News

Opportunity for improvement as new WHO report sheds light on promotion of unsuitable baby foods in Poland 06-04-2021
Inappropriate promotion of commercial baby foods can undermine parents’ confidence in home-produced foods and breastfeeding, as well as encourage dietary habits that may lead to obesity and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
Avian influenza A(H5N8) infects humans in Russian Federation 02-03-2021
Russian authorities have reported 7 poultry farm workers aged 29 to 60 years infected with the A(H5N8) strain of avian influenza, also known as bird flu. This is the first reported detection of this strain of avian influenza in humans. The human infections occurred on a poultry farm in Astrakhan, Russian Federation, and were reported to WHO by Russian health officials via channels of the International Health Regulations (2005).
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.
WHO provides guidance to Poland’s police force as it tests itself for COVID-19 29-10-2020
“The work of the police can never be interrupted, not even during a pandemic,” stresses Ms Magdalena Spólnicka, who leads the Biology Department at the Central Forensic Police Laboratory (CFLP) in Warsaw, Poland.
Personal story: Polish doctor recovers from severe COVID-19 through rehabilitation 13-07-2020
Anyone can catch COVID-19; however, health professionals are especially vulnerable as they have greater exposure to the virus when treating patients. Sadly, after contracting COVID-19, many have found themselves on the receiving end of the care they usually deliver, often in their own hospitals being cared for by their colleagues.
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.
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.
Polish medics bring Italian COVID-19 experience to Kyrgyzstan with WHO support 13-05-2020
A team of medics from Poland went to Kyrgyzstan to share their experience from virus-hit Italy and transfer knowledge and skills to their peers. This support was part of the Emergency Medical Team initiative coordinated by WHO and was organized as a fast track to improving the care of COVID-19 patients in Kyrgyzstan.
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.
Poland can strengthen financial protection by exempting poor people from copayments for medicines 12-02-2020
New analysis from WHO shows that the incidence of catastrophic health spending is high in Poland compared to many other European Union (EU) countries. It is heavily concentrated among the poorest households, and largely driven by out-of-pocket payments for outpatient medicines.
Alcohol reduction, human resources for health and drug policy on the agenda as Dr Östlin meets Czech Prime Minister and V4 health ministers 18-11-2019
Dr Piroska Östlin, WHO/Europe’s Regional Director ad interim, met with the Prime Minister of Czechia, Andrej Babiš, and Minister of Health, Adam Vojtěch in Prague to discuss cooperation on policies to reduce harmful use of alcohol. During the visit, Dr Östlin also attended the ministerial meeting of the Visegrad Four (V4) countries, discussing human resources for health, drug policy and future cooperation.
New review of Poland’s health system indicates positive changes in the face of certain persistent problems 11-07-2019
The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies has released a new review of the Polish health system as part of its Health Systems in Transition (HiT) series. The launch took place in Warsaw on 12 June 2019 during the 7th Congress Health Summit, hosted by the National Institute of Public Health–National Institute of Hygiene (NIZP–PZH).
The influenza season is over … for now 08-07-2019
The 2018–2019 influenza season in Europe has finally drawn to a close, having begun in late November and peaked between late January and early February. The season was characterized by a dominance of influenza A viruses, with detection of both influenza A virus subtypes – A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) – and very few influenza B viruses.
Fast track to strong primary health care 14-05-2019
Universal health coverage – the ideal that all people can access health services where and when they need them, without financial hardship, is a WHO priority.
Poland working towards promoting evidence-informed health policy 29-04-2019
Poland demonstrated its commitment to establishing inclusive mechanisms for evidence-informed policy by holding its first high-level multistakeholder consultation on evidence-informed policy on 15 February 2019 in Warsaw, Poland. The consultation was convened as part of the Evidence-informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe programme to support evidence-informed policy making in Member States.
V4 countries meet to strengthen collaboration on fighting TB 28-02-2019
WHO representatives and delegations from the Visegrad Four (V4) countries gathered in High Tatras, Slovakia, on 20–21 February 2019 for an expert meeting on health with a specific focus on fighting tuberculosis (TB).
Keep antibiotics working – limit their use this flu season 05-02-2019
Antibiotics cannot cure infections caused by viruses. This fact is well known to clinicians, and in recent years it has become more widely known among the general public. Despite this growing awareness, every year the influenza season leads to increased use of antibiotics.
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.
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.
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.
Poland: New report demonstrates how investing in health contributes to 2030 Agenda 19-03-2018
A new report demonstrating how investing in health in Poland will contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was presented during a meeting co-organized by WHO, the Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene. The report, to be released in its final version later this year, provides concrete evidence to advocate for investments in health and highlights the costs of ill health to the country.
WHO collaborating centre strengthens laboratory capacity of national influenza centres in the WHO European Region 03-01-2018
Virologists from national influenza centres (NICs) in Warsaw (Poland), Bucharest (Romania), St Petersburg (Russian Federation) and Geneva (Switzerland) attended customized training courses at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza at the Francis Crick Institute in London, United Kingdom.
Member countries of EVIPNet Europe report on achievements and demonstrate impact of promoting evidence-informed policy-making 12-12-2017
During a workshop organized on the occasion of the 10th European Public Health Conference, 5 member countries of the Evidence-informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe – Estonia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Poland and the Republic of Moldova – presented their activities and achievements in promoting evidence-informed policy-making. The Conference took place on 1–4 November 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden.
Survey of adverse childhood experiences debated by Poland’s National Public Health Council 30-10-2017
Results of a survey of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) in Poland were presented during a meeting of the National Public Health Council in Warsaw on 10 October 2017. The meeting convened by the Ministry of Health and WHO was opened by Dr Zbigniew Krol, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Health, who welcomed over 30 experts from different disciplines in attendance.
Effective policies for reducing childhood obesity in Poland 10-10-2017
To facilitate the development of an integrated action plan to reduce childhood obesity, the WHO report Reducing childhood obesity in Poland by effective policies, was developed. It outlines possible policy actions to create an environment that encourages a shift towards a healthy diet and physical activity.
European collaborating centres on tobacco control meet in Poland 26-09-2017
WHO collaborating centres on tobacco control based in Europe gathered in Warsaw, Poland, on 21–22 September 2017. They planned how to work together on tobacco control for the next 2 years, and how to streamline their work with that of WHO/Europe.
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.
Launch of reports on tobacco control 21-09-2017
WHO/Europe published a report looking at the latest data and information on tobacco use and the implementation of tobacco control in the WHO European Region. The report, entitled “Taking stock: tobacco control in the WHO European Region in 2017”, was launched during an event in Warsaw, Poland, on 19 September 2017.
WHO supports Poland in fighting childhood obesity 21-06-2017
Overweight roughly affects one fifth of Polish girls and almost one third of boys. Childhood obesity is a matter of health concern in itself, being a risk factor for a number of adverse physical and psychosocial health outcomes in childhood and along the life-course. It will increase the demand for paediatric treatment of a series of ill-health conditions, and will almost certainly lead to a rise in adult obesity rates.
World Health Assembly Day 8: progress on addressing noncommunicable diseases in focus 31-05-2017
Delegates endorsed an updated set of policy options and interventions to help countries meet global targets to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). It places a particular focus on measures to reduce people’s exposure to factors that increase the risk of developing NCDs. These include taxing tobacco and sugar-sweetened beverages, banning tobacco advertising and reformulating food products to reduce salt content.
World Health Assembly Day 2: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus elected new Director-General 24-05-2017
On 23 May 2017, the Member States of WHO elected Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as the new Director-General of WHO.
Optimizing the role of general practitioners to improve primary health care in Poland 18-05-2017
Primary health care plays a fundamental role in Poland’s health system, as the entry point where patients access the system. Although primary health care services require an integrated team of practitioners to deliver a broad range of services, in Poland, primary health care physicians bear most of the responsibility for assuring quality and effectiveness of care. On 27 April 2017, a policy dialogue – the first of its kind in Poland – took place to deliberate the findings of an evidence brief, a synthesis of the best available global and local evidence on the role of general practitioners in the Polish primary health care system.
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.
World Antibiotic Awareness Week 2016 in Poland 05-01-2017
For the second time Poland has actively marked World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW), held this year on 14–20 November 2016. WAAW is a WHO initiative, adopted at the Sixty-eighth World Health Assembly in 2015. Its main aim is to emphasize the seriousness of the threat to public health posed by antibiotic resistance.
National Healthy Cities Network conference held in Poland 05-01-2017
The 25th national conference of the Polish Healthy Cities Network, held in Torun on 5–7 October 2016, gathered together representatives of the Network, the Ministry of Health and local government.
Influenza A(H5N8) virus detected in birds in several countries in the WHO European Region 24-11-2016
Since June 2016, several countries in the WHO European Region have reported infections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N8) in wild birds and/or domestic poultry, including Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Israel, the Netherlands, Poland, the Russian Federation and Switzerland.
Teaching patient safety is key to achieving safe, people-centred health systems 24-11-2016
The Polish Ministry of Health and the WHO Country Office, together with the National Centre for Quality Assessment in Health Care and the Association of Medical Insurance, launched a patient safety curriculum in Poland. Full-day sessions on the extensive programme took place at the Ministry of Health in Warsaw on 24–25 October 2016, providing training to representatives of 14 medical universities. These representatives were recruited from across the country and included doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives and pharmacologists.
World Youth Day 2016 04-08-2016
World Youth Day 2016 (WYD 2016), a triennial celebration of the Catholic youth, took place in Poland on 23–31 July and ended on Sunday with a closing mass by Pope Francis.
Minister of Health of Poland presents National Health Programme during visit to WHO/Europe 07-07-2016
Dr Konstanty Radziwiłł, Minister of Health of Poland, visited the WHO Regional Office for Europe for the first time on 4 July 2016 to meet senior staff and discuss further cooperation.
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.
Stakeholders meet to discuss adverse childhood experiences survey in Warsaw, Poland 07-06-2016
On 31 May 2016, 33 stakeholders from different sectors attended a meeting organized by WHO and the Ministry of Health to discuss implementation of a survey of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in university students in Poland.
Poland highlights diabetes epidemic on World Health Day 2016 11-05-2016
On World Health Day 2016, the WHO Country Office joined with the Ministry of Health of Poland and the Independent Public Children's Clinical Hospital in Warsaw to hold a briefing on diabetes.
Poland unites to end tuberculosis (TB) 15-04-2016
On 24 March 2016, Poland celebrated World TB Day with a conference reporting the country's progress in the last 10 years, including an almost 30% decline in the TB incidence rate to 17.4 per 100 000 population.
National conference presents new HBSC report in Poland 01-04-2016
The Polish Ministry of Health, the Institute of Mother and Child, and the WHO Country Office in Poland organized on 15 March 2016 a national conference presenting the new HBSC report "Growing up unequal: gender and socioeconomic differences in young people's health and well-being".
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.
Country workshop in Poland on policies to restrict the marketing of food and non-alcoholic beverages to children 27-01-2016
WHO/Europe facilitated a workshop on restricting food marketing to children on 23–25 November 2015 in Warsaw, Poland.
First patients for patient safety workshop in Poland 17-12-2015
Building on the success of previous patients for patient safety (PFPS) workshops held around the world, the first PFPS workshop took place in Warsaw, Poland on 3–4 December 2015.
Social determinants of health – Learning from experience 15-12-2015
Addressing social determinants of health is a key area of collaboration between WHO and the Polish Ministry of Health. As part of an exchange of learning on different country approaches to tackle health inequities, a working visit was organized for representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Polish Academy of Sciences and public health institutes.
Prenatal and maternal health improves significantly in Poland 11-08-2015
20 years ago, as a response to a nationwide campaign of Fundacja Rodzić po Ludzku (Childbirth with Dignity Foundation) entitled "Childbirth with Dignity", Polish women began advocating for respectful maternal care.
Strengthening breastfeeding in Poland: “Breastfeeding – Just do it” 17-07-2015
The WHO Country Office, Poland together with the Polish Ministry of Health organized a national conference promoting breastfeeding "Breastfeeding – Just do it" on 28–29 May 2015 in Warsaw.
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.
Consultation on the European validation of the minimal information model for patient safety incident reporting and learning 18-06-2015
Hosted by the Polish Ministry of Health, the international expert consultation on the European validation of the minimal information model for patient safety incident reporting and learning (MIMPS) was held on 12–13 May in Warsaw, Poland.
Piperska Group workshop to help promote the rational prescribing of medicines in Europe 10-06-2015
A 3-day workshop on the managed introduction of new medicines was held on 11–13 May 2015 in Warsaw, Poland.
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.
Top chef endorses food safety: World Health Day 2015 in Poland 23-04-2015
World Health Day 2015 in Poland was an opportunity to alert people working in different government sectors, farmers, manufacturers, retailers, health practitioners – as well as consumers – about the importance of food safety, and the part they play in ensuring that the food on their plate is safe to eat.
Poland considers policy options to promote healthy diets 27-01-2015
A conference on fiscal policy related to food rich in sugar, salt and fat was organized on 11 December 2014 in Warsaw, Poland by the Intersectoral Coordination Committee for National Health Programme and the Board for Diet, Physical Activity and Health. The aim was to present options and experiences from other countries and to consider the possibility of introducing such policy in Poland.
Health 2020 policy framework guides development of Poland’s future National Health Programme 19-12-2014
Conference on healthy ageing in Poland 10-12-2014
A conference entitled “Ageing society – untapped potential?” on 25 and 26 November 2014 in Warsaw, Poland brought together experts from various fields to exchange knowledge and experience on the opportunities and challenges of an ageing population.
Advocating health: Polish journalists visit WHO/Europe 30-09-2014
“We always try to get information from the best sources,” explained Agnieszka Zamencka, a journalist from the Kwadryga publishing house, who organized a visit to WHO/Europe by over 80 Polish journalists from the Journalists for Health Association on 29 September 2014.
Specialist training for virologists 07-07-2014
Virologists from National Influenza Centres (NICs) in Poland, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine took part in a specialist training during the 2013 to 2014 influenza season. The two to three week courses were tailored to the specific needs of these NICs and covered different aspects of the laboratory diagnosis and virological surveillance of influenza.
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)
Blood donation low among young people 25-06-2014
Over 70% of people aged 18–24 years in the WHO European Region have never given blood; the corresponding figure for the biggest donor group (those aged 40–54) is 54%. Magda, a 17-year-old student from Poland, organized an event on World Blood Donor Day to raise awareness at her high school.
Celebration of European Immunization Week 2014 in Poland 03-06-2014
Celebration of European Immunization Week (EIW) 2014 in Poland included a national conference on immunization and the launch of a vaccination calendar booklet to help parents stay up to date with their children’s vaccinations.
Childhood obesity and tuberculosis on agenda on first day of World Health Assembly 21-05-2014
The Sixty-seventh World Health Assembly, WHO’s annual global meeting of ministers and senior health officials, opened on 19 May 2014.
World TB Day 2014 celebrated in Poland 07-05-2014
To raise awareness about tuberculosis, 2 events were organized in Poland on the occasion of World TB Day 2014. The National Research Institute for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases under the auspices of Chief Sanitary Inspectorate organized a press conference on 19 March to address the current status of TB in the country. The Polish Society of Lung Disease organized a conference on 21 March, highlighting that TB is both a social and a health problem.
Majority of adults in Poland support smoke-free public places 29-01-2014
In January 2014, Poland released its results from a tobacco survey conducted during November 2013, surveying adults 15 years and older.
Healthcare officials trained in improving hand hygiene in Poland 27-01-2014
A one-day introduction to hand hygiene improvement based on the WHO Five Moments Approach took place in the WHO Country Office, Poland on 14 January 2014.
Poland hosts multicounty workshop on patient safety 30-10-2013
Participants from the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia shared experiences in patient safety reporting, learning processes and networks at a multicounty workshop held on 23–24 September 2013 in Krakow, Poland.
Moldovan health care benefits from Poland’s experience in nursing education 24-09-2013
A group of key health care stakeholders from the Republic of Moldova visited Poland, on 19-23 August 2013, to learn from Poland’s experience in the medical education of nurses.
Steady progress towards a tobacco-free Poland 11-06-2013
A half day event focusing on achieving a tobacco-free Poland was organized by the Polish Ministry of Health on 29 May 2013, in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day. The event brought together officals of the Ministry of Health with the WHO Country Office, Poland and a national anti-tobacco nongovernmental organization (NGO) called “Polska bez Dymu” (Smoke Free Poland).
Regional Director introduces Health 2020 during visit to Poland 06-06-2013
On 3 June 2013, Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, met ministers, members of parliament, members of the Polish Academy of Sciences, public health experts and journalists to present WHO findings and recommendations on how to improve health in Poland.
Over 10 million people affected by hypertension in Poland 31-05-2013
Hypertension affects more than 10 million people in Poland. Due to the growing epidemic of obesity and an ageing population, this number will increase to 15 million in 2035, according to Dr Krzysztof Chlebus, Undersecretary of State in the Polish Ministry of Health.
Poland takes action to bolster disability rights 30-05-2013
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), launched in Poland on 9 May 2013, is a crucial component of the tool for monitoring the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was signed and ratified by Poland in 2012.
World Health Assembly, day 2: General Programme of Work for next 6 years approved 23-05-2013
The World Health Assembly approved a resolution on the General Programme of Work and changes to the financial regulations and rules on 21 May 2013.
Launch of the European health report 2012 in Poland 19-03-2013
Together with the Polish Ministry of Health, WHO/Europe launched the "European health report 2012: Charting the way to well-being” on 14 March 2013 at a conference in Warsaw, Poland.
New WHO report promotes workplace health in Poland 12-02-2013
A new WHO report "Situation analysis and recommendations for stewardship on workplace health promotion in Poland" provides evidence-based policy options to position workplace health promotion (WHP) as an integral part of the health system in Poland.
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health now available in Polish 14-12-2012
On 11 December 2012 Poland celebrated International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Activities organized on that day included launching of the Polish version of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). ICF is a classification of health and health-related domains and it is a framework for measuring health and disability at both individual and population levels.
Progress in addressing health inequalities in Poland 04-12-2012
A new report on recent achievements and ongoing challenges in tackling health inequalities in Poland was launched in Warsaw on 26 November 2012 by the WHO Country Office in Poland together with the Ministry of Health.
High-level delegation from Poland visits WHO/Europe 29-11-2012
Ministry of Health officials Dr Krzysztof Chlebus and Mr Wojciech Gwiazda met senior management at WHO/Europe on 23 November 2012 to discuss Poland’s governance role in WHO and current public health and health systems issues.
World No Tobacco Day conference addresses tobacco industry interference in Poland 20-06-2012
A conference dedicated to World No Tobacco Day was held on 30 May 2012 in Warsaw, Poland. The aim of the conference was to discuss this year's theme of tobacco industry interference in public health policy making with various national stakeholders. Participants shared experiences and suggestions various ways to move forward with a more systematic and stronger approach to counteract industry interference.
Poland collaborates with WHO to protect public health and safety during EURO 2012 12-06-2012
The 2012 UEFA European Football Championship (EURO 2012), jointly hosted by Poland and Ukraine, kicked off in Warsaw on 8 June and will continue until 1 July. WHO/Europe has been actively assisting Poland in strengthening its health systems' preparedness and response for this mass-gathering event.
'WHO Family' meeting in Poland 16-05-2012
On the occasion of World Health Day a special event for WHO staff was held in the Country Office for Poland. On 20 April 2012, numerous former and current WHO co-workers gathered at the Office to share experiences and memories as well as discuss new developments in the Organization's work.
Health planning for large public events 09-05-2012
With thousands of people from many countries attending the UEFA European Football Championship (EURO 2012) and the Summer Olympics, WHO and its partners have developed health advice for these visitors, and support national authorities preparing for mass gatherings. Read more …
New HiT health system review on Poland is published 20-04-2012
The new HiT (Health Systems in Transition) health system review for Poland has just been released. Extensive reform efforts have taken place in Poland since the start of political and economic transformation in 1989, including the first systemic changes in the health sector.
Celebration of World Health Day 2012 in Poland 19-04-2012
With the slogan “Good health adds life to years”, World Health Day 2012 focused on issues related to ageing and health. Activities to mark World Health Day in Poland included two press conferences organized by the Ministry of Health and the Voivodship Sanitary and Epidemiological Station in Warsaw in collaboration with the WHO Country Office.
Symposium highlights challenges and achievements in combating tuberculosis in Poland 04-04-2012
In celebration of World TB Day, a two-day symposium was held in Warsaw on 23 and 24 March 2012. In line with this year’s theme, “Stop TB in my lifetime”, the symposium focused on the need to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) in Poland and throughout the world. Special attention was paid to prisoners and foreigners, two of the most high-risk groups in the country.
WHO/Europe strengthens national capacity in emergency preparedness 05-03-2012
Participants from eight countries in the WHO European Region took part in a workshop to train trainers to establish and develop national programmes to build capacity for risk reduction and the management of public health emergencies.
2012 UEFA European Football Championship: health advice 24-02-2012
The Championship is taking place in Poland and Ukraine from 8 June to 1 July 2012. With national authorities and partners, WHO/Europe has published a leaflet on the health steps to take before travelling, and key health information to remember when in the host countries.
Poland launches report on the economics of tobacco and tobacco taxation 16-02-2012
A new report on The Economics of Tobacco and Tobacco Taxation in Poland was launched on 8 February 2012 in Warsaw, Poland, at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting and press conference organized by the WHO Country Office in Poland.
WHO supports public health preparedness for EURO 2012 in Poland and Ukraine 20-10-2011
WHO/Europe is working closely with health authorities in Poland and Ukraine, co-hosts of the 14th Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) European Football Championship (EURO 2012), to strengthen their readiness for this mass gathering.
No tobacco at EURO 2012 20-10-2011
The 14th Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) European Football Championship (EURO 2012) will be totally tobacco free. UEFA’s decision to ban tobacco from the world’s third largest sporting event sends a strong message to football fans everywhere, reaffirming the link between football and good health.
Chief nursing officers renew collaboration with WHO/Europe at European meeting 13-10-2011
A meeting of the Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) of all Member States of the WHO European Region was held in Warsaw, Poland, immediately following the European Chief Medical Officers’ Meeting, on 7-8 October 2011.
Shift to engaging citizens and patients in health services needed 12-10-2011
Speaking at the European Chief Medical Officers’ Meeting, held in Warsaw, Poland on 6–7 October 2011, Professor José Maria Martin-Moreno, Director, Programme Management at WHO/Europe, called for a shift from top-down control over public health to engaging citizens and patients in health services, because of the importance of behavioural risk factors in causing noncommunicable diseases.
Poland to host meeting of Chief Nursing Officers 04-10-2011
This week, on 7-8 October 2011, a meeting of the Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) of all Member States of the WHO European Region will be held in Warsaw, Poland.
Polish Ministry of Health officially recommends Surgical Safety Checklist 12-09-2011
The Minister of Health of Poland, Dr Ewa Kopacz, recommends the use of a perioperative control chart based on the Surgical Safety Checklist form recommended by the World Health Organization.
Poland hosts upcoming policy dialogue on hospital governance 06-09-2011
An upcoming policy dialogue organized jointly by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the European Observatory and Ministry of Health of Poland, will take place on 19 September 2011 with the theme, “Changing patterns of hospital governance: what can be learnt from the European experience?”
Poland prioritizes cutting health inequalities during Presidency 07-07-2011
WHO/Europe welcomes the priority Poland is giving to reducing health inequalities in Europe, during its six-month term as President of the Council of the European Union.
World No Tobacco Day 2011 celebrations in Poland 06-06-2011
In celebration of World No Tobacco Day and the progress made on tobacco free legislation in Poland, on 31 May 2011 a press conference took place in the Polish Ministry of Health.
WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control implementation in Poland 31-05-2011
WHO/Europe, together with the Ministry of Health and Parliament Subcommission on Public Health, organized a conference on 25 May, "WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) implementation in Poland, perspectives for the future".
Poland launches Decade for Action on Road Safety 25-05-2011
The road safety campaign, "Decade for Action on Road Safety" was launched on 11 May 2011 in Poland by the United Nations, WHO and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent.
Scientific conference held on World Health Day in Poland 18-05-2011
On 7 April 2011, Poland celebrated World Health Day by organizing a nationwide conference on antibiotic resistance at the Ministry of Health.
Poland World Health Day 2011 – Antibiotic resistance: No action today, no cure tomorrow 05-04-2011
On 7 April 2011, Poland will celebrate World Health Day by organizing a nationwide conference on Antibiotic resistance at the Ministry of Heath.
Regional Director meets with Polish delegation, 1 April 2011 05-04-2011
On 1 April 2011, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director, met with an official delegation from the Polish Ministry of Health led by Dr Adam Fronczak, Undersecretary of State.
Regional Director on official visit to Poland 14-02-2011
On 7 February 2011, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, met Dr Ewa Kopacz, Minister of Health of Poland, and Dr Adam Fronczak, Undersecretary of State. The official visit was arranged to discuss WHO’s work with the Ministry and support for Poland’s Presidency of the European Union in July–December 2011.
4 countries release data on exposure to second-hand smoke 05-01-2011
Key findings of tobacco surveys in Poland, the Russian Federation, Turkey and Ukraine show that non-smokers’ exposure to second-hand smoke is alarmingly high in the hospitality sector, workplace and home.
Workshop held on hospital emergency preparedness planning with focus on the EURO 2012 football championships 27-10-2010
The objective of this workshop, held 14-15 October 2010 in Gdansk was to highlight the importance and the benefits of adequate all hazard preparedness of health systems to manage potential health crises and emergencies.
National tobacco control program workshop: 28-30 November 2010 16-10-2010
A workshop will be held from 28-30 November 2010 in Warsaw, Poland for the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate and the Ministry of Health to revise the national tobacco control programme.
Tobacco control legislation workshop: 5 October 2010 21-09-2010
The aim of the workshop is to introduce legislation changes in tobacco control to the regional authorities to increase its compliance after entering into force in November.
Tobacco control policy development conference: 23 September 2010 21-09-2010
A national conference on the development of tobacco control policy will be held on 23 September 2010 in Warsaw, Poland.
WHO mission in Poland 10-09-2010
A WHO mission on International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) implementation in Poland will be held in Warsaw from 21-24 September 2010.
World Oral Heatlh Day 09-09-2010
World Oral Health Day will be celebrated in Warsaw on 12 September 2010.
Preparedness for major mass sport gatherings 09-09-2010
An international conference on preparedness for major mass sport gatherings was held from 6-9 September 2010 in Warsaw.
Assessment of health systems' crisis preparedness in Poland published 28-05-2010
Assessment of health systems' crisis preparedness - Poland has been published and is now available for download.
European Immunization Week 2010 06-05-2010
Poland celebrated European Immunization Week for the third time.
World Health Day, 7 April 2010 06-05-2010
The WHO Country Office in Poland celebrated World Health Day 2010.
Health systems’ crisis preparedness 06-05-2010
WHO/Europe organized a workshop following assessments of health systems crisis preparedness in Ukraine (May 2009) and Poland (September–October 2009). The workshop was held in Lviv, Ukraine, 27–28 April 2010.