day 4 highlights: partnerships essential in our “multisectoral, multidimensional world” 14-09-2017
Member States enthusiastically endorsed a renewed vision for partnerships for health in the WHO European Region on the final day of the 67th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.
Summer School sets course for intercountry collaboration and capacity-building on refugee and migrant health 19-07-2017
On 10–14 July, WHO/Europe held its inaugural Summer School on Refugee and Migrant Health in Syracuse, Italy. The Summer School served as the starting point for a vast collaborative effort to learn about and improve the way the WHO European Region protects and promotes the health of refugees and migrants.
Rescue in the Mediterranean: learning from the Italian experience 18-07-2017
Following the February 2016 closure of the “Balkan route” from Greece through the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to Serbia, Italy has served as the main point of entry to Europe for migrants and refugees. The International Organization for Migration reports that between 1 January and 4 June 2017, a total of 71 418 migrants and refugees entered Europe by sea; nearly 85% arrived in Italy.
Consensus meeting on the assessment of the Ukrainian emergency care system 17-07-2017
On 30–31 May 2017, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine in collaboration with WHO conducted a consensus meeting on the assessment of the Ukrainian emergency care system. Emergency care systems are a key substrate for effective emergency response and for mitigating the risk of system collapse (and therefore, secondary mortality) in the face of large-scale emergencies.
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.
Three ministries exchange best practices for primary health care reform 21-06-2017
The ministries of health of Austria, Slovenia and the Veneto Region – partners of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies – held a high‐level tripartite meeting on primary health care in Bled, Slovenia, on 5–6 June 2017. Their aim was to learn from one another’s best practices and to discuss the challenges of implementing reform in this field. The Observatory, the WHO Country Office in Slovenia and the Slovenian Ministry of Health organized the meeting.
The RHN presented its activities during the Festival of Economics in Trento (Italy) 09-06-2017
On 1–4 June 2017 Trento (Italy) hosted the Festival of Economics, which this year focused mainly on health inequalities.
World Health Assembly Day 9: Assembly closes after 9 days covering 78 agenda items 01-06-2017
Member States adopted numerous decisions and plans on a wide range of public health issues during the Seventieth World Health Assembly, which closed on 31 May 2017. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was elected as the new Director-General of WHO, and will begin his 5-year term on 1 July 2017.
Improving prison health in Trentino (Italy) 04-05-2017
The United Nations Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners state that “prisoners shall have access to the health services available in the country without discrimination on the grounds of their legal situation”. In Italy this principle has been implemented by means of a national law (the Decreto del Presidente del Consiglio dei Ministri of 1 April 2008) that assigns responsibility for prisoners’ health directly to the National Health Service (removing it from the Ministry of Justice), thereby establishing the equal treatment of citizens within and outside of prison walls.
Italy’s Alcohol Prevention Day putting the prevention of alcohol-related harm in focus 19-04-2017
Since the 1990s, the Mediterranean countries have been successfully reducing alcohol consumption and related harm. This success has been particularly prominent in Italy, where total adult per capita consumption decreased from 12.4 litres in 1990 to 7.6 litres in 2014. This decrease was significantly sharper than the WHO European Region average for the same period. The reductions in alcohol consumption in the last 2 decades are part of a broader downward trend that began in the 1970s.
Venice hosted the European Health Equity Status Report expert partners’ meeting 20-03-2017
Cross-border collaboration to eliminate measles and rubella 13-02-2017
Most countries in the WHO European Region have interrupted endemic transmission of measles and rubella, but some others scattered across the Region still have large recurrent or persisting outbreaks and/or surveillance that is not of the quality required to demonstrate disease interruption.
The WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development (Venice Office) has inaugurated its new premises 24-01-2017
Many people attended the inauguration of the new premises of the WHO Venice Office, which took place on 19 January in the magnificent location of the Ss Giovanni e Paolo Hospital, Venice, Italy, thanks to fruitful collaboration between the Veneto Region and the ULSS3 Serenissima.
Workshop on cancer screening and early diagnosis for limited-resource countries held in Turin 20-01-2017
On 12–14 December 2016 in Turin, Italy, WHO/Europe hosted a workshop on cancer screening and early diagnosis in partnership with the Reference Centre for Epidemiology and Cancer Prevention in Piedmont (CPO) and a WHO Collaborating Centre.
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.
Regional Director visits Trapani to see the frontlines of migration in Sicily 16-12-2016
On 14–15 November 2016, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab visited the southern Italian region of Sicily to launch the new European Knowledge Hub on Health and Migration. During her visit, she also had the opportunity to conduct a site visit to the Trapani hotspot and harbour, which receives approximately 10% of all refugee and migrant arrivals to Italy. She met with local authorities, health professionals and other first responders in charge of managing the large number of refugees and migrants arriving to the island.
Maternal health and migration – a new HEN report outlines evidence for tackling inequalities 15-12-2016
Women and girls are particularly susceptible to the health consequences of migration. Massive surges in migration in recent years in Europe have highlighted a need to develop and apply common indicators on migration and health to inform good policy decision-making across the WHO European Region, especially concerning this vulnerable group.
Mental health, public health and migration 15-12-2016
Migration has been a much-discussed issue in recent years, and the rapid growth in numbers of migrants arriving in Europe has necessitated a humanitarian response and put pressure on health systems. Mental health is a key issue for migrants, and is likely to be a long-term feature of health care provision in Europe.
Mobile clinics help meet health needs of survivors and rescuers 03-11-2016
Over a span of two months beginning in August 2016, central Italy experienced a series of powerful earthquakes. The first quake hit the area between Lazio, Marche, Umbria and Abruzzo on 24 August with a magnitude of 6.0, causing almost 300 deaths and 400 injuries. Two powerful quakes followed on 26 October, and the strongest quake was recorded on 30 October, with a magnitude of 6.5 and an epicentre between the towns of Norcia and Preci, in the province of Perugia. This series of earthquakes has underscored the importance of both emergency response, and also preparedness.
Italian Government provides funding to improve health services in eastern Ukraine 26-10-2016
With the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, access to quality essential health and nutrition services is an immediate need for approximately 2.3 million people. In light of this, the Government of Italy recently made a US$ 250 000 contribution to WHO to improve life-saving health care services and sustainable access to quality primary and secondary health care for affected populations of eastern Ukraine.
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.
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.
Coordination during disasters saves lives 02-09-2016
Effective coordination among health facilities and front-line responders has been crucial to saving lives in the aftermath of the earthquake that hit central Italy on 24 August 2016. This affirms the critical importance of preparedness and coordination for disaster response.
WHO accelerates preparedness and response for natural disasters 02-09-2016
Between 1990 and 2015, over 1300 natural disasters in the WHO European Region affected over 30 million people and killed over 150 000. Earthquakes, flooding and heat waves have both immediate and long-term impacts on people’s lives. In this second in a series of features on humanitarian response – to events such as floods, earthquakes, heat waves, nuclear accidents and armed conflicts – we look at WHO/Europe’s work preparing for and responding to natural disasters as part of the new Health Emergencies Programme.
Hundreds killed and health facilities seriously damaged in earthquake in central Italy 25-08-2016
At least 247 people have lost their lives and hundreds more are injured in the 6.0-magnitude earthquake that hit central Italy in the night between 23 and 24 August 2016, according to the Italian Civil Protection Department. Power cuts and serious damages to infrastructure, including health facilities, were also reported.
The Veneto Institute of Oncology: using health knowledge to transform lifestyles 09-06-2016
A large proportion of cancers could be prevented, for example, if people eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid tobacco products and reduce alcohol consumption. The Veneto Institute of Oncology is at the forefront in this area with 2 pilot projects on nutrition and cancer prevention that provide practical support to help at-risk patients live a healthier life.
Interregional workshop on tuberculosis control and care Interregional workshop for tuberculosis (TB) control and care among refugee and migrant populations 27-05-2016
With the support of the Ministry of Health of Italy, WHO/Europe organized an interregional workshop on tuberculosis (TB) control and care among refugees and migrant populations in Catania, Italy, on 10–11 May 2016.
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 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.
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.
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.
International Health Regulations Forum in Austria 18-04-2016
The International Health Regulations (IHR) Forum was held on 14–18 March 2016 in Stadtschlaining, Austria, to train national experts using and implementing the IHR in their countries, and to strengthen the expert network in the WHO European Region.
Trento on bike: a health-in-all-policies approach 22-03-2016
In March 2016, Trento, an alpine province in the northern part of Italy, launched "Trentino pedala" ("Trento on bike") a project aimed to make cycling a part of everyday life. The provincial government's Council for Infrastructure and the Environment is coordinating the initiative, which follows a health-in-all-policies approach. All other governmental departments, such as the local health unit, municipalities, the university and several private sector companies are involved in order to encourage the province's 500 000 inhabitants to cycle.
WHO expert meeting gathers tailored policy advice from past health ministers on large-scale health system reforms 01-02-2016
In a pioneering effort to harvest actionable insights and expertise for large-scale health system transformation, WHO/Europe, the Deusto Business School of Spain and the Centre for Public Policy and Health of Durham University jointly gathered over 25 high-level past policy- and decision-makers in health systems in Madrid, Spain on 17–18 December 2015.
WHO/Europe meeting on mental health: community care and de-institutionalization 15-12-2015
WHO, in partnership with the Regional Health Development Center on Mental Health, held a meeting on community care and de-institutionalization of mental health, hosted by Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo on 19–20 November 2015.
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).
Health 2020 and the post-2015 development agenda 03-12-2015
Presentation by Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe (3 December 2015, Venice, Italy)
WHO/Europe supports Member States in strengthening public health evidence-informed policies for refugees and migrants 30-10-2015
In response to the current refugee and migrant crisis, WHO/Europe has published 3 new reports on the public health aspects of migration and health.
WHO provides support and emergency health supplies to 10 000 flood-affected people in Tajikistan 21-10-2015
WHO/Europe delivered an interagency emergency health kit (IEHK) to local health authorities in Tajikistan's flood-affected areas this week.
HEN writing workshop for the development of evidence synthesis reports on migration and health 23-07-2015
The WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development hosted the Health Evidence Network (HEN) writing workshop on 13–15 July 2015 in Venice, Italy.
What to do in heatwaves: public health advice 02-07-2015
As the European Region enters the warm season, the public, medical professionals and public health authorities must prepare for eventual heat-waves and hot spells.
New report on migration in Italy 19-06-2015
On 4 June 2015, the Expo Milano 2015 Conference Centre in Milan, Italy hosted a one-day event to present the 24th report on migration by Caritas Italiana and Fondazione Migrantes entitled "Migrants: actors for development".
Strengthening the evidence on migration and chronic diseases in Italy 19-06-2015
On 18 May 2015, the WHO/Europe Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe (PHAME) project, in collaboration with the University of Cà Foscari in Venice, Italy, and the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), launched a report on immigration and chronic diseases in Italy.
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.
First confirmed Ebola patient in Italy 14-05-2015
On 12 May 2015, WHO received notification of the first laboratory-confirmed case of Ebola virus disease to be found in Italy.
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.
National stakeholders and international experts team up to tackle measles and rubella in Italy 20-03-2015
To help Italy accelerate progress towards the elimination of measles and rubella, a delegation of measles and rubella experts and other stakeholders visited the country on 10-11 March 2015.
Bridging the gap between hospital and school: an initiative of Meyer Children’s Hospital 28-01-2015
Meyer Children’s Hospital – one of the flagship institutions in Florence, Tuscany, Italy – is known for providing high-quality health services and educational programmes to its young patients.
EMA reassures Member States on influenza vaccine safety 08-12-2014
The European Medical Agency (EMA) has conducted a review of reported deaths in Italy and found no causal relationship between the fatal events and the administration of the influenza vaccine involved.
Italian authorities take steps to confirm influenza vaccine safety 28-11-2014
28-11-2014
Feeding the world safely 25-11-2014
The importance of food safety as an essential element of food and nutrition security was discussed as part of the Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2), held in Rome last week.
Budget cuts and regional disparities increase the pressure on the Italian health system 18-11-2014
Coinciding with the Italian Presidency of the European Union’s Council of Ministers, the new HiT health system review on Italy has just been published.
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.
Rethinking pharmaceutical policy to facilitate appropriate use of medicines 24-07-2014
47 participants from across and beyond the European Region met for a week in Venice to become updated on developments in medicines policy and to rethink policy action at country level - as well as generate ideas for collaboration across countries on future sustainability of pharmaceutical expenditure.
The Italian region of Sicily develops a contingency health response plan to massive migration 17-06-2014
The WHO Regional Office for Europe, through its Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe (PHAME) project, is working with the Health Regional Councillor of the Sicily region on a regional contingency plan for the management of massive influxes of migrants.
First smoke-free beach initiative in Italy 23-05-2014
The Italian littoral coast of Bibione, in the Municipality of San Michele al Tagliamento, is a popular destination for both Italian and foreign tourists. Located in the Veneto Region on the Adriatic coast, it is the second largest beach in Italy in terms of tourist presence. The 9 kilometres of shoreline are the main tourist attraction in Bibione and, from May 2014, they will be free of smoke.
Regional Director encourages investment in prevention 15-04-2014
Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, addressed a wide range of stakeholders in public health during a visit to Rome, Italy on 8–9 April 2014.
In Tuscany, health comes first 02-04-2014
The Regional Health Agency of Tuscany has launched a video illustrating the Italian region’s new model for health care. Following its slogan – “In Tuscany, health comes first” – the video describes a health care system that is in line with the new European health policy framework Health 2020.
Improving and coordinating the public health response to migration 18-10-2013
Since 2011, WHO/Europe has worked to strengthen the capacity of countries’ public health services to deal with large influxes of migrants, and ensure a coordinated response. It has made several assessments of health needs, and countries have welcomed WHO’s support. Nevertheless, greater effort is needed to address the endless tragedies related to migration.
High-level Italian delegation visits WHO/Europe 02-10-2013
Dr Fabrizio Oleari, recently appointed President of Istituto Superiore di Sanità in Rome, Italy, met with Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and other senior staff at WHO/Europe on 27 September 2013. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss key health issues and possible future collaboration.
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.
WHO assessment mission: better facilities for receiving migrants needed 06-07-2012
The Italian islands of Lampedusa and Linosa are the entry points to Europe for many migrants from North and sub-Saharan Africa. WHO’s latest mission to the islands concluded that improvement to the quality of, availability of and access to water and sanitation facilities, and infrastructure in general, is urgently needed.
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.
World Health Assembly, day 3: WHO Director-General reappointed 24-05-2012
The Health Assembly yesterday appointed Dr Margaret Chan to a second five-year term as Director-General. In her acceptance speech to health ministers and representatives of WHO’s Member States, Dr Chan pledged continued commitment to improving the health of the most vulnerable.
World Health Assembly, day 2: resolution on noncommunicable diseases approved 24-05-2012
A resolution on strengthening noncommunicable disease policies to promote active ageing was approved by countries on the second day of WHO’s global annual meeting.
Italian Minister of Health visits WHO/Europe 15-05-2012
Professor Renato Balduzzi visited WHO/Europe on 7 May 2012 to discuss future collaboration on migration and health, the social determinants of health and other issues.
Health in the Veneto Region of Italy 19-04-2012
A new HiT (Health Systems in Transition) health system review for the Veneto Region has just been published and the publication explores the health system of this important region and some of the challenges (an ageing population, the incidence of chronic diseases, as well as the ever-present problem of keeping the regional health budget balanced) the administration currently faces.
94 cities now designated in Phase V of Healthy Cities 23-01-2012
Congratulations to the city of Venice, Italy. It has been designated in Phase V of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and will join other cities working toward the common goal of striving for health and healthy equity in all local policies.
WHO Rome office closes at the end of 2011 20-12-2011
The Rome office of the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health is due to close at the end of December 2011. WHO’s work on environment and health in Europe remains a priority and is being consolidated in Bonn, Germany and Copenhagen, Denmark. This will allow the WHO Regional Office for Europe to maintain and strengthen its technical capacities in this area for the benefit of the 53 Member States of the European Region.
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.
Migrant health: Italy signs agreement 17-05-2011
At the World Health Assembly on 16 May, Professor Ferruccio Fazio, Minister of Health of Italy, signed an agreement with Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, on a three year-project on the public health aspects of migration.
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.
Tackling antibiotic resistance from a food safety perspective in Europe 11-04-2011
“No action today, no cure tomorrow”: antibiotic resistance is also a food safety problem In 2011, 7 April - World Health Day - is dedicated to antibiotic resistance to raise awareness about the need for prudent use of such drugs. Among the events for the Day, WHO/Europe organized a seminar in Rome, Italy, on antibiotic resistance from a food safety perspective, where it launched a new publication on how to tackle this issue in the European Region. Over 70 people from Italian and international institutions and media attended the seminar and participated to a round table discussion. Major Italian media echoed the event.
Antibiotic resistance from a food safety perspective: WHO seminar in Rome, Italy, on 7 April 2011 05-04-2011
On 7 April 2011, World Health Day, WHO/Europe is organizing a seminar on antibiotic resistance from a food safety perspective, and launching a booklet titled “Tackling antibiotic resistance in a food safety perspective in Europe”.
Conclusions of the health mission in Lampedusa 31-03-2011
A two-day joint mission to the island of Lampedusa by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe was completed on 29 March 2011. It concluded that the public health situation in Lampedusa, where displaced people have arrived from northern Africa, is a cause for concern, although hitherto there have been no unusual infectious or other diseases detected among the newly arrived population.
Disaster preparedness mission to Lampedusa 28-03-2011
WHO/Europe has assessed the health situation on the small Italian island of Lampedusa, in preparation for the possible arrival of more displaced people owing to the crisis in northern Africa.
WHO/Europe and Italy discuss European health support for people affected by the crisis in north Africa 28-02-2011
The crisis is evolving quickly, and the Minister of Health for Italy, Professor Ferruccio Fazio, was in Copenhagen on Sunday, 27 February 2011 to discuss with the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, how WHO/Europe can work with Italy to address the public health challenges faced by people affected by, and fleeing from, the crisis in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.
83 cities now designated in Phase V of Healthy Cities 21-12-2010
Congratulations to the cities of Waterford in Ireland, and Bologna and Torino in Italy. They have been designated in Phase V of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and will join other cities working toward the common goal of striving for health and healthy equity in all local policies.