News

Estonia launches tool on how to develop clinical guidelines, with WHO support 15-04-2021
A new version of Estonia’s handbook for the development of clinical guidelines has been published following an in-depth evaluation of its guideline development programme by WHO. Clinical guidelines synthesize what is known about a health topic and harness expertise to interpret that knowledge and related research evidence. By following steps to avoid bias, they provide the key source of knowledge for informing decision-making about health.
EVIPNet Europe webinars guide countries of eastern Europe and central Asia (EECA) on how to use research evidence in policy-making and develop evidence briefs for policy 02-12-2020
A series of webinars, held in October–November 2020 in an ongoing effort to build capacities in EECA countries in evidence-informed policy-making (EIP), provided member countries with practical guidance on how to develop an evidence brief for policy (EBP), which is a common tool in translating research evidence to policy. An EBP is a research synthesis on policy options targeting policy-makers in a user-friendly format.
New publication to support national health research systems strengthening 10-06-2020
A recently published WHO Health Evidence Network (HEN) report provides a synthesis of all the best available global evidence on policies, interventions and tools for effectively establishing, strengthening and unifying national health research systems.
Alcohol labelling policies: most countries lagging behind in promoting healthier choices 08-06-2020
According to a new report, labelling of alcoholic beverages is not consistent or even considered in many countries in the WHO European Region. The new Health Evidence Network (HEN) synthesis report on alcohol labelling across the Region is the first systematic study that covers the different ways countries label alcoholic beverages and sets out policy options for authorities to consider.
WHO project on cultural contexts of health and well-being adopted in the United States 03-04-2020
WHO/Europe is pleased to announce that the cultural contexts of health and well-being (CCH) project, which it pioneered and established, will now also be rolled out in the United States of America.
WHO project wins the Global Aesthetic Achievement of the Year award 03-01-2020
WHO Regional Office for Europe’s project on Cultural Contexts of Health and Well-being (CCH) has been awarded the 2019 Global Aesthetic Achievement of the Year for its work on arts and health, notably the publication of the Health Evidence Network (HEN) synthesis report “What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review” (2019).
Building bridges for public health 13-12-2019
Building bridges for solidarity and public health was the focus of this year’s European Public Health (EPH) Conference organized by the European Public Health Association with the Société Française de Santé Publique, where attendees from WHO/Europe contributed on a range of topics from achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to migrant health.
Public Health Panorama special issue announced on arts and health 17-07-2019
Public Health Panorama, WHO/Europe’s journal, will dedicate a special issue to arts and health in the WHO European Region in early 2020. The journal has put out a call for papers, underlining WHO/Europe’s growing engagement with the positive associations between the arts, health and well-being.
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.
Autumn School for health information and evidence for policy-making honours its very first supporter 12-02-2019
WHO has recognized the contribution of Professor André van der Zande, former Director-General of the Dutch National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) for his founding role in establishing the European Health Information Initiative (EHII) and the Autumn school for health information and evidence for policy. The letter of appreciation from Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe was presented at the occasion of the 6th Autumn School held in The Hague, the Netherlands on 29 January – 1 February 2019.
New report on addressing communication barriers for refugees and migrants in the WHO European Region 05-12-2018
The provision of effective health care to linguistically and culturally diverse migrant populations is a critical public health challenge. Communication barriers can severely hamper refugee and migrants’ access to, and use of, health-care services. To help inform the development of national policies, a new Health Evidence Network (HEN) synthesis report has been published summarizing the best available evidence on strategies to address communication barriers for refugees and migrants in health-care settings across the WHO European Region. This is the 9th report of the HEN themed issues on migration and health.
Ukraine joins European Health Research Network to strengthen the health research system for evidence-informed policy-making 03-12-2018
Ukraine has joined the WHO European Health Research Network (EHRN) under the auspice of the WHO European Health Information Initiative (EHII) as its sixth member country. The EHRN aims to provide strategic direction and leadership to its network member countries in national health research systems (NHRS) strengthening by coordinating technical expertise, regional experiences and a platform for communication, exchange and advocacy. The official launch of the membership took place during the first meeting on strengthening national health research systems held in Kyiv on 17–19 October 2018. The meeting was organized 1 year after the adoption of the Sofia Declaration and the establishment of the EHRN.
Promoting evidence-informed policy development to combat antimicrobial resistance in Slovenia 26-11-2018
A newly published Evidence-informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe evidence brief is assisting Slovenia in tackling the problem of prescribing broad-spectrum antibiotics to older people in long-term care facilities. EVIPNet Europe evidence briefs are user-friendly syntheses of the best available evidence from global and local research that address a specific policy problem in a concise way.
New report on front-of-pack nutrition labelling identifies what works better for consumers 25-10-2018
Poor diet is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity across the WHO European Region, including contributing to obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer. Nutrition labelling, one of the key policy tools that can be leveraged to support healthy diets, is the focus of a newly released Health Evidence Network (HEN) synthesis report showcasing good examples and inspiring countries working actively on food policies to promote healthy diets.
New evidence gives policy-makers insights on measuring community empowerment and resilience 22-10-2018
Improved community empowerment and resilience allow people increased control over factors which influence their health, including access to health care and preventative services, as well as equal opportunity within the community. But while both of these values-based concepts are key to health policy-making, they are also difficult to measure. Two Health Evidence Network (HEN) reports just published by WHO/Europe offer policy-makers new insights, synthesizing the best available evidence on the measurement of these concepts at a national level.
110th Global Health Histories seminar: Polio, immunization and universal health coverage 19-10-2018
Thirty years ago, in 1988, the World Health Assembly passed a resolution to eradicate poliomyelitis (polio) globally by 2000. The resolution described this as “an appropriate gift … from the twentieth to the twenty-first century”.
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.
Empowerment through understanding: helping policy-makers improve health literacy across all societal levels 11-07-2018
Health literacy is the capacity of individuals, families and communities to make sound health decisions in the context of everyday life. It is a critical competence for increasing people’s control over their health, empowering and enabling them to seek out health information and express themselves on health issues. Health literacy is also a key element for the achievement of Health 2020, the European health policy framework, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Hungary equipped to tackle antimicrobial resistance by using the best available evidence 09-07-2018
A new evidence brief for policy (EBP) assists Hungary in addressing the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the country. Building on global and local scientific evidence, the EBP proposes 3 policy options to address the drivers of AMR in human medicine in Hungary.
HEN report describes effective services to prevent, diagnose and treat TB among refugees and migrants 18-06-2018
A new Health Evidence Network (HEN) report examines evidence of effective and efficient service packages for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) among refugees and migrants in the WHO European Region. This latest HEN report (#56), commissioned to inform related policies and strategies in the Region, was jointly developed by the Division of Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation, the Division of Policy and Governance for Health and Well-being and the Division of Communicable Diseases, Health Security and Environment.
105th Global Health Histories seminar: If medicine is art, can art be medicine? 16-06-2018
A growing evidence base shows that there are real, physiological benefits to cultural participation. Singing in a choir, for example, can improve health outcomes for people with chronic lung diseases. Participating in art therapy, experts are saying, can reduce trauma for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Governments across Europe and the world are realizing that there are untapped, low-risk and often highly cost-effective health and well-being benefits to cultural participation.
Analysis on evidence-informed health policy-making prompts action in Slovenia 23-04-2018
A newly released analysis on evidence-informed policy-making (EIP) in Slovenia has already prompted several actions that will help promote the institutionalization of evidence-informed health policy and knowledge translation activities in Slovenia. The situation analysis was conducted with the support of the WHO Evidence-informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe operating under the auspices of the WHO European Health Information Initiative (EHII).
New HEN report emphasizes importance of indicators for assessing health system performance 28-03-2018
A new Health Evidence Network (HEN) report was recently published to support decision-making for improved health system performance assessment (HSPA) in the WHO European Region. The report, entitled “Health system performance assessment in the WHO European Region: which domains and indicators have been used by Member States for its measurement?”, summarizes HSPA domains and indicators used by 30 Member States in their HSPA or health system-related reports. It serves as a tool for supporting WHO’s commitment to strengthening the foundations for evidence-informed policies aimed at health system development.
Sofia Declaration: renewed commitment to the use of evidence, information and research in policy-making 21-12-2017
The Sofia Declaration has reaffirmed commitment to the Action plan to strengthen the use of evidence, information and research for policy-making in the WHO European Region (resolution EUR/RC66/R12). Adopted during a meeting on 15–17 November 2017 in Sofia, Bulgaria, the Declaration requests WHO/Europe to support Member States in strengthening research systems and strategies for health to enhance the use of evidence from national health research to inform health policies.
Latest HEN report provides support for the use of health information for policy-making 20-12-2017
A new Health Evidence Network (HEN) report describes the tools and mechanisms to enhance the use of evidence for policy-making. The significance of the report is 2-fold: it contributes to the literature on the use of health information for decision-making, which is still scarce; and it addresses the fact that while high-quality research, evidence and health information are key to good decision-making, their availability does not inherently lead to increased use by health policy-makers.
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.
Multicountry meeting produces drafts for evidence-informed policy on AMR 06-12-2017
Representatives from 6 countries – Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – met in Budapest, Hungary on 30–31 October 2017, to produce a set of draft evidence briefs for policies addressing issues of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) faced by their countries.
New HEN report reveals gaps in protection of refugees and migrants from vaccine-preventable diseases 21-11-2017
Refugees and migrants should be vaccinated without unnecessary delay according to the immunization schedules of their host countries. This is the guidance provided by a joint recommendation of WHO, the United Nations Children’s Fund and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
The Health Evidence Network publishes its 50th issue 05-10-2017
The Health Evidence Network (HEN) has published its 50th issue. The report entitled “A resource for developing an evidence synthesis report for policy-making” marks a pivotal milestone for HEN. It provides user-friendly guidance and outlines approaches, methods and considerations for preparing a synthesis report. Although designed with authors of future HEN reports in mind, the report is a valuable resource for a range of individuals and institutions that perform, commission, review and publish evidence syntheses. With this resource, HEN aims to ensure that evidence synthesis reports hold both scientific rigour and practical applicability.
WHO receives British Medical Association (BMA) Medical Book Awards 21-09-2017
The Health Evidence Network (HEN) synthesis report published last year, entitled “Cultural contexts of health: the use of narrative research in the health sector”, received the 2017 BMA Medical Book Awards’ “Highly commended” recognition in the public health category.
Knowledge translation training at the fifth Evidence-informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe multicountry meeting 02-08-2017
The fifth EVIPNet Europe multicountry meeting, taking place in Bratislava, Slovakia, from 14-16 June 2017, provided an excellent opportunity for attendees from 19 countries, territories and areas, as well as representatives of the Wellcome Trust and the Cochrane Collaboration, to increase their skills and exchange experiences with activities aiming at bridging the know–do gap.
What is a migrant? How definitions affect access to health care 02-03-2017
Migrant, immigrant, refugee, asylum seeker – these terms are often used interchangeably in popular parlance, as if the specific term makes no difference. Yet for the individual, the label assigned to them can be life-changing.
Estonia tackles obesity with tax on sugar-sweetened beverages 09-12-2016
Estonia has unveiled plans to tackle obesity by reducing sugar consumption, starting with a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages that is set to come into force in 2018. The initiative is expected to raise 24 million euros in revenue each year, which is predicted to lead to lower intakes of free sugar and energy and in turn contribute to improvements in obesity and dental health.
Evidence-informed policy-making in the spotlight in new edition of Public Health Panorama 07-09-2016
Public Health Panorama, volume 2, issue 3 has been published to coincide with the 66th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC66) and the presentation of the Action plan to strengthen the use of evidence, information and research for policy-making in the WHO European Region. This new issue of Panorama contains a treasure trove of articles exploring how countries are bridging the gap between evidence and policy in different ways and situations.
Report of the Seventh meeting of the European Advisory Committee on Health Research is published 01-09-2016
Report of the Seventh meeting of the European Advisory Committee on Health Research is published6–7 April 2016, Copenhagen, Denmark
Call for Expression of Interest to serve as Cochrane trainer supporting EVIPNet Europe 01-09-2016
EVIPNet is a global initiative by the WHO with the aim of increasing country capacity in developing health policies informed by the best available research evidence (more information below). In the WHO European Region, it is a capacity building mechanism of the European Health Information Initiative.
Health Evidence Network synthesis reports now discoverable via PubMed 24-08-2016
The five Health Evidence Network (HEN) synthesis reports published last year – on subjects including health information systems, migrant health, and cancer and cardiovascular disease – are now indexed in the United States’ National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Bookshelf, which houses a number of authoritative scientific and medical resources. These reports are now discoverable via PubMed, a free search engine that primarily accesses the MEDLINE database of references and abstracts. Stakeholders have also signed an agreement to include future HEN reports in Bookshelf.
EVIPNet Europe multicountry meeting brings rich exchange of real-life practices 20-07-2016
The 4th Evidence-informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) mulitcountry meeting was opened by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Moldova, Ruxanda Glavan, in Chisinau on 15–16 June 2016.
Summer School on using evidence to promote health equity and well-being 19-07-2016
On 6–7 July 2016, Pomurje Region (Slovenia), a member of the WHO Regions for Health Network (RHN), hosted a Summer School on advocacy and translation of evidence for different audiences on intersectoral action for health equity and well-being that brought together senior civil servants and public health experts from across the WHO European Region.
Small Countries Health Information Network Report 19-07-2016
A report on the first meeting of focal points of the Small Countries Health Information Network (SCHIN) has been published setting out priorities, a joint action plan and the roles and responsibilities of all SCHIN partners. SCHIN's aim is to bring together small countries to exchange experiences and address shared health information challenges.
South-eastern Europe Health Network shines spotlight on health information 31-05-2016
South-eastern European countries are supporting each other to strengthen the evidence that underpins policy. The countries of the South-eastern Europe Health Network met in Tirana, Albania on 16–17 November 2015 to discuss improving information for policy, and the report of the meeting has just been published. The report covers discussion of the countries' common issues in health information and the development of a joint vision on how to address these concerns.
Cultural contexts of health project to work with UNESCO 27-04-2016
At the second expert advisory group meeting on the cultural contexts of health (CCH), WHO/Europe has begun a closer collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO's) Section for Intangible Cultural Heritage, in order to explore how health policy can benefit from a wide array of multidisciplinary research to promote a deeper understanding of the cultural contexts and experiences of health.
Extended series of trainings in HINARI Access to Research in Health Programme in Republic of Moldova 17-03-2016
The WHO Country Office in the Republic of Moldova organized a new round of trainings in the Health InterNetwork Access to Research Initiative (HINARI) Programme in the Republic of Moldova in Chisinau and Tiraspol.
New HEN reports on migration and health: towards a better understanding of health and migration in the WHO European Region 23-02-2016
On 16–17 February 2016, the second Health Evidence Network (HEN) writing workshop in Venice, Italy was hosted by the WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development and the Division of Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation.
Report now available - First multicountry workshop on evidence briefs for policy in Central Asia (EVIPNet) 10-02-2016
In 2015 EVIPNet Europe organized its first capacity-building workshop with simultaneous use of English and Russian for several countries in Central Asia: the report of the workshop is now available.
Building a network for evidence-informed policy in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 11-12-2015
Recognizing the need for systematic use of health research evidence in the country, a workshop to launch the Evidence-informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe process in the country was held in Skopje on 16 November 2015.
Autumn School helps Member States make Health 2020 reality 04-12-2015
Some 30 participants gathered in Moscow, Russian Federation, for the third annual Autumn School on health information and evidence for policy making. The Autumn School, the flagship training course of the WHO Regional Office for Europe on health information and part of the WHO European Health Information Initiative, helps countries to focus on health information as part of the implementation of Health 2020.
Papers invited for Public Health Panorama 30-11-2015
WHO/Europe invites papers for the second thematic issue of its journal Public Health Panorama on the topic of intersectoral action for public health and reduction of health inequalities in the European Region. The deadline for submissions is 31 January 2016.
Strengthening and promoting access to research: HINARI workshop in Republic of Moldova 13-11-2015
Librarians, specialists and researchers in the medical and pharmacy fields took part in the second Health InterNetwork Access to Research Initiative (HINARI) Access to Research in Health Programme train-the-trainers, organized jointly by WHO/Europe and the WHO Country Office in the Republic of Moldova in Chisinau, on 27–28 October 2015.
WHO/Europe supports Member States in strengthening public health evidence-informed policies for refugees and migrants 30-10-2015
In response to the current refugee and migrant crisis, WHO/Europe has published 3 new reports on the public health aspects of migration and health.
Accelerated roadmap for actions to strengthen evidence-informed policy-making presented at EHMA conference 15-09-2015
The roadmap was publicly presented and discussed for the first time at the annual European Health Management Association (EHMA) conference that took place in Breda, the Netherlands on 17 June 2015.
Joint TDR/EURO Small Grants Scheme for implementation research in infectious diseases 18-08-2015
Evidence-informed development of the Albanian National Health Strategy (ANHS) from a Health 2020 perspective 05-08-2015
The Albanian Ministry of Health requested WHO's support in developing ANHS 2016–2020 from a Health 2020 perspective.
HEN writing workshop for the development of evidence synthesis reports on migration and health 23-07-2015
The WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development hosted the Health Evidence Network (HEN) writing workshop on 13–15 July 2015 in Venice, Italy.
Report of the Sixth meeting of the European Advisory Committee on Health Research is published 06-07-2015
Report of the Sixth meeting of the European Advisory Committee on Health Research is published
EVIPNet is taking Europe by storm – EVIPNet Europe concludes third multicountry meeting on using research evidence for policy-making 30-06-2015
"EVIPNet is taking Europe by storm," said Dr Claudia Stein, Director, Division of Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation, WHO/Europe, when opening the third Evidence-informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe multicountry meeting
Report from the first EVIPNet Europe Steering Group meeting is now available 29-06-2015
The report of the first face-to-face EVIPNet Europe Steering group meeting is now available online.
HINARI and Evidence-Informed Policy Network introduced in Armenia 10-06-2015
On 27–30 April 2015, the second joint HINARI-Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe workshop was conducted in Yerevan, Armenia.
Hungary launches Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) 28-05-2015
EVIPNet Europe supports the existing evidence-informed policy (EIP) actors and mechanisms in Hungary, and promotes the systematic and transparent use of health research evidence in policy-making. The launch of EVIPNet Europe in Hungary took place on 21 April 2015 in Budapest at a workshop attended by key policy-makers, researchers and other stakeholders.
HINARI and Evidence-Informed Policy Network introduced in Georgia 21-05-2015
On 21–24 April 2015, the first joint HINARI–Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe workshop was held in Tbilisi, Georgia. 25 participants attended the 3-day workshop on HINARI Access to Research in Health Programme, a WHO initiative providing free or very low cost online access to the major journals in biomedical and related social sciences to local, not-for-profit institutions.
First meeting of the European Health Information Initiative: working together to improve information for better health 20-04-2015
Representatives from seven Member States (Austria, Finland, Latvia, the Netherlands, the Russian Federation, Sweden and Turkey) joined colleagues from WHO collaborating centres, the European Commission, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and The Wellcome Trust at WHO/Europe on 24–25 March 2015.
Call for papers on intersectoral action for Public Health Panorama 14-04-2015
Public Health Panorama is the new public health journal to be launched in spring 2015. The WHO Regional Office for Europe plans to publish a themed issue on intersectoral action in the European Region and invites papers for this special issue. Authors may submit papers on scientific research or practice-oriented case studies; manuscripts can be submitted in either Russian or English.
New synthesis report on the relationship between psychosocial risk factors and health outcomes of chronic diseases – a review of the evidence for cancer and cardiovascular diseases 27-03-2015
The WHO European Region has the highest non-communicable diseases (NCDs) mortality rate among 15–59 years old. Choosing cardiovascular disease and cancer as examples of NCDs, this report addresses the policy question, What is the evidence for the link of psychosocial factors, and cardiovascular and cancer morbidity and mortality?
Tajikistan launches Evidence-Informed Policy network 18-03-2015
The Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe mission to Tajikistan held a one-day workshop in Dushanbe to review and discuss the situation analysis for knowledge translation platforms (KTP) as part of a mission to establish EVIPNet in Tajikistan. Tajikistan's policy-makers, researchers, professional organization representatives, and other key stakeholders in the health system joined together to learn more about evidence-informed policy-making and identify potential organizational structures for a local KTP.
Call for expressions of interest in serving as member of the European Advisory Committee on Health Research (EACHR) 09-03-2015
WHO/Europe is seeking experts to serve as members on the WHO European Advisory Committee on Health Research (EACHR). The EACHR is a regional consultative body that provides advice and recommendations as well as ad hoc operational and technical expertise to the Regional Director.
Presentation of preliminary results of the Research Agenda for Health Economic Evaluation project (RAHEE) 09-03-2015
New synthesis report on promoting better integration of health information systems – best practices and challenges 26-02-2015
The Health Evidence Network (HEN), with the support of the European Union (EU), has recently published a synthesis report titled Promoting better integration of health information systems – best practices and challenges.
Hungary’s Minister of Health visits WHO/Europe 10-12-2014
On 5 December 2014, Dr Gabor Zombor, Minister of State for Health at the Ministry of Human Capacities in Hungary discussed a range of health issues with Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, during an official visit to WHO/Europe.
Autumn School brings health information and evidence for policy into sharp focus 19-11-2014
The 30 participants from 14 Member States gave overwhelmingly positive feedback about the five day Autumn School which was hosted by Poland’s Ministry of Health. Participants all work at the interface of data analysis, research/knowledge integration and policy and were able to get practical insights and solutions for improving national health information systems. Such was their enthusiasm that participants prepared an impromptu written petition to the Regional Director requesting an expansion of this course for future years.
EVIPNet Europe train-the-trainers workshop 29-10-2014
From 14 to 17 October 2014, a year after its pilot launch, the Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe, held its second multi-country meeting; a train-the-trainers (TTT) workshop on using research evidence for policy-making (EIP) in Bled, Slovenia. EVIPNet Europe builds country capacity to develop evidence-informed policies on health systems, and support the implementation of WHO’s European policy framework Health 2020.
Finding a home for the Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) platform in Tajikistan 09-10-2014
A national situation analysis is being conducted to understand the evidence-informed policy-making landscape in Tajikistan and identify the institutional niche for a Knowledge Translation Platform to foster research-policy linkages.
Conference on the role of evidence-based medicine in health care and medical education 20-06-2014
On 7 May 2014, the WHO Country Office in Tajikistan supported the Tajik State Medical University and the Evidence-Based Medicine Center in conducting a conference on the role of evidence-based medicine (EBM) in improving health care quality and enhancing medical education.
Call for expressions of interest in serving as member of the EVIPNet Europe Steering Group 23-05-2014
WHO/Europe is seeking experts to serve on the WHO Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe Steering Group as members.
HINARI Access to Research in Health Programme – support to evidence-based research in the WHO European Region 22-05-2014
The HINARI Programme provides health institutions in low- and middle- income countries with free access to the world’s largest collection of online biomedical and health literature –encompassing more than 40 000 online information resources. The Programme benefits health workers, researchers, educators, librarians and policy-makers in their efforts to improve public health.
EVIPNet activities launched in Slovenia 07-05-2014
Slovenia’s participation in the WHO Evidence-informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) for Europe was launched in Ljubljana on 17–18 March 2014 with a workshop and activities to raise awareness about the Network.
Estonia hosts first EVIPNet Europe country workshop to enhance evidence-informed policy-making 07-05-2014
To foster country capacity in using the best available evidence in policy-making, Estonia hosted the first WHO Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe country capacity building workshop, 18–20 December 2013, in Tallinn, Estonia.
Fourth European Advisory Committee on Health Research (EACHR) meeting report published 27-03-2014
The Committee held its fourth formal meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 10–11 December 2013. It reviewed and offered advice on key technical programmes, agreed recommendations and action points and updated the EACHR action plan for 2013–2014.
Third European Advisory Committee on Health Research meeting report published 21-01-2014
The Committee held its third formal meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 2–3 May 2013. It reviewed and offered advice on key technical work and the research implications of the agenda for the forthcoming 63rd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, including the 2012 European health report; Health 2020; the social determinants of health and the health divide; vector-borne diseases; nutrition, physical activity and obesity; health and the environment; mental health; and the WHO Consultative Expert Working Group on Research and Development. It also refined its scope and vision, leading to the creation of an EACHR action plan for 2013–2014.
EVIPNet multi-country workshop on using research evidence for policy-making 22-10-2013
On 9-11 October 2013, WHO/Europe, through its Division of Health Information, Evidence, Research and Innovation and its Evidence-informed Policy Network (EVIPNet), brought together stakeholders involved in translating data and research evidence into policy from 15 Member States.
The HEN-OBS joint policy summary No.5, "Health policy responses to the financial crisis in Europe", is now available in Russian. 08-03-2013
Also available in Russian: the HEN evidence report, "Do surgical interventions to treat obesity in children and adolescents have long- versus short-term advantages and are they cost-effective?" 22-02-2013
The HEN evidence report, "For which strategies of suicide prevention is there evidence of effectiveness?", is now available in Russian 18-02-2013
European Advisory Committee on Health Research (EACHR) meeting report published 07-02-2013
The Committee held its second meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 20–21 September 2012. Its aims were to ensure that the Committee was formally established according to WHO rules; to determine how to integrate its work more closely with that of the Regional Office; and to follow up items from its first meeting. The meeting explored several key subject areas, including Health 2020.
Sources of evidence database updated: search our extensive database by organization or health topic 09-01-2013
Also available in Russian, the enhanced Health Systems Evidence web site by the McMaster Health Forum, is now available 03-12-2012
Launched on 1 November 2012 at the Second Global Symposium on Health Systems Research, held in Beijing, China, the enhanced version of this repository now contains complete inventories of economic evaluations of health system reforms published since 2007, descriptions of health systems around the world, and descriptions of health system reforms.
EVIPNet: putting evidence into policy 19-10-2012
WHO has launched EVIPNet (the WHO Evidence-Informed Policy Network) in the European Region. EVIPNet brings together stakeholders from many sectors to define policy questions, develop policy briefs and create ways to translate evidence into policy.
Health policy responses to the financial crisis in Europe. HEN-OBS joint policy summary No.5 is now published 14-08-2012
The HEN-OBS joint policy summary No.4, "Health system performance comparison: an agenda for policy, information and research", is now available in Russian 13-08-2012
For which strategies of suicide prevention is there evidence of effectiveness? 09-07-2012
Sources of evidence database updated: search our extensive database by organization or health topic. 13-06-2012
Do surgical interventions to treat obesity in children and adolescents have long- versus short-term advantages and are they cost-effective? 06-06-2012
The first evidence report of the renewed HEN synthesis series is now online.
Health system performance comparison: an agenda for policy, information and research. HEN-OBS joint policy summary No.4 is now published. 17-04-2012
New sources of evidence database now online 27-01-2012
New Health Systems Evidence web site launched by the McMaster Health Forum 04-01-2012
The redeveloped web site includes advanced search functionalities and is available in English, French and Russian.
Four HEN-OBS joint policy briefs and summaries are now available in Russian 18-02-2011
The HEN-OBS joint policy brief No.13, "How can telehealth help in the provision of integrated care?", is now available in Russian. 28-10-2010
Financial Integration across Health and Social Care: Evidence Review 26-10-2010
HEN summary of a report by network member Centre for Health Economics and Centre for Reviews & Dissemination, University of York on behalf of the Scottish Government, 2010. Accessed 26 June 2010.
Published for the Belgian European Union Presidency Ministerial Conference on the European Health Workforce 19-10-2010
Salzburg Global Seminar on 'Informing and involving patients in decisions about their medical care', Salzburg, Austria, 12-17 December. 13-10-2010
How can telehealth help in the provision of integrated care? HEN-OBS joint policy brief No.13 24-09-2010
Published for the Spanish EU Presidency on the subject 'E-health and long-term care'.
New summary of a report by the Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, Norway. 21-06-2010
HEN summary of a network member's report. Published 18 June 2010.
How effective are organization-level interventions in preventing workplace stress? 14-06-2010
New summary of a report by the Institute of Health Economics (IHE), Canada
First Global Symposium on Health Systems Research (HSR), Montreux, Switzerland, 16–19 November 2010 29-04-2010
WHO and partners are pleased to announce this upcoming event. Registration is now open and a call for abstracts has been issued.
Addressing financial sustainability in health systems 11-03-2010
The latest joint HEN-OBS policy summary "Addressing financial sustainability in health systems" is now available in Russian.
Cochrane Evidence Aid: resources for Haiti earthquake 21-01-2010
Published by The Cochrane Collaboration in response to the Haiti earthquake.
Is low dose alcohol exposure during pregnancy harmful? 15-01-2010
New summary of a report by the Swedish National Institute of Public Health (SNIPH)
Addressing financial sustainability in health systems 17-12-2009
This new joint HEN-OBS policy summary focuses on the myriad elements involved in discussions on financial sustainability, and emphasizes the need for a clarification of the key concepts as a prerequisite to considering policy options.
What are the effects of psychotherapy for adults with depression? 15-12-2009
New summary of a report by the Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services
Sources of Evidence section now updated 14-12-2009
The November/December 2009 update has now been completed. Search our extensive database by organization or health topic.
The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) is now listed as a source of evidence 08-12-2009
Empowerment report now available in French 18-11-2009
HEN is pleased to welcome the Global Evidence Mapping (GEM) Initiative, Australia, as a new technical member 01-10-2009
How can gender equity be addressed through health systems? 25-09-2009
This new joint HEN-OBS policy brief focuses on how health systems could address gender inequities in access to and quality of care.
The Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre (KCE) is now listed as a source of evidence 21-08-2009
HEN technical members' recent releases - June update 26-06-2009
Two new HEN-OBS joint policy briefs published for Czech European Union Presidency Ministerial Conference on the Financial Sustainability of Health Systems 25-05-2009
Topics are about long-term care and economic cost of ageing.
The January/February 2009 update of the Sources of Evidence section has now been completed. Search our extensive database by organization or health topic. 25-03-2009
HEN is pleased to welcome the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), United Kingdom, as a new technical member 16-03-2009
Handbook on Health Technology Assessment Capacity Building - Systems to support Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in Member States with limited institualisation of HTA. 29-01-2009
Published by the Catalan Agency for Health Technology Assessment (CAHTA) this handbook aims to provide practical guidance and support on how to establish HTA not only in countries with limited HTA capacity but also for existing HTA agencies.
How effective is general childhood vaccination against HPV 16 and 18 aimed at preventing cervical cancer? 23-01-2009
New summary of a technical member's report.