News

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.

Ending this pandemic, preventing the next one: European perspectives at the Seventy-fourth World Health Assembly 03-06-2021

The Seventy-fourth World Health Assembly, held on 24–31 May 2021, was once again dominated by discussions on responding to the short- and longer-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, and on ensuring that countries, health systems, organizations and societies are better prepared to meet the challenges of future health threats.

Using the arts to improve health: WHO pioneers large-scale, arts-based health interventions 21-04-2021

A new partnership project initiated by WHO/Europe and the Nordic Culture Fund sets out to explore effective and sustainable strategies for integrating arts and culture into the wider health-care sector. Led by WHO/Europe’s flagship unit on behavioural and cultural insights for health, it will bring together academics, artists, cultural institutions, health-care practitioners and policy-makers from different countries.

Health equity takes centre stage on WHO Regional Director’s visit to Romania 19-04-2021

Leaving no one behind in health has taken on a greater sense of urgency during the COVID-19 pandemic. On a country visit coinciding with World Health Day, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, highlighted the importance of equity in health to decision-makers, while also meeting with patients and health-care workers delivering health care to people who find themselves in difficult circumstances.

Strong chain of care links sectors to deliver essential health services and leave no one behind in Romania 07-04-2021

“I came to the centre to get my second dose of vaccine – I am happy to get any. I have heard of COVID, how could I not? Everyone is talking about it on the streets, in the centre. I hear about it on the radio, I see it on TV,” says Alexandru, aged 53, from Bucharest. After working for 35 years as an operator in a chemical plant, he is now without work and, following a family break-up, is also homeless.

WHO engages health workers in Romania to reach out on the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines in pilot project 19-03-2021

Health workers play a critical role in positively influencing vaccine acceptance and uptake. In many countries, they are among the most trusted figures, leading by example and encouraging patients to accept vaccines, including for COVID-19. The way they communicate with patients is key and can have a positive influence on the choices patients make.

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).

Don’t let the COVID-19 crisis become an AMR catastrophe – countries put their weight behind World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2020 15-02-2021

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and all the pressures faced by public health providers, partners in countries across the WHO European Region nonetheless showed great commitment to marking World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) 2020. Partners and other organizations in Member States conducted a wide range of activities to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), operating within local restrictions and shifting events online to keep participants safe.

Scaling up telemedicine services in Romania post COVID-19 19-01-2021

WHO is working with Romania’s Ministry of Health and health professionals in the country to make telephone consultations more widely available. The aim is to institutionalize telemedicine in Romania and make the service easily accessible to patients during and after the pandemic. WHO supported a proposal by the Ministry’s Paediatric Commission to update national health legislation to include phone triage, thereby helping to strengthen health services in the wake of COVID-19.

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.

Romania and the Republic of Moldova stand together to tackle COVID-19 11-11-2020

Since the onset of COVID-19, Romania and the Republic of Moldova have been working together to find ways to protect the health of their citizens.

Epidemiologist Sergiu Sîngeorzan: “COVID-19 has taught people to wash their hands” 23-10-2020

“Since I started as an epidemiologist, I’ve been preaching hand hygiene as one of the most effective ways to fight infection. Now I don’t have to say it twice,” muses Dr Sergiu Sîngeorzan, senior epidemiologist at Miercurea Ciuc hospital, Romania.

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.”

Romania: trust, dialogue and cooperation at community level to combat COVID-19 27-08-2020

Sadova was among the first places in Romania to see people return from COVID-19 stricken Italy in February 2020. The community initiated response mechanisms quickly, with a coordination team comprising trusted and respected figures, including family doctors, community health nurses, priests, teachers and the mayor. The team, called the Local Emergency Committee, drew upon WHO recommendations and national guidelines to coordinate the community’s medical response.

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.

COVID-19 hotline in Romania provides up-to-date public advice with WHO support 08-04-2020

Since 27 February , Romania’s 24h/7 national hotline, Tel Verde (Green Line), has answered over 150 000 calls from Romanians asking for the latest information and advice on COVID-19. The hotline employs medical and health experts.

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.

Community nurses in Romania – the eyes, ears and voice of people in need 14-02-2020

Villagers call the community nurses their guardian angels. Cristina and Ionela know every street and house in the communities they serve. During regular visits to households, Cristina and Ionela perform check-ups and give health advice to all, including those with chronic diseases and vulnerable people, like individuals without health insurance or families from the Roma community.

Romania: tuberculosis patients to avoid unnecessary hospitalization 21-01-2020

Romania’s Ministry of Health has launched a pilot project to conduct the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) patients in outpatient settings, thereby avoiding unnecessary hospitalization. Launched on 9 January 2020, the project represents an important step in establishing people-centred care in the country.

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.

WHO recognized for valuable contribution to public health in Romania 05-12-2019

The Romanian Society for Microbiology recognized WHO with a prestigious award for the Organization’s contribution to public health in Romania. The recognition came on 14 November 2019 at an official ceremony opening a national conference of microbiologists and epidemiologists, which this year commemorated 100 years since the birth of Professor Nicolae Cajal.

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.

Photo story – Creativity and commitment on display during European Immunization Week 2019 21-05-2019

European Immunization Week (EIW), celebrated on 24–30 April 2019, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination for maintaining good health, and about the “vaccine heroes” in every country working to ensure that everyone has access to the full benefits of vaccines.

Vaccine heroes – saving lives through immunization 08-04-2019

A series of personal stories showcasing the many ways in which individuals are helping to achieve the vision of a European Region free of vaccine-preventable diseases as enshrined in the European Vaccine Action Plan 2015–2020.

Romanian EU Presidency aims to strengthen Europe’s One Health approach to fighting antimicrobial resistance 06-03-2019

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is widely recognized as one of the 21st century’s greatest threats to health, welfare and food security. Worldwide, an estimated 700 000 people die each year from drug-resistant infections. In the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) alone, 33 000 lives are claimed each year, and these numbers are rising.

Romania holds Presidency of the Council of the European Union 30-01-2019

Romania is holding the first 6 months of the new Trio Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which started on 1 January 2019, to be followed by Finland (July–December 2019) and Croatia (January–June 2020).

2018: The WHO European Region’s Year in Review 21-12-2018

The year 2018 was a momentous one for WHO, which celebrated 70 years of working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. Here is a look back at some of the key moments from the year – highlighting both country-level activities and the collective achievements of the Region, but also emphasizing areas where continued work and even accelerated efforts will be needed to make progress.

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.

Romania - investing in primary health care and bringing care to where it’s most needed 18-10-2018

In an effort to speed up progress towards universal health coverage, the Ministry of Health of Romania is prioritizing primary health care. The establishment of a network of community health centres and the strengthening of the role of community nurses within the health system are 2 vital steps the Ministry has taken to ensure health for all.

Strengthening collaboration to improve cross-border health opportunities in the Danube–Kris–Mures–Tisa Euroregion 24-09-2018

With the aim of strengthening cross-border cooperation and improving health opportunities in cross-border regions, the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion and the euPrevent | EMR Foundation organized a study tour in Szeged, Hungary, on 22–24 August 2018.

WHO launches cutting-edge package to scale up risk communication capacity in the European Region in 5 steps 06-09-2018

Emergency risk communication (ERC) is a vital public health intervention. It can save lives during emergency situations and, as such, should be considered an investment in people’s health, safety and security.

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.

Second EVIPNet Europe cohort of countries to develop evidence-informed policy on AMR 03-08-2018

Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova, Romania and Serbia are the 4 countries now set to start policy dialogues in 2019 with the goal of reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at national levels. Experts working on AMR and evidence-informed policy in these 4 countries recently attended a workshop where they learned how to develop evidence briefs for AMR policy. This workshop was jointly organized by the Evidence-informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe operating under the umbrella of the WHO European Health Information Initiative (Division of Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation) and WHO/Europe’s Control of Antimicrobial Resistance Programme, Division of Health Emergencies and Communicable Diseases.

Universal access to testing and treatment is key to eliminating viral hepatitis 26-07-2018

Viral hepatitis is a public health threat that affects tens of millions in the WHO European Region, more than two thirds of whom live in eastern Europe and central Asia. Every day, thousands of people still become infected, due to exposure through unsafe injection practices and insufficient information and tools for prevention.

Health ministers of south-eastern Europe meet to share good practices, discuss health challenges 12-07-2018

Ministers of health from the 9 member states of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) and the partner state of Slovenia gathered in Tel Aviv, Israel, on 10 July 2018 for a meeting focused on ensuring primary health care for an ageing population.

Policy dialogue on implementing 2030 Agenda held during Regional Director’s visit to Romania 08-06-2018

“Ultimately, health is a political choice, and working together to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is also a choice,” said Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, opening a policy dialogue on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, held at the Cotroceni Palace of the President of Romania in Bucharest, at the end of May.

Photo story – “Leaving no one behind – saving lives through immunization” exhibit 28-04-2018

To mark European Immunization Week and World Immunization Week 2018, WHO/Europe and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) collaborated to create a photo and video exhibit titled “Leaving no one behind – saving lives through immunization”. The exhibit showcases WHO and UNICEF’s strong partnership and joint commitment in the field of immunization, and it seeks to increase awareness that vaccines work and they save lives.

Toolkit on social participation informs public health strategies in Romania 05-04-2018

The Toolkit on social participation, developed by the WHO Collaborating Centre on Social Inclusion and Health in 2016 and published by WHO/Europe, was recently translated into Romanian. Thanks to this translation, it is informing a new project to improve the health status of Roma communities in the country.

12 European countries commit to greater efforts to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases 23-02-2018

Health ministries of 12 countries in south-eastern Europe and beyond have endorsed a statement of intent to speed up progress towards the goals and strategic objectives of the European Vaccine Action Plan 2015–2020 (EVAP).

South-eastern European countries meet to develop regional action plan 19-02-2018

The countries of south‐eastern Europe (SEE) are coming together in Podgorica, Montenegro on 21 February 2018 to develop a regional action plan for the next 2 years with specific strategic objectives and activities to implement the Chisinau Pledge.

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.

WHO supports Romania’s integration of health in sustainable development 29-12-2017

On 12 November 2017, WHO organized the first multistakeholder meeting in Bucharest, Romania, to create a shared vision of health within the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Participants discussed ways to achieve health and well-being for all at all ages as part of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is in line with the 2030 Agenda, which calls for involving different sectors and stakeholders in actions aimed at sustainable development.

Salmonella contamination of infant formula 22-12-2017

The French public health agency identified an outbreak of Salmonella enterica serovar Agona associated with infant formula products manufactured by the Lactalis Nutrition Santé group in France. As of 21 December, 35 confirmed cases of Salmonella Agona infections among infants aged less than six months have been identified in different regions of France. Sixteen infants have been hospitalized but all have fully recovered and no deaths have been reported.

South-eastern Europe Health Network: health promotion for children in focus 01-12-2017

Members of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) agreed to enhance regional efforts to improve children’s health by promoting healthy lifestyles and addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) at the Network’s 39th plenary meeting.

Group of experts assess prevention and treatment of cervical cancer in Romania 24-11-2017

At the invitation of the Romanian Ministry of Health, cancer experts from WHO and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) visited Romania in June 2017 to assess the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer in the country.

WHO/Europe trains its workforce to prepare for and respond to emergencies 11-10-2017

To enhance WHO country support in times of crisis, over 30 WHO staff have improved their skills in readiness for multi-hazard emergencies, such as disease outbreaks, natural disasters, conflicts, and chemical and radiation exposure by undertaking specifically designed training. This training supports the work of the recently established WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) to increase country and staff capacity. WHE’s overarching objective is to effectively and efficiently address the full cycle of health emergencies (prevention, preparedness, readiness, response and recovery).

Stopping measles in Romania 05-10-2017

A large outbreak of measles has spread across Romania over the past year, making thousands ill and taking 30 lives.

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.

Strengthening collaboration between WHO/Europe and Romania in addressing health emergencies and communicable diseases 22-05-2017

On the occasion of European Immunization Week 2017 and the visit of the WHO Regional Director for Europe to Romania on 26–28 April 2017, a series of technical meetings on communicable disease prevention and control, and responding to health emergencies and outbreaks was organized by the WHO Country Office.

Regional Director commits continuing support to Romania to stop measles outbreak and improve immunization performance 03-05-2017

On the occasion of European Immunization Week 2017, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, visited Romania on 27–28 April to provide high-level support to national efforts to control the largest measles outbreak recorded in recent years in the country. The outbreak in Romania began in January 2016 and is currently among several in the WHO European Region that together threaten the Region’s progress towards elimination of the disease.

Further commitment of south-eastern Europe countries to noncommunicable disease prevention and control voiced in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova 27-04-2017

A pre-forum meeting on the prevention and control of noncommunicable disease (NCD) was held on 2 April 2017, in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, in advance of the fourth South-eastern Europe Health Ministerial Forum. The Forum, which took place on 3–4 April, focused on bringing health ministers together to discuss pathways to closer partnership, under the theme ‘Health, well-being and prosperity in south-eastern Europe by 2030 in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’.

Ministers examine options to strengthen health systems response to communicable diseases 26-04-2017

At a meeting of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) countries, health ministers discussed approaches and strategies to strengthen the health systems response to communicable diseases. The meeting took place on 2 April 2017 in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, in association with the 4th South-Eastern Europe Health Ministerial Forum.

Examples of investing in health from the South-eastern Europe Health Network 03-04-2017

The 9 countries of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) share a vision of promoting health as an integral part of economic development. In addition to participating in intercountry initiatives, each country is investing in health and generating results that inform other network members. On 3–4 April 2017, the 4th South-eastern Europe Health Ministerial Forum takes place in the Republic of Moldova.

Building trust and responding to crisis – communicating about vaccination 17-03-2017

Every country occasionally experiences outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases or situations in which real or perceived adverse events affect confidence in vaccination. These events place great pressure on immunization programmes, not least as regards the capacity, quality and effectiveness of communication responses.

WHO supports Romania to scale up intestinal parasite prevention and control measures in remote areas 16-11-2016

WHO and the government of Romania have scaled up and prioritised control measures to prevent and treat complications of intestinal parasites that disproportionately affect children in remote areas. The field visit took place in Danube Delta on 23-29 October 2016.

President of Romania underscores importance of taking action on environment and health during high-level policy dialogue 15-08-2016

WHO stresses health reform should be based on equity at high-level EU meeting 20-07-2016

Health system reform should be based on the values of solidarity and equity. This was the message WHO conveyed in its statement at a high-level meeting convened by the European Commission’s Structural Reform Support Service in Brussels, Belgium on 5 July 2016.

WHO brings together high-level experts after a recent EHEC outbreak associated with HUS to discuss lessons learned and the way forward 08-06-2016

Following a recent enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) outbreak associated with haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) in Romania, WHO/Europe and the WHO Country Office in Romania held on 31 May–1 June 2016 a national and multisectoral workshop in Bucharest focusing on response to food safety and zoonotic events.

From genetics to the social determinants of health – research on Roma health 07-06-2016

On 1–3 June 2016, prominent researchers from Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia met at the University of Debrecen to share knowledge generated through research on Roma health and to discuss research gaps and priorities.

World No Tobacco Day Awards 2016 recognize several countries in European Region 27-05-2016

WHO gives the World No Tobacco Day awards every year to carefully selected individuals and/or organizations in recognition of their accomplishments in tobacco control and in the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).

Romania marks World Health Day 2016 11-05-2016

Between 5 and 8 April 2016, many events were organized in Romania at local and national levels to mark World Health Day 2016.

Adverse childhood experiences in Republic of Moldova: stakeholders agree to conduct a national survey 06-05-2016

On 19 April 2016, stakeholders from the health and social and child protection sectors, law enforcement bodies, civil society and organizations for victims of violence met to deliberate ending child maltreatment.

European Immunization Week in the classroom 25-04-2016

The 11th European Immunization Week (EIW) takes place on 24–30 April 2016. This year, EIW focuses at regional level on the substantial progress that has been made towards eliminating measles and rubella, and the steps needed to achieve elimination throughout the European Region.

WHO Regional Director visits Romania 26-02-2016

Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, Regional Director of WHO/Europe, made an official visit to Romania on 23 and 24 February 2016. During her visit, the Regional Director met with Mr Klaus Werner Iohannis, the President of Romania. Their discussions focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ways in which Health 2020 can be used as a political advocacy tool for that agenda. Mr Iohannis has committed his country to promoting the SDGs.

Romania to become a smoke-free country 10-02-2016

The Romanian Parliament passed the law on smoke-free public places in December 2015. This decision was challenged but the Constitutional Court has now ruled that the law banning smoking in indoor public places, including bars and restaurants, is constitutional and will be implemented in the next months.

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.

Universal health coverage top of agenda for South-eastern Europe Health Network 15-12-2015

"Universal health coverage is a foundation stone for preventing poverty and addressing inequities. Health is a right. We have addressed health coverage throughout the history of the network, from the Dubrovnik Pledge, the Banja Luka Pledge, through to the South-eastern Europe 2020 Strategy," said Ilir Beqaj, Minister of Health of Albania, at the opening of the 36th plenary and high-level meeting of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN), held in Tirana, Albania, on 10–11 December 2015.

Simulation exercise prepares countries for potential polio outbreak 15-10-2015

With poliovirus circulating perilously close by in Ukraine, polio control professionals from Czech Republic, Hungary, Republic of Moldova, Romania and Slovakia last week participated in a polio outbreak simulation exercise. The exercise was organized by WHO/Europe in Bucharest, Romania and co-facilitated by Public Health England.

National policy dialogue and TEACH VIP workshop on child maltreatment prevention 09-10-2015

A national policy dialogue on preventing child maltreatment, followed by a Training, Educating, and Advancing Collaboration in Health on Violence and Injury Prevention (TEACH-VIP) workshop, was held in Bucharest, Romania on 1–2 October 2015.

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.

Health ministers in South-eastern Europe commit to achieving universal health coverage 26-06-2015

Ministers from 10 countries in the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) met in Belgrade on 22-23 June 2015 and agreed on joint regional and national actions towards securing universal health coverage. In addition to promoting an equitable Europe free of impoverishing health expenditures, the Belgrade Statement, endorsed by the ministers, also commits the countries to promote and scale up political commitment to implementing Health 2020 and agree on more specific regional actions for strengthening human resources for health and coordinating cross-border support in public health emergencies.

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.

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.

Ministers reaffirm commitment to the South-eastern Europe Health Network 24-11-2014

Ten health ministers met in Skopje, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on 18 November 2014, to underline their commitment to subregional collaboration and discuss health reform in line with Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being, and the South East Europe (SEE) 2020 Strategy: Jobs and Prosperity in a European Perspective.

34th plenary meeting of the South-eastern Europe Health Network held in Skopje 24-11-2014

The Macedonian Presidency of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) organized and hosted the network’s 34th Plenary Meeting in Skopje, Macedonia, on 19-20 November 2014.

WHO to cooperate more closely with Romania on improving TB services 20-10-2014

A delegation of WHO and partners met with high-level officials in the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Interior, and Ministry of Public Finance on 13–14 October 2014 to discuss the latest progress on preventing and combating drug-resistant TB and to agree on future actions aimed at strengthening people-centred health systems.

South-eastern Europe Health Network reviews long-term strategies for improving public health in the subregion 30-09-2014

The Romanian Presidency of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) organized and hosted the Network’s 33rd  Plenary Meeting in Bucharest, Romania, on 10–11 July 2014.

Bucharest becomes Romania’s first healthy city 01-09-2014

On 29 August 2014, Bucharest, the capital city, joined the WHO European Healthy Cities Network. Bucharest is the largest city in Romania, with about 2 million inhabitants. During an event organized by Bucharest City Hall, the mayor, Dr Sorin Oprescu, expressed the local council’s commitment to placing health at the core of urban development.

Study on Moldovan health workers in Romania highlights factors leading to emigration 18-07-2014

Balkan countries improve knowledge of international food standards setting. Zagreb, Croatia, 4-6 June 2013 17-06-2013

This joint initiative of WHO/Europe and of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia aimed to strengthen country capacity for effective participation in the activities of the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius.

Romania moves toward centralized procurement of medicines 18-03-2013

In a press conference on 1 March 2013, Romanian Ministry of Health announced plans to introduce centralized procurement of selected medicines, health products and equipment. The list of products per category will be approved by technical working groups and is expected to include anti-TB drugs and antiretroviral medicines. 

WHO and ECDC recommend immediate resumption of BCG vaccination programme against tuberculosis in Romania 30-11-2012

A joint mission of WHO/Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to Romania has recommended immediate resumption of bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination against tuberculosis (TB) in the country.

Romania launches TB action plan 03-10-2012

The Government of Romania has launched a multidisciplinary action plan in line with the European action plan on multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB). WHO/Europe is supporting the 18 countries where TB is a high priority in scaling up their response by launching national action plans on M/XDR-TB.

Romania boosts efforts against drug-resistant tuberculosis 02-10-2012

Today, Romania launches a four-year national plan to fight tuberculosis, during the visit of the WHO Regional Director for Europe and the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy. The Romanian national action plan to prevent and manage multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a timely response to a growing public health threat, to which over 80 000 people in the WHO European Region fall victim each year.

Countries of south-eastern Europe build capacity in global health diplomacy 28-08-2012

SEEHN - Representatives of countries of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) gathered in Debrecen, Hungary on 21–25 August 2012 to participate in a global health diplomacy executive course to explore their common interests in health as a foreign policy issue.

Primary care structure and provision in Romania: report launched 02-05-2012

A report evaluating the structure and provision of primary care in Romania - the primary care evaluation tool - was launched during the annual meeting of family doctors in Bucharest recently.

Minister of Health of Romania visits WHO/Europe 08-12-2011

Dr Ritli Ladislau, Minister of Health of Romania, met with Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and divisional directors on an official visit to the Regional Office on 6 December.

Strengthening capacity in Balkan countries to improve engagement in Codex Alimentarius activities. Durres, Albania, 6-8 September 2011 02-09-2011

Food safety officials from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will be trained by WHO and FAO experts to stimulate a more effective participation in the Codex process by Balkan countries, who joined the Codex in recent years. The course will provide an in-depth knowledge of Codex and of how countries participate and can influence its work. The training will also focus on the use of Codex Alimentarius standards, guidelines and recommendations on food safety standards. Related issues, such as coordinating Codex work at the national level and linking it to other food safety country activities, will also be discussed.

WHO/Europe's governing body expected to endorse Bucharest Declaration on health of children with intellectual disabilities 22-08-2011

The governing body of WHO/Europe will meet in Baku, Azerbaijan 12-15 September. The 53 European Member States are expected to endorse the European Declaration on the Health of Children and Young People with Intellectual Disabilities and their Families presented in Bucharest last year.

SEE Regional Centre for Blood Safety organizes its first training for blood supply management in emergencies 11-05-2011

With international expert advice and support from the Council of Europe (CoE), the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM), WHO Europe and the WHO Collaborating Centre in quality management in Slovenia, the SEE training of trainers in blood transfusion safety in emergency situations aims to strengthen partnership and capacity of response in blood safety and availability, for emergencies and special circumstances in South Eastern Europe. This event, led by the Regional SEE blood safety centre, Oradea, Romania, will take place 7-9 June 2011.

WHO trains Romanian professionals from different sectors in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP). Bucharest, Romania, 25-29 October 2010 06-09-2010

Improving national and institutional capacity to ensure food safety is part of the Biennial Collaborative Agreement (BCA) between Romania and WHO/Europe for 2010-11. Ensuring food safety requires multisectoral and multifaceted action, including on food safety management. The purpose of the training is to provide thorough knowledge on Integrated Food Safety Management Systems, in particular HACCP, with emphasis on selected case studies related to food processing establishments (e.g. catering, meat & milk products, seafood). Participants, including national professionals from Romania working in the area of food safety implementation (food, public health and veterinary authorities as well as the food industry), are expected to transfer their newly gained knowledge to colleagues working at the local level.