News

Small countries come together to move forward in the face of COVID-19 02-07-2021

Gathering virtually, the 7th high-level meeting of the Small Countries Initiative was an opportunity for countries to share experiences on how the pandemic has impacted them and discuss ways to move forward together.

12 researchers in WHO European Region awarded grants for research on TB and COVID-19 22-06-2021

12 research projects from the WHO European Region are being funded by the UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) following a call to identify and address barriers and bottlenecks to implementing tuberculosis-related services in the Region during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Coming together to identify health-workforce needs in small countries 18-11-2020

The WHO Small Countries Initiative has released 2 sets of micro case studies, illustrating the experiences of 11 small countries and 1 region in strengthening their health workforces in the areas of postgraduate training and monitoring and managing health workforce mobility.

Research project builds national capacities to evaluate alcohol control policies in Baltic states and beyond 12-11-2020

The WHO-supported international research project “Evaluation of the impact of alcohol control policies on morbidity and mortality in Lithuania and other Baltic states” is holding a series of capacity-building workshops. These workshops aim to establish a network of researchers and equip them with in-depth knowledge and practical skills to gather valuable data and statistics, and to identify and evaluate best practices for reducing alcohol-related harm across northern Europe and beyond.

Focusing on noncommunicable diseases to “build back better” 18-09-2020

The focus on accountability of this year’s Global Week for Action on NCDs (noncommunicable diseases) follows a United Nations-wide call from Secretary-General António Guterres “to use the recovery to build back better” – a call to take advantage of the opportunities that COVID-19 has presented us. This is highly relevant in the area of NCDs, where WHO has recently produced several resources that show that the European Region stands ready and willing to #ActOnNCDs with governments, donors and partners.

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.”

Measles and rubella elimination: verification process continues amid COVID-19 pandemic 13-08-2020

Public health systems and independent national verification committees in countries of the WHO European Region have shown continued commitment to measles and rubella elimination even with the COVID-19 pandemic creating an extraordinary burden on health systems.

New research grant will help to find best practices of tackling alcohol consumption in the Baltics 16-07-2020

A new international project "Evaluation of the impact of alcohol control policies on morbidity and mortality in Lithuania and other Baltic states" funded by the US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has been launched to investigate the effects of alcohol market regulations implemented in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The research backed by WHO/Europe is designed for a 5-year work plan that can ultimately benefit all countries of the European Region, identifying the best practices that can help lower alcohol consumption and associated health harms.

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 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.

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.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): European Region focusing on readiness 14-02-2020

In response to the detection of the COVID-19 virus in China in December 2019, countries in the WHO European Region have been activating national plans to ensure that health and other systems are not just prepared for but also ready to respond to importation of this new virus. This means that public health officials can rapidly respond to reports of suspect cases and identify contacts at high risk; hospitals have the necessary equipment and guidance to manage cases while protecting health-care staff and other patients from infection; and the public understands the level of risk posed by the virus and how to minimize it.

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.

Violence against children: tackling hidden abuse 13-01-2020

Each year, at least 55 million children experience some form of violence in the WHO European Region, including physical, sexual, emotional and psychological violence. Despite the magnitude of this figure, it is well established that incidents of interpersonal violence are widely underreported.

Time for integrated and people-centred services for HIV, TB and viral hepatitis 10-01-2020

The international medical journal, The Lancet, has published an article demonstrating the benefits of integrated and people-centred services in responding to the rise of HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and viral hepatitis in eastern European and central Asian countries of the WHO European Region.

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).

Small countries of the WHO European Region exchange ideas and experiences of equity, sustainable development 09-04-2019

A rich exchange of good practices and ideas for confronting health challenges took place at the Sixth High-level Meeting of Small Countries, hosted in San Marino on 31 March–1 April 2019. Under the theme “Equity and sustainable development – keeping people at the centre”, the 8 original members of the Small Countries Initiative (Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino) once again convened for robust dialogue on key health issues. They were joined for the first time by Estonia, Latvia and Slovenia.

Strengthening intersectoral work to tackle violence against children in the Baltic States 11-02-2019

WHO is supporting its Member States to strengthen intersectoral work to tackle violence against children through capacity-building initiatives. The latest in a series of such initiatives were two workshops focusing on the Baltic States. The workshops organized by WHO were held on 8 to 11 January 2019 in Vilnius, Lithuania and provided a platform for discussing experiences, strengths and challenges regarding evidence-based parenting programmes as effective measures to prevent child maltreatment.

Lancet: further action needed to realise full health potential of European children and adolescents 01-11-2018

A health policy article based on the WHO progress report “Situation of child and adolescent health in Europe” has been published in the Lancet today. The article assesses the situation in the WHO European Region by summarizing national gains and highlighting areas for further action.

World Health Day 2018 in the WHO European Region – making health about the people, for the people 09-05-2018

On World Health Day 2018, WHO called on all countries to make universal health coverage (UHC) a political priority, using available evidence and tools to determine their own path to health for all. This year’s World Health Day also marked the 70th anniversary of WHO, and the start of a 2-year campaign to raise awareness and advocate for action towards UHC.

On World Health Day, recommit to health for all 05-04-2018

Four personal stories from the WHO European Region illustrate how countries are making progress in different ways towards universal health coverage. On World Health Day, WHO calls on leaders in the Region to recommit to health for all through concerted action for universal health coverage.

Embracing eHealth in Latvia to move towards universal health coverage 30-03-2018

Dr Renāte Snipe works as Chief Physician at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital in Latvia’s capital, Riga. She was an avid supporter and early adopter of electronic health (eHealth) even before the Latvian Ministry of Health implemented its new national eHealth portal. On 1 January 2018, use of the eHealth portal by health-care professionals in Latvia became mandatory for the flagship ePrescription and eSickLeave services.

Baltic policy dialogue on improving quality of care and ensuring patient safety: strategies, regulation, monitoring and incentives 14-12-2017

At a Baltic policy dialogue held on 15–16 November 2017 for senior-level delegates from the 3 Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), including the health ministers of Lithuania and Latvia, representatives from all 3 health ministries met in Vilnius to exchange experiences in improving quality of care and ensuring patient safety.

The eHealth journey in Latvia 02-11-2017

In a journey that started over a decade ago, the Ministry of Health of Latvia demonstrated its commitment to achieving universal health coverage by creating a national programme of electronic health (eHealth). This has been a key element of ensuring that Latvian people receive the right care in the right place and at the right time.

Turning HBSC study data into action: advancing the fight against sugar in Latvia 09-08-2017

Manufacturers of sugary drinks tend to target their marketing at young people, and young people – particularly older boys – respond with enthusiasm. These drinks are low in nutrients and high in sugar: a single can (375 ml) usually contains 40 g of sugar. WHO recommends reducing the intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake, which for boys means no more than 75 g per day in total, and for girls means even less. The effects of high sugar intake on health can be seen in increasing rates of obesity, poor dental health and chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Subregional meeting looks at progress and sustainability of rotavirus surveillance in Europe 20-07-2017

Members of the Rotavirus Sentinel Surveillance Network in the WHO European Region met in Riga, Latvia, on 20–22 June 2017. The meeting, organized by WHO/Europe, provided hands-on training in surveillance data management and analysis. It gave all participants the opportunity to discuss national, regional and global progress in rotavirus sentinel surveillance, as well as the Network’s future priorities and sustainability.

Prevention of noncommunicable diseases in Latvia: focus on food product improvement and food reformulation 04-07-2017

On 31 May 2017, WHO conducted a workshop in Riga, Latvia, on strategies to reduce salt and other selected nutrients for food product improvement. It jointly organized the event with the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia, the Ministry of Health of Latvia and Riga Stradins University.

Prevention of NCDs in Latvia: a roadmap for physical activity and the launch of Latvian COSI report 04-07-2017

On 29–30 May 2017, WHO/Europe conducted a technical visit to Riga, Latvia, on the prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) with a specific focus on the promotion of physical activity. The visit also included the launch of the Latvian WHO Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) report.

Nordic and Baltic countries gather to discuss intersectoral action to prevent child maltreatment 07-06-2017

Policy-makers, professionals and activists from the Baltic and Nordic countries came together on 1–2 June 2017 for a workshop in Riga, Latvia, on strengthening intersectoral working to prevent child maltreatment. The workshop, a joint venture of WHO/Europe, the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Government of Latvia, focused on intersectoral collaboration involving the health, welfare, education and justice sectors. A total of 100 participants from these sectors, representing 14 countries, took part in the workshop. Participants were presented with good practices and evidence-based experience about what works for prevention and how this can be implemented at the country level.

Championing hand hygiene in Latvia 04-05-2017

Meet Agita Melbarde-Kelmere, an infection control nurse at Latvia’s Eastern University Hospital and a champion for hand hygiene in primary care clinics and hospitals across the country.

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.

Measuring primary health care performance: what’s new? 20-04-2017

In their pursuing to meet global commitments, countries of the WHO European Region are renewing their commitment to primary health care (PHC) as a means of improving responsiveness and bringing cost-effective health services closer to individuals, their families and communities.

Policy dialogue proposed during visit of Minister of Health of Latvia to WHO/Europe 07-04-2017

Dr Anda Čakša, Minister of Health of Latvia, met Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, on 6 April 2017. Discussions covered the implementation of Health 2020 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the need to address the social determinants of health as well as communicable and noncommunicable diseases.

Strengthening primary care in the Baltic countries 11-11-2016

Member States in the WHO European Region and around the world are challenged with managing the growing double burden of disease, longer life expectancies, and persistent but also re-emerging communicable diseases.

Cities as entry points in prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) 10-10-2016

With NCDs accounting for more than 80% of the total deaths in the Baltic Sea Region, the successful experiences of tackling NCDs in three cities of the region provided valuable learning at the 19th European Health Forum Gastein on Wednesday, 28 September 2016.

Prime Minister of Latvia expresses support to increase public financing for health 03-10-2016

Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis of Latvia acknowledged the need to increase public funding on health in the country at a high-level conference held in Riga on 21 September.  At the same event, Dr Anda Čakša, Minister of Health described her plans to achieve 12% of government budget allocation to health by 2018 following recommendations by WHO experts.

New course builds “soft skills” for greater health equity and well-being in policy 01-07-2016

On 8–10 June 2016, WHO/Europe held the first "flagship" course on Equity in Health in All Policies (eHiAP). The course is designed to build capacity in the "soft skills" needed to bridge policies and sectors to ensure greater health equity and well-being. The soft skills required for policy implementation are agenda-setting, stakeholder analysis and negotiating with a wide range of policy-makers. The participants included individuals from the Nordic and Baltic countries who work at national, regional and local levels to shape and implement policies to improve health outcomes.

New report calls for improved maternal nutrition to decrease children’s long-term risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and obesity 29-06-2016

The nutritional well-being of pregnant women affects not only their health and their fetuses' development but also children's long-term risk of developing NCDs or obesity, according to WHO/Europe's new report, "Good maternal nutrition. The best start in life".

Education of health workers on vaccine safety and contraindications against vaccination in 7 countries 16-06-2016

WHO/Europe conducted a training of trainers on vaccine safety and contraindications against vaccination on 24–26 May 2016 for national immunization programme managers and leading clinicians from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Estonia, Georgia, Latvia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

WHO conducts infectious substances shipping training for national influenza centres from 19 countries 15-06-2016

24 specialists from 19 countries achieved certification after attending WHO's infectious substances shippers training (ISST) in Tbilisi, Georgia on 2–4 May 2016.

Intersectoral meetings on violence prevention in Latvia 26-05-2016

On 19–20 May 2016, Latvia hosted 2 days of intersectoral meetings with WHO to discuss violence and injury prevention, including a capacity-building workshop.

New initiatives for children’s health showcased in Latvia on World Health Day 29-04-2016

To mark World Health Day 2016, the Ministry of Health of Latvia and the WHO Country Office organized a joint press conference, held on the Ministry premises and with participation from the Minister of Health, Dr Guntis Belevics.

Informing policy for young people’s health 15-03-2016

The WHO Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study has influenced policy and legislation across the WHO European Region for over 30 years. The latest update of the study, based on a survey of over 200 000 young people in 42 countries, has been published.

Latvia one of the first countries in the European Region to ratify the protocol on illicit trade 30-11-2015

The Latvian Parliament ratified the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products on 12 November 2015, and the Latvian President announced the new law.

Minister of Health of Latvia signs agreement with WHO/Europe 30-11-2015

Dr Guntis Belevics, Minister of Health of Latvia, and Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, signed a biennial collaborative agreement for 2016–2017 to continue Latvia's collaboration with WHO in line with the country's needs.

Better prepared for health emergencies in Central Europe 08-07-2015

50 health sector officials from 10 central European countries convened for a workshop on risk communications in Chișinău, Republic of Moldova, during the first week of July 2015.

Training municipality workers from Latvia in child injury and maltreatment prevention 28-05-2015

A workshop to strengthen capacity in child injury and maltreatment prevention took place on 18–19 May 2015 in Riga, Latvia.

World Health Day 2015: countries across Europe promote food safety 20-05-2015

World Health Day 2015 was an opportunity to recognize the important food safety role of all involved in food production, and to strengthen collaboration and coordination between these different areas to prevent, detect and respond to foodborne diseases.

Riga Declaration paves the way to ending TB in the European Region 07-04-2015

In her keynote speech at the 1st Eastern Partnership Ministerial Conference on Tuberculosis and Its Multi-Drug Resistance, held on 30–31 March in Riga, Latvia, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, declared: "Europe is in a position to lead prevention, care and the innovation of new tools in the fight against TB, and to pave the way for TB elimination. It is only through regional collaboration and cooperation that we can achieve this goal, so that our children will live in a world free of TB."

Latvia joins European countries with perinatal audit 11-02-2015

Health of a newborn child is the top priority for parents and the family, however, the birth of a baby  does not always bring joy and happiness. Perinatal mortality in the WHO European Region has decreased by half from 1990 to 2012, but there are still huge differences between countries.

Smoking in the presence of a child is regarded as a physical violence, says new law in Latvia 19-01-2015

Revised tobacco control law to protect citizens from tobacco smoke came into force in the end of 2014 in Latvia clearly establishing citizens’ rights to be protected from tobacco smoke. 

Minister of Health of Latvia visits WHO/Europe 09-01-2015

Mr Guntis Belēvičs, the new Latvian Minister of Health, visited WHO/Europe on 7 January 2015. 

Working together for health and health equity goals 03-12-2014

On 27-28 November 2014, representatives from 8 countries in the WHO European Region met in Tashkent, Uzbekistan to share their policy experiences and the key lessons learned from the design and implementation of cross sectoral approaches to improve health and well-being.  The meeting’s format provided a platform to discuss health policy developments that recognize the Health 2020 strategic objectives of reducing inequalities and better governance, using social determinants and equity perspectives.

Stakeholders raise awareness on World Mental Health Day in Latvia 21-10-2014

A press conference to mark World Health Day on 10 October 2014 in Riga, Latvia, attracted broad national media attention, providing an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and inform the public about ongoing initiatives in this area.

Jurmala leads Healthy City movement in Latvia 03-10-2014

Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative (SORT IT) in eastern Europe and central Asia 11-07-2014

In line with The Consolidated Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Multidrug- and Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in the WHO European Region, 2011–2015, WHO/Europe together with TDR has been leading the Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative (SORT IT) in eastern Europe and Central Asia in collaboration with MSF, Union, KNCV and CDC. The project aims to build the capacity of TB programmes to perform operational research in order to inform policy and practice and improve TB control. This training course comprises three workshops, inter-workshop mentorship and support by international experts, and an operational research project led by the participant. 

13 cities designated to WHO European Health Cities Network Phase VI (2014-2018) 26-06-2014

13 cities designated to WHO European Health Cities Network Phase VI (2014-2018)

Riga becomes a WHO European healthy city 23-06-2014

On 6 June 2014, Riga, the capital and largest city of Latvia, joined the WHO European Healthy Cities Network. The WHO Country Office, Latvia delivered the membership certificate on behalf of WHO Regional Director for Europe Zsuzsanna Jakab during a conference on the city’s achievements in promoting healthy lifestyles. Riga is the largest city in the Baltic region, and has about 700 000 inhabitants: almost half of Latvia’s population.

Harnessing the potential of cross-border care in the Baltic states and Finland 11-02-2014

Senior decision-makers in the health sectors of Estonia, Finland, Latvia and Lithuania gathered in Tallinn, Estonia on 28–29 November 2013 to discuss a policy framework for cross-border care and health professional mobility.

Latvia joins other countries in improving maternal care through analysis of "near–miss" cases 08-11-2013

To improve the quality of care during pregnancy and childbirth, health professionals in Latvia have begun this year reviewing "near-miss" cases of women who survived severe complications during childbirth. This review is part of the "Beyond the numbers" (BTN) approach to analysing maternal mortality and morbidity introduced by WHO in the European Region in 2004.

This is hepatitis. … Know it. Confront it 30-09-2013

Countries across the WHO European Region highlighted the threat from this silent epidemic on World Hepatitis Day, 28 July 2013. The group of infectious diseases known as hepatitis A, B, C, D and E affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and kills close to 1.4 million each year.

Tuberculosis in Latvia: newly published mission report 20-08-2013

ECDC and WHO/Europe conducted a joint country visit on 22-26 October 2012, and the report is now published.

Latvia reviews progress in improving maternal health 11-04-2013

Latvia’s stakeholders inspired by Health 2020 03-04-2013

It is time to break the vicious circle, in which people are “sick because they are poor and poor because they are sick,” said Mr Valdis Dombrovskis, Prime Minister of Latvia, in his opening address to the high-level, cross-sectoral Conference “Health for Growth”, held in Riga last week.

Baltic policy dialogue explores hospital-sector reform 15-01-2013

Senior representatives of the health ministries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania recently took part in the 9th Baltic policy dialogue, focusing on hospital financing and governance as ways to support the rationalization of hospital care and improvement of performance.

Latvia steps up efforts to increase cancer screening and influenza vaccination coverage 03-12-2012

 A public awareness campaign and stakeholder meetings have been organized in recent months in Latvia focused on increasing coverage rates for cancer screening to ensure early detection and influenza vaccination among higher risk groups. 

Joint WHO/ECDC country visit to Latvia 20-11-2012

WHO/Europe together with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) visited Latvia on 22–26 October 2012 to assess the performance of the National TB Programme.

Depression in Europe 10-10-2012

Depression is treatable, but about 50% of major depressions still go untreated. WHO encourages people who think they may be suffering from depression to seek advice, and reminds doctors to remain vigilant for symptoms. 10 October is World Mental Health Day.

Latvian Minister of Health discusses policy at WHO Barcelona Office for Health System Strengthening 15-06-2012

A delegation led by Dr Ingrida Circene, Minister of Health, Latvia visited the WHO Barcelona Office for Health Systems Strengthening on 4-5 June 2012.

Experts meet to discuss safe abortion care 01-06-2012

Unintended pregnancy should be rare, and abortion safe and accessible, said Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, at an international meeting in Latvia on 30–31 May 2012.

Nordic Baltic subregional workshop on violence prevention and alcohol related harm 31-05-2012

There were 25 participants, consisting of focal persons and experts from the 9 Nordic Baltic countries at the subregional workshop on violence prevention and alcohol related harm which was held on 9-10 May 2012, in Riga, Latvia.

Policy dialogue on preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACE) in Latvia and other Nordic Baltic countries 31-05-2012

The first policy dialogue on preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACE) in Latvia and other Nordic Baltic countries was held in Riga, Latvia on 9 May 2012.

Latvia hosts conferences on healthy ageing to mark World Health Day 2012 24-04-2012

In celebration of World Health Day 2012 and its theme: "Good health adds life to years", two conferences were held in Latvia to discuss ways to promote healthy ageing. The first took place at Riga City Hall on 12 April and the second was hosted by the Parliament of Latvia on 13 April.

Environment and health training workshop in Latvia 27-03-2012

Seventy participants from the health and environment sectors of eight countries (Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia) attended a training workshop on environment and health in Riga, Latvia, from 19 to 23 March 2012.

Latvia moving ahead in saving maternal lives 13-03-2012

On 6–9 March, a national workshop on Beyond the Numbers (BTN) was held in Riga, Latvia, to discuss and adopt new ways to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity in the country.

Minister of Health of Latvia signs agreement with WHO/Europe 31-01-2012

On 25 January 2012, Dr Ingrida Circene, Minister of Health, Latvia met with Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe and signed the Biennial Collaborative Agreement setting out areas of joint work between the Ministry and WHO/Europe for 2012–2013.

Latvia launches new public health strategy 26-04-2011

Latvia has launched a new public health strategy for 2011–2017 in partnership with WHO/Europe. The strategy was launched and discussed at a Better Health for All in Latvia conference in Riga this week.

Latvian Minister of Health visits WHO/Europe 25-02-2011

On 24 February 2011, Juris Barzdins, Minister of Health of Latvia, visited WHO/Europe to discuss collaboration with WHO, including WHO/Europe’s contribution to the development of the Latvian public health strategy.

13th KNCV/WHO Regional Training on Tuberculosis Control Programme Management: applications welcome 21-02-2011

The KNCV/WHO Regional Training on Tuberculosis Control Programme Management aims at improving management skills and providing trainees with ample opportunities to reflect on and plan for the challenges they are facing. Applications are welcome until 15 June 2011.

WHO/Europe contributes to health budget discussions in Latvia 01-09-2010

WHO experts contributed to discussions 08 September 2010 at the Latvian parliament on the development of a public health strategy and the health budget.

Latvian Minister of Health visits WHO/Europe to discuss health priorities 16-07-2010

The new Minister of Health of Latvia, Mr Didzis Gavars, and the State Secretary, Mr Rinalds Muciņš, held discussions with the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, and key WHO experts about the collaboration between WHO and Latvia.

Workshop on TEACH-VIP, Riga, 27–28 April, 2010 18-05-2010

A modular training course on injury prevention and control, developed with the input of a global network of injury experts, and applicable for a wide variety of audiences was held on 27-28 April 2010 in Riga.

Meeting of national stakeholders and primary health care providers on lessons learned in the area of cervical cancer prevention in Latvia and Europe, Riga, 15–16 April 2010 17-04-2010

Meeting of national stakeholders and primary health care providers

World Health Day, 7 April 2010 08-04-2010

World Health Day celebrations in Latvia