News

Improving routine health information systems in the European Region 07-07-2021
Routine health information systems (RHISs) have the potential to dramatically improve decision-making among health-care professionals in the WHO European Region. However, a new study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health has identified challenges which make staff reluctant to adopt new technology that may help improve patient outcomes.
An adapted alcohol screening test will help to fight health harms in the Russian Federation and beyond 01-07-2021
WHO/Europe has presented a new package of Russian- and English-language materials to help primary health-care workers in many countries of the eastern part of the WHO European Region to identify patients with risky drinking behaviours. The materials will allow health professionals to support people who might experience harm from drinking or be at risk without even knowing it.
WHO helps strengthen public health laboratories in Uzbekistan 30-06-2021
Experts from WHO are providing training for Uzbekistan’s national and regional laboratories to improve their capacity and preparedness to detect COVID-19. From 5–9 July, national public health laboratories involved in SARS-CoV2 testing will be trained by international experts on laboratory sample management, biosafety and biosecurity.
WHO conducts comprehensive health system assessment in Uzbekistan’s Karakalpakstan region 23-06-2021
WHO/Europe, in partnership with the Government of Uzbekistan, has just concluded the first part of a comprehensive health system assessment in the country’s Karakalpakstan region. The assessment will help to illuminate the health needs of people living in the region, in the context of dramatic environmental and socioeconomic change.
New WHO/Europe information series highlights the transformation of primary health care during COVID-19 15-06-2021
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, primary health care (PHC) systems in the WHO European Region have met the unprecedented surge in needs, with several countries responding by accelerating long-standing reforms and showing different degrees of adaptation and transformation in PHC. The WHO European Centre for Primary Health Care has now launched a new information series that highlights this transformation. Pragmatic, country-specific and action-oriented, the new PHC Country Vignettes will contribute to cross-country exchange of experiences and perspectives.
WHO Regional Director sets focus on equity, drug security and health systems during Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum 14-06-2021
The need to ensure drug security and equitable access to vaccines while strengthening national health systems has been highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. During a week-long visit to the Russian Federation for the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, stressed the importance of health equity and international collaboration.
World Blood Donor Day 2021 – Promoting blood donations in Italy 14-06-2021
“When I think about why I donate blood, I ask myself a very simple question: ‘If I was on the other side and was in serious need of a blood transfusion, wouldn’t I hope someone had donated that blood for me?’ I have been donating blood since I was 18 and although it is a simple gesture for me, I know it is one that goes a long way for those who need it.”
New WHO tools use behavioural insights to help curb the spread of antimicrobial resistance 10-06-2021
WHO has released 3 documents that aim to strengthen efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a behavioural insights approach: the TAP Quick Guide, the TAP Toolbox and the TAP Process poster. A fourth document – the TAP Manual – will be available by the end of the year.
WHO tri-regional policy dialogue seeks solutions for international mobility of health professionals 09-06-2021
In the context of collective efforts to address challenges related to the international mobility of health professionals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO regional directors for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, European Region and South-East Asia Region, Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge and Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, initiated a virtual tri-regional policy dialogue to review trends and policy responses.
Balancing health and personal data protection: operational and policy considerations 08-06-2021
Public health institutions are increasingly required to balance fundamental rights and data protection principles. To address this, WHO/Europe has released easy-to-implement steps to allow any organization in public health to increase its level of data protection compliance.
Using big data to inform health care: opportunities, challenges and considerations 26-05-2021
Big data analytics has the potential to transform health care in the coming years. Medium to high levels of accuracy have been recorded in the analysis of large data sets aiming to diagnose and predict clinical outcomes and complications associated with several chronic diseases. These include diabetes mellitus as well as mental health disorders, including the prediction of suicidal behaviour.
Anticipating health workforce and hospital needs to plan for a better COVID-19 response in Kyrgyzstan 19-05-2021
Two WHO tools, developed to forecast requirements for health workforce surge capacity and hospital bed availability during the COVID-19 pandemic, were tailored to fit the context of the response in Kyrgyzstan.
Former Chief Nursing Officer for Wales says nurse leadership must help shape a more just and equitable health-care system 12-05-2021
“We nurses and midwives must insert ourselves in every level of decision-making and shape what the future holds for us as professionals and not let others speak for us. We must advocate both for our role and for how we can best meet the needs of our patients.” This is the message that recently retired Chief Nursing Officer for Wales, Jean White, has for her colleagues.
For the common good: patients and health workers tell Regional Director of COVID-19 challenges and hopes for the future during country visit 28-04-2021
Health-care workers and patients were an important focus of WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge’s visit to Greece last week. During the second day of his visit, Dr Kluge spoke directly with health-care professionals and individuals at the accommodation site for refugees and migrants in Eleonas and the mega-vaccination centre Prometheus in Maroussi, northern Athens.
United action for stronger quality of care in the European Region – WHO supports Greece in building a national health system for the 21st century 27-04-2021
During his visit to Greece last week, WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, opened a new centre of excellence in Athens focusing on quality of care and patient safety. Alongside the Minister of Health of Greece, Dr Vassilis Kikilias, the Regional Director spoke of the importance of this new office in working to strengthen quality of care in south-eastern and Mediterranean countries of the WHO European Region.
New report from WHO on health spending calls on governments not to repeat past mistakes when rebuilding from COVID-19 22-04-2021
A new report from the WHO Barcelona Office for Health Systems Financing has highlighted the need for governments to maintain a higher level of public spending on health for the wider benefit of society despite expected budgetary pressures following the pandemic.
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.
New WHO Centre of Excellence for Quality of Care and Patient Safety opens in Athens 15-04-2021
WHO/Europe and the Hellenic Republic of Greece today open a new sub-office in the country focusing on quality of care and patient safety. Acting as a centre of excellence, the sub-office will work towards achieving the highest level of well-being, health and health protection in the WHO European Region, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Frontline stories: mental health of health care workers in the COVID-19 pandemic 12-04-2021
A short film produced by the WHO Regional Office for Europe shows health care workers talking about the mental health and well-being challenges they have been facing while caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Uzbekistan strengthens its health system in the midst of COVID-19 crisis 07-04-2021
Even as it battles with COVID-19, Uzbekistan is maintaining strong momentum to reform its health system and provide quality, affordable health services to the entire population. Dilshod Soliev, a 40 year-old patient, who requires hemodialysis, is just one person who has benefitted from these reforms.
Ensuring safe schooling during COVID-19 07-04-2021
“I’m not too sure that I want to go back to school because I’ve lost my will to learn. But I’m also not so sure that I want to stay at home; I am just really confused at this time.”
World Health Day: Putting equity at the heart of COVID-19 recovery 06-04-2021
COVID-19 has affected us all, but some have fared worse than others simply because of the jobs they do and the insecurity of their living conditions and livelihoods.
WHO/Europe helps Central Asian countries transition to an improved International Classification of Diseases 17-03-2021
WHO/Europe is supporting 5 Central Asian countries to make the transition to the new and improved 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), an essential health information tool for the classification of medical conditions and disease that allows health professionals across the globe to make and record accurate and swift diagnoses.
Primary health care advanced in Armenia as WHO assists with improving guidelines 17-03-2021
WHO, with funding from the European Union, is assisting Armenia’s Ministry of Health (MoH) in adapting and improving guidelines on the management and treatment of a variety of infections, including community-acquired pneumonia, pharyngitis, urinary tract infections, otitis media, as well as COVID-19. WHO is helping introduce these guidelines to primary health care providers throughout the country.
WHO supports clinical guidelines development process in Ukraine 09-03-2021
As Ukraine transforms its health system to improve access to high quality health services and increase financial protection for its population, the standardization of care and adoption of evidence-informed practices, including the development of clinical guidelines and protocols, are essential elements on the health system reform path. To support Ukraine in establishing a coherent national guideline development process, WHO has conducted a situational assessment of knowledge, current usage and potential barriers to the uptake of evidence-based medicine among Ukrainian health professionals. The assessment results as well as the clinical guidelines development procedure and methodology were discussed during 3 webinars for health workers and the expert community in Ukraine in February 2021.
Less salt for a longer life – a doctor’s advice for a healthy diet 09-03-2021
Eating less salt saves lives, but many people in the WHO European Region find it difficult to change their diets. On the occasion of Salt Awareness Week 2021, WHO/Europe shares the experience of Dr Joana Ferreira, who is helping her patients in Portugal find healthier alternatives for processed or traditional foods to reduce their salt intake.
Reforms move Cyprus closer to universal health coverage 08-03-2021
New WHO analysis shows how access to health care and financial protection deteriorated in Cyprus following health budget cuts and coverage restrictions from 2012 to 2015. Policy responses to the financial and economic crisis exacerbated existing gaps in health coverage, but reforms introduced in 2019 are closing these gaps and addressing other long-standing health system problems. Informed by evidence, the reforms are expected to reduce unmet need and financial hardship. They represent a major step towards universal health coverage.
Better than screening: with WHO’s help Ukraine chose a cost-efficient policy to prevent breast cancer 08-03-2021
International Women’s Day (IWD), 8 March is an opportunity to highlight a health issue that affects up to 1 out of 10 women in many countries of the European Region - an inspiring story of Ukraine’s search for the best tool to fight breast cancer. The country’s authorities used WHO/Europe’s expertise and advice to change their initial plans for nationwide mammography screening and started developing a more promising early diagnosis programme. The move will save Ukraine thousands of lives and millions of euros in loans.
Inspiring change: women’s leadership in health care is vital during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond 04-03-2021
COVID-19 continues to exacerbate existing inequalities and place a disproportionate burden on women, including in health-care settings. Women health workers are faced with increased workloads, a gender pay gap, shortages of personal protective equipment that fits them, and harassment and violence as they respond to the pandemic on the frontlines.
Humanity, empathy and autonomy: Italian study on how to “humanize” health-care systems 25-02-2021
The Emilia-Romagna Region of Italy, a member of the WHO European Regions for Health Network (RHN), has shared the results of an ambitious report looking at “humanization practices” in health-care settings. The Regional Agency for Health and Social Care identified projects and initiatives deployed by the regional health system that could be adapted and applied to other regions and countries sharing similar objectives.
New WHO expert group to identify gaps and solutions to the mental health impacts of COVID-19 25-02-2021
“At the beginning of the pandemic, I struggled a lot. I had to start taking antidepressants. I didn’t see anyone because I was scared, even if I was only going to the supermarket ... I started seeing people again slowly but it is still hard sometimes because I feel as if I am locked between four walls and cannot go anywhere. And that causes me a lot of anxiety. Having my friends close by helps me cope.”
Spain moves towards a more resilient health coverage policy during COVID-19 25-02-2021
The Government of Spain is introducing new exemptions from co-payments (user charges) for outpatient prescriptions – a reform expected to benefit around 6 million people. From 1 January this year, low-income pensioners, moderately and severely disabled children, and households receiving child benefits no longer have to pay out of pocket for prescribed medicines.
Empowerment through Digital Health – virtual rooms of real patients: a Georgian doctor reimagines his country’s health-care system 24-02-2021
“There was a crisis of information flow between the system and the patients at home,” says Dr Davit Mrelashvili, a neurologist from Georgia, referring to the pressure on his country’s health-care system when COVID-19 took hold. “As the country’s hospitals filled up, it was hard for stay-at-home patients to get timely, expert advice, and the 911 emergency system clogged up for those who truly needed it.”
Health by train: reaching some of the most remote communities in the European Region 23-02-2021
The WHO European Region includes some of the most remote locations on earth. In the Russian Federation, the Saint Lukas medical train has delivered health care directly to people in Siberia for many years – providing a health lifeline to communities. In this photo story we travel with those giving and receiving these vital health services in December 2020.
Meet Florence, WHO’s digital health worker who can help you quit tobacco 15-02-2021
Florence is a 24/7 virtual health worker able to provide digital counselling services to those trying to quit tobacco. She also shares WHO public health messages and recommendations on tobacco and COVID-19.
Fighting childhood cancer with education: Russian Federation’s experience 15-02-2021
On International Childhood Cancer Day 2021, WHO/Europe highlights progressive ways to achieve better outcomes for children with cancer in the WHO European Region. The Russian Federation’s steps to merge paediatric haematology and paediatric oncology into one medical specialty is an inspiring example of how countries’ health and education systems can adapt to new methods and save children’s lives.
Georgia’s experience during COVID-19 will inform its future primary health care approaches 12-02-2021
Dr Irina Karosanidze, a primary health care (PHC) doctor in Georgia is on the frontlines of a dramatic transformation in PHC delivery that will hopefully have a lasting and positive impact on the lives of everyone, everywhere in the country.
Countries strengthen health supply chains with support from UNICEF and WHO 08-02-2021
The WHO Regional Office for Europe and UNICEF Supply Division have extended their support to Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova and Uzbekistan in optimizing the performance of their supply chains to ensure timely delivery of medicines and health products.
WHO/Europe looks ahead to a busy 2021 08-02-2021
Following an unprecedented year for WHO in 2020, WHO/Europe looks ahead to 2021 with a focus on the continuing COVID-19 pandemic alongside the implementation of the European Programme of Work.
World Cancer Day: know the facts – tobacco and alcohol both cause cancer 04-02-2021
On World Cancer Day, marked on 4 February, WHO/Europe is focusing on the need to minimize exposure to both alcohol and tobacco. While many people understand the risks of developing cancer associated with smoking, many remain unaware that alcohol also causes cancer.
First perinatal mortality audit in North Macedonia reveals gaps in the health system and suggests ways to address them 27-01-2021
The results of the first perinatal mortality audit in North Macedonia, released today, highlight areas that need to be addressed in order to improve the care for mothers and their infants during pregnancy, childbirth and the neonatal period. This audit, conducted in 2019, provides important insights and evidence-based recommendations that can be used both to address system errors and barriers and to identify and praise points of strength.
New WHO report: population-based screening for cardiovascular disease risk factors does not reduce CVD mortality 19-01-2021
Population-level screening for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors has no effect on lowering CVD morbidity and mortality, concludes a recently published WHO Health Evidence Network (HEN) report. To reduce CVD risks, which are also associated with poorer COVID-19 outcomes, the report proposes some alternative measures for consideration by policy-makers in the WHO European Region.
Reaching Turkey’s health policy goals could avert thousands of deaths says research from WHO/Europe 19-01-2021
Approximately 20 000 deaths could have been averted in Turkey in 2017 if the country had reached its current goals of reducing tobacco and salt consumption by 30%, and physical inactivity by 10%, according to WHO/Europe experts in an article published in the Lancet. The study calculated possible outcomes of the action plan for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) adopted in the country for 2017–2025.
Can people afford to pay for health care? New report considers status of universal health coverage in the Republic of Moldova 28-12-2020
Health system reforms in the Republic of Moldova have expanded the number of people benefiting from publicly financed health care and the range of services covered. Better access has reduced unmet need for health care. However, this greater use of services has increased people’s exposure to out-of-pocket payments – for example, through co-payments for outpatient medicines. A new report released by WHO finds that around 1 in 6 households in the Republic of Moldova experiences catastrophic health spending.
WHO/Europe’s Regional Director’s visit to Ukraine: reinforcing partnerships for COVID–19 response and health system strengthening 23-12-2020
During a recent visit to Ukraine, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge stressed WHO’s continued support for the COVID–19 response in Ukraine and the health system transformation amid the pandemic. The three-day visit provided an opportunity to discuss the country’s COVID–19 preparedness and response, health system reform process, humanitarian response and socioeconomic recovery, and the importance of strengthening the prison health system capacity in Ukraine during meetings with high-level representatives of the Government of Ukraine and international development partners.
Leaving no one behind: access to rehabilitation services is an integral part of universal health coverage 22-12-2020
Universal health coverage means that all people have access to the full range of health services they need – including rehabilitation – without experiencing financial hardship. It is vital that rehabilitation services are recognized as an integral part of universal health coverage if we are to build an equitable society.
Year-end message by Her Royal Highness The Crown Princess of Denmark, Patron of the WHO Regional Office for Europe 22-12-2020
As 2020 comes to a close, we look back on an extraordinary year in which too many have faced sorrow and heartache, and all of us have had to make necessary changes – to our plans, our expectations, our traditions and our way of life. As Patron of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, I have watched with respect the unwavering professional dedication of our frontline health and care workers, whose personal sacrifice in delivering care has been nothing short of remarkable.
Establishing the Pan-European Transformational Leadership Academy 18-12-2020
Providing direct support to health authorities to strengthen health leadership is an important strand of WHO/Europe’s 5-year health agenda, the European Programme of Work (EPW). As part of these efforts, WHO/Europe is moving forward with plans to establish the Pan-European Transformational Leadership Academy.
WHO analytical tool helps Ukraine monitor how regions respond to COVID-19 17-12-2020
A new monitoring tool, developed by WHO and the Public Health Center of Ukraine (UPHC), is revealing how the different regions in Ukraine responded to COVID-19. Launched in October 2020, the Public Health Response Monitor (PHRM) was developed based on a regional tool, WHO/Europe’s Health System Response Monitor (HSRM).
WHO hubs pool resources in the European Region to boost COVID-19 response 14-12-2020
Countries in central Asia, the southern Caucasus and the Balkans share technical expertise and resources with each other via regional hubs set up by WHO/Europe in Kyrgyzstan, Georgia and Serbia respectively. The countries in each hub share similar levels of socioeconomic development, population health profiles, and health system challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these links proved vital.
COVID-19: a stark reminder of the importance of universal health coverage 11-12-2020
As COVID-19 spread across Europe earlier this year, many countries moved quickly to address gaps in health coverage by extending entitlement to migrants, suspending the payment of health insurance contributions for low-income self-employed people, adding teleconsultations to the benefits package and offering free access to testing and treatment of the virus.
Building back better: people with disabilities in the workforce 03-12-2020
Ayse is a social worker in Holbæk Kommune, Denmark, who works to support people with disabilities. As someone with a hearing impairment, Ayse has a disability herself and sometimes utilizes an interpreter in her role – bringing a unique perspective to her work.
Solidarity to protect those with disability during the pandemic 30-11-2020
In a meeting of solidarity to better protect those with disabilities, WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, met virtually with Mr Yannis Vardakastanis, President of the European Disability Forum, on 23 November.
Regional Director’s visit cements stronger cooperation on health in Albania 20-11-2020
On a recent country visit to Albania, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, signed a 2-year agreement to work together on key health issues, and met decision-makers and health workers on the COVID-19 frontline.
Outstanding public health achievements from the WHO European Region receive the highest recognition at the resumed 73rd World Health Assembly 13-11-2020
At the resumed Seventy-third World Health Assembly, 2 individuals and 1 organization from the WHO European Region were awarded prestigious global public health prizes for their significant contribution to population health.
New WHO dashboard quantifies and visualizes European countries’ COVID-19 measures 10-11-2020
WHO/Europe has just launched its Public Health and Social Measures (PHSM) Severity Index to provide standardized data on the ways in which countries in the WHO European Region have sought to slow or stop community spread of COVID-19. This latest tool systematically captures and analyses individual governmental PHSM responses to COVID-19 in the 53 countries of the Region.
Albania needs to expand population coverage to move towards universal health coverage 06-11-2020
New WHO analysis finds that out-of-pocket payments for health are a major source of financial hardship for people in Albania. Around 8% of households are pushed into poverty or further impoverished after paying out of pocket and 12% experience catastrophic health spending. The financial hardship caused by out-of-pocket payments is heavily concentrated among poorer parts of the population and is increasingly driven by household spending on outpatient medicines.
Helicopter paramedic nurse Jacqueline Zbären – providing emergency care in inhospitable terrain 06-11-2020
“Most of my missions stand out in some way or another due to the nature of helicopter operations. They often entail emergencies either on a mountain or in inaccessible terrain, or otherwise involve serious patterned injuries or time-critical medical conditions,” explains Jacqueline Zbären, a helicopter paramedic nurse working in the Bernese Highlands in Switzerland.
WHO/Europe and Ukrainian Government sign Biennial Collaborative Agreement for 2020-2021 05-11-2020
WHO/Europe and the Government of Ukraine, represented by the Ministry of Health, have signed a Biennial Collaborative Agreement (BCA) for 2020–2021. Signed by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Maxym Stepanov, Minister of Health of Ukraine during a virtual ceremony, the agreement strengthens cooperation to improve the health of the Ukrainian population, and accelerate progress towards universal health coverage and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
European Observatory, WHO/Europe and European Commission publish special issue of Eurohealth examining health system responses to COVID-19 03-11-2020
As countries across the WHO European Region face a steep surge in COVID-19 transmission, the latest issue of Eurohealth, released today, considers whether there is still an opportunity to use the crisis to tackle underlying problems besetting our health systems.
Cities against COVID-19: citizens seek a “better normal” of urban life 30-10-2020
World Cities Day on 31 October 2020 is an opportunity for WHO to draw attention to the major role urban communities are playing in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Cooperation between ordinary city dwellers, local authorities and health professionals across the WHO European Region has helped countries respond to the disease while striving to minimize socioeconomic impacts.
Roadmap sets direction of Pan-European Commission on Health and Sustainable Development 29-10-2020
The 19 commissioners of the Pan-European Commission on Health and Sustainable Development convened virtually on 27 October 2020 to agree on the major themes and roadmap that will guide their work under the chairmanship of Professor Mario Monti.
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.
Obesity significantly increases chances of severe outcomes for COVID-19 patients 22-10-2020
Obesity can significantly increase the chances of severe outcomes for patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). To raise awareness of this linkage and to discuss the latest academic research of the topic, WHO/Europe has organized a virtual expert meeting on 22 October 2020. It brings together representatives of several Member States of the WHO European Region with experts to share resources on data collection, epidemiology and the best policy approaches to address obesity in the context of COVID-19.
The work of the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS) in global pharmacovigilance 22-10-2020
CIOMS is known mostly for its work in clinical research ethics (its 2016 international ethical guidelines prepared in collaboration with WHO are available in all United Nations languages) and the safety of medical products, medicines and vaccines.
Mobile laboratory expands testing capacity and outreach in Lesvos 20-10-2020
Today, the mobile laboratory of the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) was set up and began operations in the newly built refugee camp in Kara Tepe on Lesvos island, Greece. The mobile laboratory was deployed at the request of the Greek authorities with financial support from WHO/Europe, under the framework of WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN).
Greek Minister of Health makes first visit to WHO/Europe 16-10-2020
WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, and the Greek Minister of Health, Dr Vasileios Kikilias, spoke about a number of health matters, including quality of care and patient safety, during the Minister’s first visit to WHO/Europe in Copenhagen.
Greece and the WHO Regional Office for Europe commit to strengthening their collaboration on quality of care and patient safety 16-10-2020
WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Kluge, and the Minister of Health of the Hellenic Republic, Dr Vasileios Kikilias, signed a joint statement on strengthening collaboration on quality of care and patient safety.
Call for greater collaboration to address crises at European Health Forum Gastein 13-10-2020
WHO’s European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies moderated and took part in a number of panels at this year’s European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG), which ran its first-ever virtual conference 28 September – 2 October 2020 on the theme ‘Dancing with elephants: new partnerships for health, democracy, business’.
Follow WHO’s online film festival throughout October 12-10-2020
WHO is holding an online film festival showcasing some of the entrants from the inaugural Health for All Film Festival. From 10 to 24 October 2020, films will be shown on WHO’s YouTube channel with the option to ask questions via live chat.
Dr Ana Coeva is determined to provide care to all children in need 12-10-2020
The faces of doctors treating patients infected with COVID-19 are marked by goggles, longing for loved ones and hope for victory. One of those doctors is Ana Coeva, a paediatrician at the Emilian Coțaga Children’s Hospital in the Republic of Moldova.
Developing new partnerships for health at European Health Forum Gastein 07-10-2020
Taking part in this year’s European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG), held virtually from 30 September to 2 October, representatives from WHO/Europe spoke about the importance of leveraging new partnerships to strengthen health across the WHO European Region. This included the announcement of the Oslo Medicines Initiative, to find ways to ensure greater access to affordable medicines while maintaining commercial viability for medicine producers.
WHO and European Union support COVID-19 training for medical personnel in Georgia to improve health system readiness 30-09-2020
One hundred and forty health workers from across Georgia – frontline responders to the pandemic – received specialized training to effectively respond to COVID-19 cases while ensuring their own safety and preventing further transmission.
Ukraine working towards universal health coverage while responding to COVID-19 28-09-2020
Ukraine is transforming its health system so that people can get the quality health-care services they need without experiencing financial hardship.
Member States continue to drive financial support to WHO/Europe 15-09-2020
A total of US$ 210 million (€177 million) in specified voluntary contributions was received by WHO/Europe for the first half of 2020, from 81 contributors. A large proportion of this amount (59%) was from Member States, followed by intergovernmental organizations – mainly the European Union (EU) (17%), United Nations organizations (6.5%), partnerships (6%), and non-state actors (including philanthropic foundations, private sector entities, academic institutions and nongovernmental organizations) (4%).
Ministers back 5-year plan to put health in Europe on track 14-09-2020
Today, ministers of health and public health leaders from the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region endorsed a new 5-year vision, the European Programme of Work (EPW) 2020–2025, that sets down how WHO/Europe and its Member States will work together to meet citizens’ expectations for health.
Preventing suicide: Russian Federation adapts WHO self-harm monitoring tool 10-09-2020
World Suicide Prevention Day, observed worldwide on 10 September, has special relevance in the WHO European Region, where 140 000 people lose their lives to suicide each year. The Russian Federation has been among the first countries to see the value that a well-functioning self-harm surveillance system can bring to suicide prevention efforts. In partnership with WHO/Europe, it has been developing such a system, insights from which can support similar efforts in other Russian-speaking countries of the Region.
Digital health: transforming and extending the delivery of health services 09-09-2020
Digital health is a broad category encompassing electronic health, mobile health, telehealth and health data, among others. It offers solutions that can strengthen health systems, such as bringing health services directly to people’s homes and to underserved communities, helping to map outbreaks of disease, and integrating digital tools that make health care more responsive and productive.
Fanny Lopez, paediatric nurse supporting premature newborns and their parents 28-08-2020
“I am always amazed to see the potential and will in newborns to grow and develop. As caregivers, we are there help them develop to their full potential. Our care and support are particularly important when they are born premature,” says Fanny Lopez, a paediatric nurse working in the intensive care unit of the neonatal unit in Centre Hospitalier Rives de Seine, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France.
Marko Obradovic: why new mothers need our support and why breastfeeding concerns us all 05-08-2020
“The most rewarding and the most challenging aspect of my work is gaining a woman’s trust by being the trusted friend she needs me to be and guiding her in becoming a mother,” explains Marko Obradovic, a paediatric nurse from Serbia working in a baby-friendly hospital, a United Nations-led initiative dating back to 1991.
Altynai Karakhoishiyeva: helping women give birth during the COVID-19 pandemic 21-07-2020
Altynai Karakhoishiyeva has been working as an obstetrician-gynaecologist at the maternity unit in City Maternity Hospital No. 1 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, for 15 years. She decided to continue working there when it became an isolation hospital for mothers suspected of having COVID-19.
WHO/Europe joins UNICEF and ILO to launch a new policy paper on social protection in Europe and central Asia 16-07-2020
WHO/Europe, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have launched a new interagency policy paper seeking to strengthen social protection. This includes safeguarding health, well-being and livelihoods in response to, and during recovery from, the COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts of containment measures.
Understanding person-centredness in health systems 16-07-2020
Person-centredness has become a byword for high-performing health systems, featuring heavily in political and policy debates, and it has become ever more important in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, what precisely is meant by person-centredness is still largely unclear, as are the key policies and strategies for how to achieve it. The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, in collaboration with the Swedish Agency for Health and Care Services Analysis (Vårdanalys), have just published an in-depth study on person-centred health systems – Achieving person-centred health systems: evidence, strategies and challenges – exploring the themes associated with a service user perspective of voice, choice and co-production (see figure), and examining existing strategies for person-centredness and their effectiveness.
New assessment shows Bulgaria’s commitment towards tackling noncommunicable diseases 14-07-2020
WHO has released the report “Better noncommunicable diseases outcomes: challenges and opportunities for health systems. Country assessment – Bulgaria (2020)”, providing an analysis of Bulgaria’s health systems response to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and proposing practical recommendations to address the current challenges faced by the country.
New WHO study shows how Ireland can reduce health-related financial hardship and unmet need by delivering universal access to health care 08-07-2020
In 2017, the Government of Ireland set out a ten-year plan for health reform, known as Sláintecare, to deliver universal access to health services in Ireland. A new WHO study shows how important it is for Ireland to implement the Sláintecare reforms to strengthen equitable access to health care and financial protection, building on steps already taken in response to COVID-19.
New study examines role of the modern hospital 06-07-2020
A new study co-published by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and Cambridge University Press, provides a timely analysis of the changing role of the hospital across Europe. The hospital is one of the most recognizable and central parts of a health system. Yet, its fundamental design has changed little in decades, even though the burden of diseases it must respond to is constantly evolving – most recently with the emergence of COVID-19 and, less dramatically, with the growth of multimorbidity and frailty. Also evolving are the things that can be done in hospital, or in some cases, things that would once have been done there but are now better done elsewhere. For these reasons it is time to look again at the role of the modern hospital, not as a building filled with beds but rather as a concept, as a care deliverer and as a workplace. This study is the second volume in a series on the transformation of health systems in Europe. It seeks to challenge existing models of hospital care, review best practice from different countries and give pointers to the future.
Working together to tackle the “infodemic” 29-06-2020
Shortly after declaring the outbreak of COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), WHO’s Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned of the threat of an “infodemic” – an overabundance of information, some of which can be misleading or even harmful.
How to make health systems more resilient to COVID-19 and other crises 19-06-2020
Why have some health systems coped better than others during the COVID-19 pandemic? Some answers might become clear if we could assess how resilient health systems are in response to crises or shocks, such as the current pandemic and other emergencies, including financial ones, or how well health systems were prepared for such events in the first place. The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies has just published a new policy brief, “Strengthening health systems resilience”, which includes a framework to help policy-makers understand health system resilience and how to strengthen it. This policy brief highlights the key features of resilience and provides examples of strategies which have been applied in different countries.
Refugee nurse Ahmed Ahmed: working together to prevent COVID-19 infections in Turkey 19-06-2020
“During work I did not think about my refugee status, I did not feel separate from the common efforts of the Turkish health system. I was part of a united team with my Turkish colleagues. We kept each other motivated and encouraged one another to remain in high spirits. I do still miss seeing my colleagues’ smiles at work though, which are now covered by masks and protective equipment."
Stories of hope as refugees help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic 19-06-2020
As many countries in the WHO European Region still struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic, refugees and migrants are playing an important part in efforts to fight the coronavirus, supporting health systems and communities with their skills across the Region.
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.
WHO/Europe encourages health workers to ask “why?” 09-06-2020
“A safe place to ask questions” is how course co-leader Ms Ana Paula Coutinho Rehse describes the online forum that she and Dr Dina Pfeifer set up to deliver trainings on managing COVID-19 patients.
“Clean hands save lives” and “Applaud health-care workers” campaigns celebrated in North Macedonia 29-05-2020
In North Macedonia, midwives and nurses were honoured with ear-deafening applause as over 500 health-care professionals joined in for a 5 May “clap” initiative at the 6 hospitals that treat COVID-19 patients in the country. The hospitals and their health-care workers have been rewarded with the “Clean hands” certificate of recognition by WHO.
Gulbara Dadyvaeva: Community pharmacist, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 28-05-2020
My name is Gulbara Dadyvaeva. I studied pharmacology at the Almaty Medical Institute in Kazakhstan and I have been working as a pharmacy manager for 33 years.
New WHO/Europe guidance shows more can be done to protect people in need of long-term care during the COVID-19 pandemic 28-05-2020
In countries with community transmission of COVID-19, over 40% of total confirmed COVID-19 deaths occur in long-term care facilities, and in some cases, this is closer to 60%. This affects not only those in need of long-term care, many of whom are older people, but also their families who are put at risk of infection. To mitigate the mortality impact of COVID-19, it is important to reduce its spread in long-term care systems.
Community pharmacists are key players in COVID-19 response and must stay up-to-date on guidance 27-05-2020
Those dispensing medicines to the general public should know what steps to take if they suspect or see signs of COVID-19. This is one of the key recommendations in a series of new technical guidelines created by WHO/Europe, looking at the practical ways in which health systems can respond better to COVID-19.
Nurse Viorica Purice calls for solidarity in the fight against COVID-19 22-05-2020
“I hope to return to my colleagues soon to continue the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” says senior nurse Viorica Purice, who works in the intensive care unit of the Municipal Clinical Hospital for Children No. 1 in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.
Embracing cultural diversity unlocks key resources for more inclusive health systems 20-05-2020
Held every year on 21 May, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is an opportunity to celebrate not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the importance of cultural competency and intercultural dialogue within health-care systems.
New WHO resource on enhancing competencies of primary care nurses 12-05-2020
For International Nurses Day on 12 May, WHO/Europe has published a set of resources to support countries to invest in and strengthen their primary health-care nursing workforce.
“Nurses are the heart of our health-care system”: Shoshy Goldberg, Government Chief Nursing Officer, Israel 11-05-2020
“I want nurses to be strong and independent, to lead and be involved at all levels of decision-making,” says Government Chief Nursing Officer (GCNO) Shoshy Goldberg, from the Israeli Ministry of Health.
COVID-19: collaboration, coordination, communication – Joining forces for healthier populations 11-05-2020
Statement for the opening of the European Public Health Week organized by the European Public Health Association (EUPHA), Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe: Strong and integrated management of public health services, primary care services, and management of hospitals and long-term care facilities is critical to navigate this delicate phase. It is of vital importance therefore that countries work together, learn from each other and coordinate efforts. At the WHO Regional Office for Europe, we have been reaching out to our Member States to provide guidance, operational support and technical assistance, and will continue to do so in the coming weeks and months.
Iliana Colonna: enabling positive birth experiences in the time of COVID-19 05-05-2020
“At the beginning of the epidemic, our initial reaction was fear – fear of getting infected, of how our work may be affected and for the health of the pregnant women requiring our assistance. Our priority became tackling that fear by adhering to guidelines, including those from WHO, and putting a new structure in place that would allow us to continue the vital work we do,” explains Midwife Coordinator Iliana Colonna, from the Infermi Hospital in Rimini, Italy.
Chief Nurse of Anaesthesiology Department Maria Kapritsou – improving cancer patients’ experience 01-05-2020
“In the thirteen years I have worked as a nurse, I have witnessed a lot. I have learned that a relationship with a patient can be formed by simply making eye contact. I have seen many battles against cancer being fought and rejoiced at the greatest wins. I have also cried with my patients and comforted families who experienced a terrible loss,” says Maria Kapritsou, Chief Nurse of the Anaesthesiology Department of the Day Care Surgery Clinic “N. Kourkoulos”, “Saint Savvas” Hospital in Athens, Greece.
Nadiya Labanda: coordinating nurses in Ukraine’s COVID-19 epicentre 24-04-2020
Chernivtsi Province in western Ukraine was the first to detect novel coronavirus infections in the country and now has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases after the capital Kyiv. On 11 March, WHO delivered more than 7000 protection kits to the Chernivtsi Province Hospital, including medical masks and particulate respirators, gloves, goggles and protective clothing.
Kateryna Balabanova advocates for the rights of nurses in Ukraine 24-04-2020
In 2019, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine created the Centre for Nursing Development, responsible for improving the rights of nurses and midwives in the country’s health-care system. WHO has supported the Centre from its very start with training and education materials.
Nurse anaesthetist Larysa Belykova faces the challenges of military conflict and COVID-19 in Ukraine 24-04-2020
The Central District Hospital in the town of Volnovakha, just 34 km from the frontline of Ukraine’s military conflict, provides specialized medical care to more than 150 000 people. In 2019, the hospital started having difficulties with oxygen supply, which is essential for surgery and intensive care units. In late 2019, WHO installed an oxygen generator at the hospital to make sure there was no disruption of life-saving care for patients. Additionally, WHO donated core equipment for washing and disinfection of medical devices in the sterilization unit.
Ann-Marie Lawlee: Nursing homeless people in Ireland 17-04-2020
Nurse Ann-Marie Lawlee mostly works with the many homeless people who come into Dublin’s St James’s Hospital. “They have all been affected in different psychological and physical ways. It’s important for us to build a rapport and make them feel comfortable within the hospital environment.” she says.
New WHO tools launched to help hospitals manage surge in COVID-19 patients 08-04-2020
Two new WHO tools launched today will assist health planners across the WHO European Region to prepare for the surge in COVID-19 patients needing acute and intensive care in hospitals as cases continue to climb.
Reconfiguring health systems vital to tackling COVID-19 08-04-2020
During a press briefing on COVID-19, Dr Bruce Aylward, Special Adviser to WHO’s Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, highlighted the need for countries to understand that the virus can overwhelm even the most robust health systems, resulting in the need to entirely reconfigure health sectors in response.
Silvia Mambelli: how the COVID crisis is uniting the Italian health workforce 07-04-2020
“Despite 40 years of experience in various health-care roles, nothing could have truly prepared me for today’s COVID-19 emergency,” says Silvia Mambelli, director of nursing and technical services at the local health authority of the Emilia Romagna region in Italy.
WHO calls on governments to invest in nurses for a healthy Europe 07-04-2020
The state of the world’s nursing 2020, developed by WHO in partnership with the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and Nursing Now, reveals that today there are just under 28 million nurses worldwide.
WHO checklist to ensure hospitals in European Region are ready for COVID-19 patients 06-04-2020
A Hospital Readiness Checklist developed by WHO/Europe is helping hospital managers and emergency planners ensure a rapid and effective response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Laura Lupi, COVID-19 nurse: together, we can beat this virus 06-04-2020
“How we put on our protective equipment at the beginning of each shift, determines our fate,” says 24-year-old nurse, Laura Lupi, who works at a COVID-19 hospital in Teramo, in the Abruzzo region of Italy.
Helga Rósa Masdottir – emergency care nurse coordinator in Iceland 03-04-2020
Helga Rósa Masdottir has always had a strong work ethic. “My first posting as a nurse was at Neskaupstaður, in the far east of Iceland, a place of fjords and mountains. Together with two newly graduated friends, I worked in the only hospital in the area which was a port of call for sailors and seafarers. Patients who could not be treated at our hospital were driven to the nearest airport, which was an hour away, to take the hour-long flight to the capital Reykjavik,” she remembers.
WHO releases guidelines to help European countries maintain essential health services during the COVID 19 pandemic 02-04-2020
The COVID-19 pandemic is straining health systems worldwide. The rapidly increasing demand on health facilities and health-care workers threatens to leave some health systems overstretched and unable to operate effectively.
Health System Response Monitor: new tool to analyse COVID-19 response measures across European countries launched 02-04-2020
The COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor (HSRM) is a new online platform being launched today to provide countries and stakeholders in the WHO European Region with evidence of how national health systems are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Katharina Lex – researching palliative care for people with Parkinson’s disease 27-03-2020
“I do not give up easily – that is a useful quality to have in academic research, as the path can be rocky and strewn with setbacks,” says PhD student and nurse researcher Katharina Lex from the Institute of Nursing Science and Practice at the Paracelsus Medical University in Salzburg, Austria.
Nurses in Russian Federation caring for TB patients 24-03-2020
“I have worked as a nurse for patients with tuberculosis for quite some time and am glad to have seen an increase in recognition and respect for the nursing profession in recent years. It is rewarding to see patients recover from a severe and prolonged illness under our joint care and support,” says Svetlana Kozykina, a nurse specialized in nonpulmonary tuberculosis (TB).
Supporting Greece in improving equitable access to SRMNCAH services 20-03-2020
To support Greece in achieving universal health coverage (UHC), WHO has been conducting an assessment of the country’s sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (SRMNCAH) services. The findings of the assessment will identify potential barriers and inform feasible and practical options and policy recommendations for Greece to improve in these areas. This in turn will contribute to achieving UHC, so that all people have access to the health services they need, when and where they need them, without incurring financial hardship.
Midwives and doulas in Sweden helping reduce cultural and language barriers 20-03-2020
“As a midwife you support women throughout their fertile years. I have worked in prenatal, postnatal and delivery care. I am currently part of the Doula och kulturtolk, or Doula and cultural interpreter, project, which was set up to improve the care experience and pregnancy outcomes for migrant women in Sweden,” says Maria Fogelström, a midwife working at the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden.
Franciska Németh: “I swapped stilettos for scrubs.” 13-03-2020
“I have interviewed musicians and celebrities and done photoshoots for fashion magazines, but I have never felt as cool as I do nowadays when I put on my uniform and scrubs,” says Franciska Németh, who is currently in her third year of her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Semmelweis University in Hungary.
A new plan for health care in North Macedonia 12-03-2020
Attending the 2nd National Health Forum last week alongside North Macedonian Minister of Health Dr Venko Filipche, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge welcomed the reforms taking place in the country’s health-care system.
Lauren Marie Grech – from student to fully fledged midwife 06-03-2020
Today, Lauren is a certified midwife working at Msida’s Mater Dei Hospital. She remembers with pride when she graduated and first donned her official midwife uniform. “With it came more autonomy and more responsibility. I remember thinking, ‘This is it, this is the real deal,’” recalls the 24-year-old.
Georgia assesses its rehabilitation services 02-03-2020
WHO/Europe is providing support to Georgia in assessing its rehabilitation services. Focusing on how and to what extent rehabilitation is integrated within the health system, the assessment is taking place over 3 weeks from 10–28 February 2020 and provides valuable data on which to build a national rehabilitation strategic plan to improve the services.
Supporting Serbia to strengthen health systems and improve health 28-02-2020
Strong health systems are an essential foundation for detecting and managing diseases, as well as ensuring the health of the public. This was the key message from Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, during his short visit to Serbia on 24–25 February, which underlined that working with countries is at the centre of his vision for health.
Smartphone app aids midwives in Kyrgyzstan 28-02-2020
Dilara Safarova knows she can rely on the Safe Delivery application when faced with a complicated delivery. “The app provides evidence-based content, in line with WHO recommendations, on a range of topics, including active management of labour, postpartum haemorrhage and emergency first aid for newborns,” she explains.
Towards an agreement for improving access to high-cost medicines 21-02-2020
Convening an expert meeting to explore ways to improve access to expensive medicines which are important for improving people’s health was the focus of the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Kluge’s visit to Brussels earlier this week. The meeting, convened by WHO/Europe, was hosted by the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI-RIZIV).
Katja Soininen – providing health care services in the digital age 21-02-2020
“We nurses are always working to empower patients, and sometimes we tend to see ourselves as the main actors in people’s health. But really, patients themselves are the protagonists and digital health technologies can empower them in their self-care,” says 40-year old Katja Soininen, an electrophysiology nurse finishing up her Master’s degree in digital health at Kuopio University Hospital in Finland.
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan first stops for new WHO Regional Director for Europe 20-02-2020
Dr Hans Kluge made Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan his first official visit as the new WHO Regional Director for Europe. Meeting with representatives from both Governments as well as UN counterparts and civil society representatives during the five-day visit, he discussed a range of issues and visited polyclinics providing primary health care and treating patients with tuberculosis (TB).
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.
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.
A new model of primary maternal and newborn care in Kazakhstan 10-02-2020
Kazakhstan is on the way to reforming primary health care. In the context of the Global Conference on Primary Health Care, held in Astana in 2018, the country is building integrated and socially oriented health services at the primary care level. This is also one of key priority areas of the state health development programme “Densaulyk”.
Nurses administer most cervical cancer screening in England 04-02-2020
“The screening programme is set up to be delivered by primary care in England, and although general practitioners can conduct cervical screening and do so on occasions, this is not the best use of a doctor’s time. There are not enough general practitioner doctors to conduct all the cervical screening tests and this would not be an efficient way to work,” said Ms Ruth Stubbs, Cervical Screening Programme Manager for Public Health England.
Renate de Bie – a Dutch midwife shares her experiences of safe and peaceful home births 31-01-2020
The Dutch tradition of giving women with low-risk pregnancies the right to choose where to give birth, including at home, is quite unique.
Promoting healthy lifestyles in the Autonomous Province of Trento, Italy: the “Move your health” project 21-01-2020
A new project to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce health inequalities is being implemented in 3 Italian provinces: Bolzano, Trento and Verona. Coordinated by the Local Heath Unit of the Autonomous Province of Trento, the "Move your health" project (an integrated path towards the prevention and management of overweight and obesity), proposes tools and initiatives aimed at helping families to choose healthier lifestyles and reducing health inequalities associated with outreach activities, involving migrant or socioeconomically disadvantaged families.
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.
WHO/Europe and Norway discuss improving affordable access to innovative medicines 16-01-2020
All countries across the WHO European Region face a challenge in ensuring that high-value but expensive medicines are available in a sustainable way to people who could benefit from them.
Nurse Ana Sajovic: delivering care in people’s homes 10-01-2020
Ana Sajovic is a community nurse in a health care centre in Kranj, Slovenia. “I usually visit 7 to 10 patients a day,” explains Ana. “The curative visits are on the request of doctors, and I provide preventive care when I see the need. I may visit a newborn and find that the baby’s grandmother is present. I would then carry out a preventive health check on the grandmother,” she says.
Long-term care services in focus in the Russian Federation 26-12-2019
A coordinating working group for long-term care in the Russian Federation was established in close cooperation with WHO on 27–28 November 2019 at a meeting in Moscow. The working group will support the development of the national long-term care system by providing an exchange platform for key experts and decision-makers in the field.
Strengthening the nursing workforce and integrated care in Czechia 18-12-2019
To support Czechia in strengthening its nursing workforce and the delivery of integrated health services, WHO released a package of focused resources. The launch of the package marked the end of the 2018–2019 biennial collaborative agreement between WHO and Czechia, and the beginning of the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife in 2020.
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.
Improving access to medicines in the Republic of Moldova 12-12-2019
The Government of the Republic of Moldova is committed to making progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) with the help of a new mobile application, developed by WHO. The app helps countries collect and analyse data on medicine prices and availability, aiding policy-makers. The data is used to help inform strategies which improve the availability and reduce the price of medicines, while also assessing the impact of health reforms.
Keeping the promise of universal health coverage 12-12-2019
On Universal Health Coverage Day – 12 December 2019 – countries are being called upon to keep their promise to make health for all a reality.
Achieving sustainable and healthy environments for all: celebrating 30 years of the European Environment and Health Process 11-12-2019
At the First Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health in Frankfurt, Germany, held 7–8 December 1989, Member States of the WHO European Region initiated the first ever process to eliminate the most significant environmental threats to human health. That same European Environment and Health Process (EHP) is now marking 30 years since its establishment, with a birthday celebration during the ninth meeting of the European Environment and Health Task Force (EHTF) on 9–10 December 2019 in Bonn, Germany.
Universal health coverage on the agenda as Ukraine’s Health Minister visits WHO/Europe 11-12-2019
Reforms to reduce the financial burden of health care in Ukraine were discussed as Ukraine’s Minister of Health, Dr Zoryana Skaletska, visited WHO/Europe in Copenhagen on 2 December 2019.
Gaps in access undermine universal health coverage across the EU 29-11-2019
Gaps in the accessibility of health care and a lack of data are undermining universal health coverage across the European Union (EU), say the State of Health in the EU Country Health Profiles and Companion Report.
Quality in health care cannot be taken for granted 21-11-2019
The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies will formally launch a new study entitled “Improving healthcare quality in Europe: Characteristics, effectiveness and implementation of different strategies”, on 22 November 2019 at the 12th European Public Health Conference in Marseille, France. The study aims to help policy-makers better understand the many facets of quality in health care.
WHO to host first-ever Health For All film festival 19-11-2019
In May 2020, on the occasion of the 73rd World Health Assembly, WHO will host the first-ever Health For All Film Festival in Geneva, Switzerland.
WHO Representative in Serbia receives award for public advocacy and contribution to public health 11-11-2019
On the occasion of its 100th anniversary, the Institute of Public Health of Serbia has recognized Dr Marijan Ivanusa, WHO Representative and Head of Country Office in Serbia, for his public advocacy and contribution to public health. He received the award together with Tamara Vučić, First Lady; Dr Zlatibor Lončar, Minister of Health; and Dr Nebojša Lalić, Dean of the Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade.
Parliaments urged to help deliver universal health coverage by 2030 23-10-2019
Parliaments are being called upon to take all legal and policy measures to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030, following a resolution adopted by the 141st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Belgrade, Serbia.
Harnessing disruption to improve health 14-10-2019
Disruption was the theme of this year’s European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG). Leaders in health from across Europe met to discuss how to embrace disruption in a responsible way to achieve better health for all.
Call for applications to the Technical Advisory Group for Tuberculosis 2020–2021 11-10-2019
WHO/Europe seeks a maximum of 5 new members to join the Technical Advisory Group for Tuberculosis (TAG-TB) for 2020–2021. TAG-TB was established in 2003 to provide independent review and technical advice on TB to the WHO Regional Director for Europe, particularly on areas related to TB prevention and care.
Community pharmacists on the frontline of health care 25-09-2019
Gilles Bonnefond has worked as a pharmacist in Montélimar, France for more than 25 years, and is witness to the evolution of the role of community pharmacists from dispensers of medicines to primary health care professionals. On World Pharmacists’ Day, Gilles’s story illustrates the frontline role that community pharmacists are increasingly playing in delivering health care.
Stories of change: countries making progress towards universal health coverage 24-09-2019
World leaders yesterday committed to scale up efforts in the pursuit of health for all by adopting a United Nations political declaration on universal health coverage (UHC). Through this, United Nations Member States have pledged to invest in mechanisms to ensure no one suffers financial hardship because they have had to pay for health care out of their own pockets, and to implement high-impact health interventions to combat diseases and protect women’s and children’s health.
Estonia: making medicines affordable and accessible for all 23-09-2019
Tiiu, who lives in southern Estonia, takes care of her husband Wiktor, who needs different medications to treat his cardiovascular disease, diabetes and psoriasis. Both Tiiu and Wiktor are pensioners and had previously considered the out-of-pocket costs for their medicines to be high, despite a subsidy from the government and being eligible for additional reimbursement owing to Wiktor’s high prescription costs. While possibly being entitled to an additional reimbursement for years, Tiiu and Wiktor were unaware of this, so never applied.
Day 4 highlights: Regional Director thanks “the strongest minds and warmest hearts in public health” 19-09-2019
On the fourth and final day of the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC69), Member States adopted a resolution on promoting health literacy that seeks to help people make informed health decisions. Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab also expressed her deep thanks to delegates and staff for their commitment to public health during her 10-year mandate as WHO Regional Director for Europe.
Day 3 highlights: Resolution on accelerating primary health care adopted 19-09-2019
WHO’s strengthened collaboration with the European Commission, the invaluable work of WHO country offices, and a resolution on 10 evidence-based policy accelerators for strengthening primary health care were in focus on Day 3 of the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC69).
Day 2 highlights: Dr Hans Kluge nominated next WHO Regional Director for Europe 17-09-2019
Member States of the WHO European Region nominated Dr Hans Kluge of Belgium as the next WHO Regional Director for Europe during a private session on Day 2 of the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC69).
Day 1 highlights: RC69 opens 16-09-2019
Health 2020, health equity and public health leadership were key themes on the first day of the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC69). The session opened with a charming series of international songs performed by the children’s choir of The Royal Danish Academy of Music.
From cooks to counsellors: keeping patients safe from harm 16-09-2019
With people living longer and with multiple chronic conditions, medical care has become more complex and is being offered in diverse settings. Over the last decades, health-care workers have had to adapt to this changing landscape and continuously learn to improve patient safety. On the first ever World Patient Safety Day, being marked on 17 September, we see how those working in the health sector are committed to keeping patients safe from avoidable harm.
Supporting Azerbaijan in transforming its health system 05-09-2019
WHO has been supporting Azerbaijan in improving access to health services and strengthening its primary health care since the beginning of 2019.
How integrating public and primary health care has improved health for all in Slovenia 03-09-2019
People-centred, integrated primary health care has reduced health inequalities in Slovenia and improved the overall health of people. Its successful integration of public health services into primary health care is particularly impressive because few countries have managed to truly integrate such a variety of health promotion and diseases prevention services into primary health care to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases.
Survey in eastern European and central Asian countries finds further control of antibiotics use needed 29-07-2019
A WHO survey carried out in 18 countries and areas of eastern Europe and central Asia reports that legislative frameworks are already in place to govern the distribution, quality, prescription and dispensing of antibiotics.
Member States to reflect on 10 years of progress in public health and set health priorities for Europe at RC69 15-07-2019
On 16–19 September 2019, health ministers and high-level representatives of the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region, along with partner organizations and civil society, will gather for the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC69).
Empowering clinical and public health leaders to strengthen small countries’ health systems 02-07-2019
As part of WHO’s ongoing support to small countries in building their health systems, a capacity-building event entitled “Strengthening governance in small-state health systems: the role of clinical and public health leaders” was organized in Valletta, Malta, on 10 May 2019 in collaboration with the Ministry for Health of Malta. The aim was to enhance the capacity of those attending to advocate for and contribute to strengthening health-system governance.
Ljubljana Statement on Health Equity agreed – High-level Conference on Health Equity closes 14-06-2019
On the final day of the Conference, delegates from Member States, nongovernmental organizations and partners agreed to the Ljubljana Statement. It articulates what European Member States and partners will do to progress towards health equity, and how they will do it.
High-level Conference on Health Equity opens – achieve, accelerate and influence 12-06-2019
That reducing health inequities is politically doable, economically viable and has public support was a key conclusion on the first day of the conference. Delegates from across the WHO European Region discussed why health equity is an issue for our times, and how we can create the conditions and remove barriers for all to prosper and flourish.
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.
Nurse and midwife leaders delivering health for all in the WHO European Region 03-05-2019
Nurse and midwife leaders in the WHO European Region work at all levels of health systems and across diverse contexts delivering quality care, leading teams, conducting research, educating the next generation of nurses and midwives, strengthening the workforce through training or by empowering management, and influencing policy.
Opinion: a coalition for more innovation in public health 01-05-2019
In her April 2019 column for the European Journal of Public Health, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, writes about the recently established Coalition of Partners (CoP) for strengthening public health services.
Celebrating universal health coverage across the WHO European Region 17-04-2019
Every year on 7 April, WHO celebrates World Health Day to mark the anniversary of its founding. This year’s celebrations focused on the themes of universal health coverage and primary health care.
Working together to build a strong public health system for Ukraine 11-04-2019
WHO is supporting public health in Ukraine by conducting a series of activities to strengthen the organizational cohesion of key institutions and to ensure collaboration across the country’s public health systems. On 20–21 March 2019, WHO facilitated a meeting with key stakeholders to clarify roles and responsibilities across 3 organizational levels of the public health system: the Ministry of Health; the Public Health Centre of the Ministry of Health; and the newly established regional public health centres.
Designing care together with and centred around people: July’s story 05-04-2019
It is a grey and drizzly day in northern Belgium. Sharon Vandemaele drives up to her client July’s home, is met with a smile and invited into the living room, where a warm fire is blazing. On some days, July may choose to sit in her favourite corner on the sofa for this meeting. But today, July prefers to sit at her table, where, over a cup of coffee, they talk about how July is feeling, her health needs and any adjustments to her current care plan.
Out-of-pocket payments for health, particularly for medicines, are unaffordable for many in Europe 05-04-2019
Even in Europe’s richest countries, people are pushed into poverty as a result of having to pay out of pocket for health services. This is one of the findings of the WHO report “Can people afford to pay for health care? New evidence on financial protection in Europe”.
TOMYS and the rapid growth of primary health care in Greece 01-04-2019
In just over a year, Greece has established almost 120 new community-based primary health units, free at the point of access and known locally as Topikes Monades Ygias or TOMYs.
World Hearing Day 2019 in the Russian Federation – check your hearing 14-03-2019
The theme of World Hearing Day 2019, “Check your hearing”, was echoed by all the speakers at the press conference in Moscow on 5 March 2019. The meeting was jointly organized by the WHO Country Office in the Russia Federation and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Ear and Hearing Care at the National Research Centre for Audiology and Hearing Rehabilitation.
International Women’s Day: women in health innovating for change 07-03-2019
The theme for International Women’s Day 2019 – “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change” – underscores the important role that women and girls have in building more inclusive systems, efficient services and sustainable infrastructure to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Supporting the development of a national strategy for improving quality of care in Belarus 06-03-2019
With the aim of supporting the development and implementation of a national strategy for improving the quality of health care in Belarus, WHO conducted a 2-day workshop on 17–18 January 2019 in the Brest region of the country. The event was an opportunity to build the capacities of national stakeholders and policy-makers working on quality of care by sharing international evidence and best practices in this area.
Improving the performance of public hospitals in Greece 26-02-2019
First ever national health forum in North Macedonia looks to revitalize primary health care 19-02-2019
North Macedonia is among the first countries globally to review its commitment to primary health care (PHC) in line with the Declaration of Astana, adopted at the Global Conference on Primary Health Care held in October 2018 in Kazakhstan. The country continued this process during the first ever national health forum on PHC, held on 13 February 2019.
Towards a digital health roadmap for the WHO European Region 14-02-2019
How can countries in the Region design and invest in digital innovations that strengthen health systems to achieve better health for all? More than 300 decision-makers, policy experts and researchers from 50 countries gathered at the WHO Symposium on the Future of Digital Health Systems on 6–8 February 2019 in Copenhagen, Denmark, to discuss the way forward.
What you need to know about digital health systems 05-02-2019
What do 3D-printed prosthetics, personalized medicine, therapies that use virtual reality and smart watches that monitor vital signs all have in common? They rely on new digital technologies to deliver health services to people. Such innovative technologies can be incorporated into health systems to help them work more efficiently and effectively, and to provide greater access to health services for the people they serve.
Now online: Russian-language e-learning course on health financing policy 04-02-2019
The first Russian-language e-learning course on health financing policy for universal health coverage has been launched. This foundational course, developed by WHO with the guidance of the WHO Barcelona Office for Health Systems Strengthening, is intended for participants with varying levels of experience and expertise, and will be supported by a range of devices, operating systems and browsers.
Telemedicine in Kazakhstan: smart health services delivery 01-02-2019
Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world, spanning nearly 3 million square kilometres. Its geographic size means that much of the population lives in rural settings, far from the country’s main medical centres.
Kyrgyzstan adopts new health strategy for 2019–2030 23-01-2019
Kyrgyzstan has adopted a 12-year state strategy for the development of public health including health systems. Tagged “Healthy person – prosperous country”, the new health strategy for 2019–2030 aims to protect health, ensure access to essential quality services, strengthen primary health care and decrease financial hardship for all people and communities, in pursuit of universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030.
The year ahead: key events for the WHO European Region in 2019 23-01-2019
In 2019, the WHO European Region will maintain its focus on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and embarking on WHO’s next 5-year global programme of work. But it will also take stock of progress to implement Health 2020 and place greater emphasis on areas of work such as digital health and health equity. Read on for more details.
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.
New Greek primary health care network celebrates 1 year of operation 15-12-2018
To mark the anniversary of the first local health units set up in Greece, last December in Thessaloniki, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with WHO organized a policy dialogue event on 7 December 2018 in Athens. The units – known as “TOMYs” (Topikes Monades Ygias in Greek) – are key elements of the newly designed primary health care system.
Milestones on the road to universal health coverage 11-12-2018
In the last year, the universal health coverage (UHC) movement has seen an unprecedented groundswell of political commitment. On Universal Health Coverage Day, the world looks poised to carry the cause forward in new and innovative ways and to make the vision a reality.
Health reform on the agenda during Regional Director’s visit to Uzbekistan 23-11-2018
Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe made an official visit to Uzbekistan on 18–21 November 2018. A new “Concept of Health Sector Development” was launched during the visit at a national high-level intersectoral conference, “Uzbekistan health reform in the Sustainable Development Goals era” on 20 November. It is an ambitious long-term strategic plan, seeking to advance comprehensive national health reforms and meet the health-related Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Report confirms Czechia’s health reform agenda is on course 13-11-2018
Following the publication earlier this year of a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Czechia, the Ministry of Health announced that the findings of the report confirm the country’s health reforms are on course.
Greece builds local capacity towards developing integrated health and social care services 07-11-2018
The city of Ioannina in north-western Greece has concluded the first important steps towards establishing a pilot model of service integration to better meet the needs of its people. After last year’s initial discussions facilitated by WHO, 4 new primary health care units have been established and now local authorities have moved on to preparing the ground for integrated care by building the capacity of stakeholders.
Revitalizing primary health care for the 21st century 01-11-2018
Countries across the WHO European Region played a pivotal role in the Global Conference on Primary Health Care, held in Kazakhstan on 25–26 October 2018. In addition to the adoption of the Declaration of Astana, here are some highlights of activities prior to and during the Conference.
Primary health care: the time is now 24-10-2018
Forty years since the historic Declaration of Alma-Ata identified primary health care as the key to health for all, world leaders gather this week in Kazakhstan. They will reflect on achievements since 1978 and endorse a new declaration to revitalize primary health care for the 21st century.
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.
30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration on Nursing: reflecting on the progress made 03-10-2018
This year is the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration on Nursing. The Declaration pledged to support the new role of the nurse in the era of health for all, with nurses acting as partners in decision-making on health planning and playing a greater role in empowering individuals, families and communities to take charge of their own health. It called for new attitudes and values to be fostered so that nursing could best achieve its potential.
WHO experts and former health ministers meet with Minister of Health of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to discuss implementing health reforms 26-09-2018
An international team led by Dr Hans Kluge, Director of Health Systems and Public Health at WHO/Europe, and comprising experts from WHO, former ministers of health from Croatia and Hungary, and former deputy ministers of health from Georgia and Ukraine met with Minister of Health Dr Venko Filipce to identify ways to support the Ministry to ensure better health and well-being for everyone.
New report highlights the value of an aligned health systems response to NCDs 20-09-2018
The WHO European Region has made progress in reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the past decades, but many unexploited opportunities for acceleration remain. A new WHO report, entitled “Health systems respond to noncommunicable diseases: time for ambition”, provides pragmatic and actionable policy responses to tap into these opportunities.
Day 2 highlights: strengthening health systems to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 18-09-2018
“For us, the goal of universal health coverage is the lodestar of our health policy,” said His Excellency Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania. From improving vaccine coverage to ensuring financial protection, strengthening health systems was a key theme on Day 2 of the 68th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.
Day 1 highlights: RC68 opens 17-09-2018
“Health investment is the smartest investment – it pays off,” said WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab in her opening address on the first day of the 68th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe. This was a common theme also raised by the WHO Director-General and delegates alike.
Almaty celebrates the official 40th birthday of primary health care 13-09-2018
On 12 September 1978, exactly 40 years ago, the landmark Declaration of Alma-Ata on primary health care was signed at the International Conference on Primary Health Care. The Conference, held in the city of Almaty at the Palace of the Republic, was the first of its kind to commit governments, health and development workers, and the global community to protect and promote the health of the world’s population through a primary health-care approach.
Ireland builds capacity to improve men’s health 12-09-2018
In 2008, the Irish Government released the National Men’s Health Policy 2008–2013, which included strategies for engaging men in self-care. Within this framework, the Government recently rolled out a new training programme called ENGAGE to improve the capacity of health providers and improve men’s access to and use of health services.
Making the economic case for primary health care 04-09-2018
A new European taskforce is being set up to highlight and strengthen the economic case for primary health care. Primary health care is health care received in the community, usually from family doctors, community nurses, staff in local clinics or other health professionals. It is an essential part of people-centred health systems and vital to working towards universal health coverage.
Greece analyses effects of health reform 21-08-2018
The Greek health authorities, in close collaboration with WHO/Europe and other stakeholders, have been analysing the progress of health reform in Greece and making recommendations for its future direction and improvement.
Annual meeting of ministers to set health priorities in Europe 14-08-2018
On 17 September 2018 in Rome, Italy, health ministers and high-level representatives of the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region will gather for the annual WHO Regional Committee for Europe. At this year’s 68th session, participants will consider topics including a new strategy on men’s health, financial protection and an action plan to improve public health preparedness and response.
Toolkit to help European Region move towards sustainable health workforce now available online 26-07-2018
A toolkit designed to raise awareness in countries that the health workforce is an essential investment in universal health coverage is now available online. The toolkit was produced by WHO/Europe, in collaboration with regional experts.
How to ensure access to essential medicines for all? New WHO report reviews medicines reimbursement policies in Europe 18-07-2018
The new WHO report “Medicines reimbursement policies in Europe” examines the various policies that increase access to affordable medicines. Based on direct data collection from 45 of the 53 countries in the WHO European Region, it showcases diverse national practices and aims to identify key aspects of policy frameworks that protect vulnerable groups from unaffordable out-of-pocket payments for medicines.
Twenty years of explaining the evidence – the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies 12-07-2018
This year sees the 20th anniversary of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, which was established in 1998 and has been helping to shape research into health systems and policy research ever since.
WHO/Europe leadership meets with Minister of Health of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to discuss next steps of collaboration 09-07-2018
On 5 July 2018, Minister of Health of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Dr Venko Filipce visited WHO/Europe in Copenhagen, Denmark. Dr Filipce’s first visit since his nomination provided an opportunity to explore common public health interests with members of the WHO/Europe leadership team, and to discuss ways in which WHO/Europe can strengthen its collaboration with the country.
Boosting the digitalization of health systems to help progress towards health for all 03-07-2018
Accelerating the adoption of digital health means that millions more people will receive affordable, timely, quality health care in Europe. As part of enhancing public health action in the WHO European Region, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab established a special initiative to facilitate the digitalization of health systems.
Primary health care: the bridge to universal health coverage in Greece 28-06-2018
Greece is committed to providing effective health care to everyone living in the country – migrants and Greek citizens alike. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, and Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe made an official visit to the country on 20–21 June 2018.
Republic of Moldova shares experience in implementing people-centred model of TB care 25-06-2018
Representatives from the ministries of health, national tuberculosis (TB) programmes, and health insurance funds from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan visited their counterparts in the Republic of Moldova to exchange experiences and ideas on the organization of health systems and the financial reforms associated with improving TB services, with the aim of making TB prevention and care more people-centred.
Leaders in nursing and midwifery call for change 19-06-2018
Nursing and midwifery leaders from around the globe have called for change with the message that “business as usual is not an option” during the Triad meeting between the International Council of Nurses, the International Confederation of Midwives and WHO on 18–19 May, in Geneva, Switzerland.
Investment and innovation for inclusive health systems key to nations’ prosperity 18-06-2018
“Investment in health is an investment in future human development, and well functioning health systems are so essential to improve societies’ health in general.” President Kersti Kaljulaid of Estonia delivered this message in a speech at the opening of the high-level meeting Health Systems for Prosperity and Solidarity: leaving no one behind, which took place in Tallinn, Estonia, on 13–14 June 2018.
Health payments are pushing people into poverty, even in high-income countries 12-06-2018
A new WHO study shows evidence that health payments (paying for medicines and health services) are unaffordable for many people and cause financial hardship across the WHO European Region, including in high-income countries. The estimates prepared with data from 25 countries show that up to 8% of households cannot afford to pay for basic needs – food, rent, utility bills – after paying out of pocket for health care. This situation goes against the Tallinn Charter, which was adopted by 53 Member States of the Region in 2008, and states: “It is unacceptable that people become poor as a result of ill health”.
WHO asks: Has the European Region kept its promise on health? 01-06-2018
“Health Systems for Prosperity and Solidarity – leaving no one behind”. High-level regional meeting, 13–14 June 2018, Tallinn, EstoniaTen years ago in Tallinn, the Member States of the WHO European Region made commitments on health. Now, some 250 policy-makers and influencers from across the Region are revisiting the Tallinn Charter to look at progress, address lessons learned when actions did not match aspirations, and build on new opportunities.
Policy dialogue to reduce out-of-pocket payments for health in Greece 30-05-2018
High levels of out-of-pocket payments for health in Greece are a cause of concern for the Greek government.
Workshop tackles challenges of health workforce change 22-05-2018
Greece is faced with the challenge of making changes to its health workforce to make it more sustainable and fit for purpose in the long term. This is an essential component in the ongoing reforms of the Greek health system, which are crucial to achieving universal health coverage, and improving population health and quality of care.
Belarus pilot project shows the way to people-centred TB services 16-05-2018
Belarus is among the 9 countries in the WHO European Region with the highest burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). In the Brest region of south-west Belarus, the challenge of MDR-TB is well recognized by physicians and health-care authorities. Treatment for MDR-TB is long and difficult, causing financial hardship for patients, their families and for health-care systems.
Caring for thousands over 4 decades of midwifery 14-05-2018
Ms Virginia Stankevičiūtė, Chief Midwife in the Labour and Delivery Unit of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno Klinikos, clearly remembers graduating from a midwifery programme at the medical school in Panevėžys, Lithuania, in 1979 and coming to the clinical hospital in Kaunas.
How to strengthen public health services? Lessons from 9 European countries 14-05-2018
The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies has released a new study comparing the experience of 9 European countries in organizing, financing and staffing public health services. It serves as a source of inspiration for policy-makers in Europe and elsewhere in their efforts to strengthen public health capacities and services.
Small team of cancer nurses has a big impact on Scotland’s Western Isles 08-05-2018
“We are definitely the key workers in people’s cancer journey,” says Hazel Hebditch, one of 7 cancer nurses based on Scotland’s Western Isles, also known as the Outer Hebrides. “Most other places you get different teams – not the same continuity of care. That’s the uniqueness and real value of our service, that wherever the patient goes, we are able to see them in that environment, whether it be the hospital, in the patient’s own home, in a care home or in the hospice. This is the very satisfying part of our work. You really get to know the person, their circumstances, their family, what matters to them, what really makes them tick.”
Hand Hygiene Day: It’s in your hands – prevent sepsis in health care 03-05-2018
Sepsis is a life-threatening complication from infection that arises when an infection alters the body’s normal response, causing injury to tissues and organs. Each year, sepsis can cause up to 6 million deaths globally – most of which are preventable.
Convincing ministers of finance to invest in health 02-05-2018
Policy-makers and officials from across the WHO European Region joined experts for an Economists’ Meeting at WHO/Europe on 27 April. The Division of Health Systems and Public Health convened the meeting in preparation for the upcoming WHO high-level meeting in Tallinn, Estonia: “Health systems for prosperity and solidarity: leaving no one behind”.
Applications now open for the European Observatory Venice Summer School 2018 02-05-2018
The 12th edition of the European Observatory Venice Summer School, to be held on 22–28 July 2018, is now open for registration.
Intervention package improves men’s health in Uzbekistan 20-04-2018
Two regions of Uzbekistan, Kashkadarya and Ferghana, have implemented an innovative package of interventions to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), with particular benefits for men at risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
Day 3 of high-level meeting Health Systems Respond to NCDs: opportunities and challenges for accelerated response 19-04-2018
The final day of the regional meeting in Sitges, Spain, opened with an interactive panel session on the opportunities and challenges of an accelerated health systems response to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and of leapfrogging.
Day 2 of high-level meeting Health Systems Respond to NCDs: Learning from good examples and real-time problem solving in policy labs 18-04-2018
Day 2 of the high-level meeting Health Systems Respond to NCDs kicked off with participants diving directly into policy workshops covering 4 key topics: financing and incentive alignment, health workforce, governance and financing of intersectoral action, and medicines.
Day 1 of high-level meeting Health Systems Respond to NCDs: focus on equity and people centredness 17-04-2018
With its clear ambition to articulate the key elements of an aligned and comprehensive health systems response to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), the WHO high-level meeting Health Systems Respond to NCDs in Sitges, Spain, is paving the way to the United Nations High-level Meeting on NCDs in New York, United States of America, in September 2018.
WHO urges action on Europe’s biggest killers to reduce early deaths by a third 16-04-2018
How can health systems in the WHO European Region save more people from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, and help meet the global goal to reduce premature deaths from NCDs by 33% by 2030? Ministers of health and senior policy-makers are gathering in Sitges, on 16–18 April 2018, to address this question at the High-Level Regional Meeting: Health Systems Respond to NCDs. The stakes are high across the 53 Member States of the European Region, where the major NCDs account for almost 9 deaths in 10 and have a negative economic impact. It has been estimated that for every 10% increase in NCD mortality, economic growth is reduced by 0.5%.
Multidisciplinary primary care teams in Spain provide person-centred care 11-04-2018
Spain has prioritized the creation of multidisciplinary care since the adoption of the Primary Health Care Reform Act in 1985, inspired by the Alma-Ata Declaration. Today, primary health care services are provided by community-based, multiprofile teams, each serving about 20 000 people.
Public Health Panorama to publish special issue on primary health care 10-04-2018
This year WHO is marking the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Alma-Ata, a milestone in primary health care. In order to take stock, a special issue of Public Health Panorama sets out to capture the progress made in advancing primary health care principles in the different models of family medicine, general practice, ambulatory and first contact care in the WHO European Region.
Bringing health services closer to people in Kyrgyzstan 05-04-2018
Kyzylgul is a 57-year-old grandmother of 6. She lives in the place where she was born and grew up – Jyrgalan village, located in a mountainous area more than 450 kilometres from Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
On World Health Day, recommit to health for all 05-04-2018
Four personal stories from the WHO European Region illustrate how countries are making progress in different ways towards universal health coverage. On World Health Day, WHO calls on leaders in the Region to recommit to health for all through concerted action for universal health coverage.
Tuberculosis services in Moscow extend “health for all” even to the most vulnerable 03-04-2018
Karam is a 23-year-old from the Khatlon region of Tajikistan. He came to Moscow in 2015 to work in construction, and 2 years later fell ill with a high fever and headache. He felt as though he had no strength, but nevertheless tried to carry on. When his condition became so severe that he was barely conscious – a state described by his doctors as the edge of life and death – Karam’s uncle, with whom he lives, called an ambulance.
Embracing eHealth in Latvia to move towards universal health coverage 30-03-2018
Dr Renāte Snipe works as Chief Physician at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital in Latvia’s capital, Riga. She was an avid supporter and early adopter of electronic health (eHealth) even before the Latvian Ministry of Health implemented its new national eHealth portal. On 1 January 2018, use of the eHealth portal by health-care professionals in Latvia became mandatory for the flagship ePrescription and eSickLeave services.
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.
Rehabilitation programme in Tajikistan builds towards universal health coverage 27-03-2018
9-year-old Robia is one of more than 170 000 men, women and children who have benefitted from Tajikistan’s National Programme on Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities. In the spirit of universal health coverage (UHC), all services are free of charge to people with disabilities. World Health Day on 7 April will focus on UHC for everyone, everywhere.
Environment and Health Task Force meeting kicks off national planning in 7 key areas 22-03-2018
Last year, countries in the WHO European Region adopted the Ostrava Declaration, which commits them to make visible, measurable and equitable progress on environment and health in 7 priority areas. In order to do this, Member States agreed to develop national portfolios of actions on environment and health by the end of 2018, coordinated by country-nominated focal points.
Improving quality of care and prevention of drug-resistant TB in eastern Europe and central Asia 20-03-2018
WHO/Europe met with key partners and stakeholders in the WHO European Region to discuss the objectives of a project proposal for improving quality of care and prevention of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in eastern Europe and central Asia. The consultation was the first step towards the development of a proposal following a call from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Putting people’s health needs first – Spain makes strides towards patient-centred care 15-03-2018
The use of a population stratification tool has helped Spain develop health services that respond more accurately and comprehensively to the actual health needs of both groups and individuals.
Greece aims to improve access to high-value medical equipment 21-02-2018
Greece has taken a concrete step towards improving access to high-value medical equipment, such as MRI and CT scanners, and mammography exams, by initiating a dialogue between key stakeholders.
Merging approaches to health systems strengthening and health emergencies response 12-02-2018
More joined-up thinking is clearly needed between health system strengthening activities and health security efforts for prevention, alert and response – this is the key message of a recent article published by WHO authors in the Global Health section of the British Medical Journal. In the article, the authors discuss how and where intersections between the International Health Regulations (IHR) and the health system can be best leveraged towards developing greater health system resilience. The article covers lessons learned from global emergencies, which demonstrate that health systems strengthening and health emergencies response should be viewed as complementary efforts.
Health system response to TB: learning from the Armenian experience 05-02-2018
A study tour focussing on health system organization to make tuberculosis (TB) prevention and care more people-centred, and on financial reforms to TB services was conducted in Armenia on 18–19 December 2017.
WHO coordinates assessment of primary health care in Albania 31-01-2018
Upon the request of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Albania for technical assistance in developing and implementing a new model of primary health care, WHO coordinated an initial assessment mission in Albania, on 15–18 January 2018.
Homegrown, low-cost innovation improves NCD treatment in Croatia 19-01-2018
An innovative electronic registering system allowing systematic recording and management of data on patients with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) has made health care in Croatia more efficient at a low cost.
New WHO Country Office to open in Greece 19-01-2018
Dr Ioannis Baskozos, Secretary General of Public Health in Greece, and Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, signed off on the final details to open a WHO country office in Greece. This amendment to the host agreement, signed in Geneva, Switzerland, on 17 January 2018, will elevate collaboration between the 2 organizations, strengthening WHO’s operational capacities on the ground.
First report on official development assistance in Kyrgyzstan 29-12-2017
For the first time in Kyrgyzstan, a report monitoring the official development assistance (ODA) to the country’s health sector has been published. ODA is the assistance provided by the official sector, such as external partners, to promote economic development and welfare. ODA reports contribute to aid effectiveness and improve transparency.
2017 report of the health technologies and pharmaceuticals programme now online 22-12-2017
This newly published 2017 annual report describes the support that the health technologies and pharmaceuticals programme of WHO/Europe provided to Member States in 2017. The support focused on data analysis, evidence generation and policy action. The programme also provided technical assistance on updating legislation and regulation, and on improving access to medicines and medical devices.
Greece and Italy exchange experiences on organization of health services 22-12-2017
A Greek delegation visited the Puglia region of Italy on 26–29 November 2017 to learn about recent developments in organizing health-care services. The visit was part of Greece’s efforts to move towards universal health coverage.
New profile of health and well-being in Bulgaria shows significant progress 22-12-2017
WHO/Europe launched the fifth in a series of publications providing in-depth analyses of health situations in Member States. The report focuses on Bulgaria, and reveals a health situation that has improved significantly in the last decade but still faces considerable challenges.
Greece revises postgraduate training in family medicine to encompass people-centred care 21-12-2017
Experts have developed a revised postgraduate curriculum for general practitioners’ training in Greece, aligned with the modern principles of family medicine and people-centred care.
Learning from Ireland: expanding the role of nurses and midwives to improve health outcomes 20-12-2017
In a move to better meet patient needs and expand access to health services, Ireland has made it possible for nurses and midwives to prescribe medicinal products.
Greek health reform: opening of new primary health care units 14-12-2017
On 13 December, the Greek government inaugurated 3 local health units in the wider urban area of Thessaloniki, with the aim of reducing inequalities and barriers to accessing quality health services. The health units, established in the Ambelokipi, Evosmos and Pavlos Melas areas, are the first of their kind in the country. They are part of the government’s broader efforts towards establishing modern, people-centred primary health care services in Greece.
Leading the transformation of health systems in south-eastern Europe 14-12-2017
Representatives from selected Member States and experts met in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on 14 November 2017 to share knowledge and experience of leading health system transformation in countries of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN). They focused on building on progress already achieved in many areas.
WHO releases 2 new reports on substandard and falsified medicines 13-12-2017
In November 2017, WHO released 2 important publications on the topic of substandard and falsified medicines: a report on the WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System for substandard and falsified medical products; and a study on the public health and socioeconomic impact of substandard and falsified medical products.
Systems thinking helps England plan future health and care workforce 12-12-2017
A trailblazing study has informed thinking in England about the future health and care workforce, and the skills needed to keep pace with changing health needs.
Experts draw up policy approaches to strengthening health systems to tackle NCDs 07-12-2017
Experts from 7 Member States and WHO/Europe met in Madrid, Spain, on 9–10 November to hammer out key messages and policy approaches to strengthening health systems for improved prevention, treatment and care of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
WHO/Europe introduces sustainable health workforce toolkit at Dublin Forum 24-11-2017
At the Fourth Global Forum on Human Resources for Health in Dublin, Ireland, WHO/Europe presented the first version of a toolkit developed to support countries to create a fit-for-purpose and sustainable health workforce.
Greek health ministry addresses informal payments in health sector 23-11-2017
The Ministry of Health of Greece has initiated a dialogue with key stakeholders to better understand the root causes of informal payments in the health sector, analyse the potential implications for the health system and the population, and build consensus on feasible policy solutions.
Ioannina becomes the first city in Greece to pilot integrated health and social services 08-11-2017
Experts from WHO/Europe and the Greek Ministry of Health discussed the piloting of integrated services at a local policy dialogue in Ioannina on 25–26 October 2017. The policy dialogue included key stakeholders from health and social services, the city’s university, and local authorities. The event helped participants, who were eager to see the city set an example, to reach consensus.
New leadership role at WHO to provide impetus for nursing and midwifery initiatives in the Region 06-11-2017
“Nurses are central to achieving universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.” These were the words of WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus when he announced in October 2017 the appointment of Cook Islands’ Minister of Health Ms Elizabeth Iro as WHO Chief Nursing Officer.
WHO/Europe takes steps for better regulation of medical devices in the Region 04-11-2017
To start applying new WHO global guiding principles for the regulation of medical devices in the WHO European Region, WHO/Europe organized a 3-day workshop in Yerevan, Armenia, on 3–5 October 2017.
Training supports transformation of health systems to end TB 03-11-2017
WHO/Europe organized the second WHO Barcelona course on health systems strengthening for improved tuberculosis (TB) prevention and care in order to support the transformation of the financing and delivery of TB services in the WHO European Region.
WHO promotes intersectoral collaboration for better health in CIS countries 01-11-2017
On 10 October 2017, the WHO Country Office in the Russian Federation hosted a roundtable discussion on intersectoral collaboration for improved public health outcomes in countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The focus was on implementing essential public health operations (EPHOs) towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Taking a long-term view: preparing health systems for the future 30-10-2017
What does the future hold for health systems in the WHO European Region and how can we ensure that we are prepared? This was the overarching question that the WHO Europe Health Systems Foresight group examined in their first meeting in July in Brussels.
Georgia achieves significant health improvements but still faces considerable challenges 26-10-2017
The fourth in a series of publications providing in-depth analysis of health status in Member States was launched on 26 October 2017. The report, focusing on Georgia, reveals a health situation that has improved significantly in the last decade but still presents considerable challenges.
WHO/Europe assists Georgia in developing sustainable financing models for people-centred TB care 19-10-2017
A team of experts from WHO/Europe has provided recommendations to Georgia on developing financing mechanisms to support the country’s move towards providing tuberculosis (TB) care in outpatient settings, an important step in providing people-centred care.
WHO provides technical support to Kyrgyzstan government officials on financing of TB services 18-10-2017
At a workshop in August 2017, a team of experts from WHO/Europe and national specialists put forward recommendations to officials in Kyrgyzstan on designing a financial model for tuberculosis (TB) services in the country. The model incorporates the provision of financial incentives for TB services in outpatient settings.
Health reform process in Greece to be backed-up by sound workforce strategy 11-10-2017
The Greek government is taking important strides towards the development of a health workforce strategy, and is committed to investing resources towards the goal of universal health coverage (UHC) with an appropriately skilled, supported and deployed health workforce. The long-term goal is to improve population health and access to health services, the effectiveness of the health system and the quality of care.
The study visit in Lower Austria on cross-border health care 03-10-2017
Lower Austria represents an excellent example of a region that strongly invests in transnational initiatives to address challenges related to cross-border health care. In 2008 the Lower Austria region initiated collaboration with bordering regions in the Czech Republic, which resulted in the development of various remarkable long-term cross-border health initiatives.
Living longer, healthier lives – working towards integrated, people-centred care for older persons 29-09-2017
Health-care systems must serve all people at all ages and leave no one behind – this idea is embedded in the core vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As the world marks International Day of Older Persons on 1 October, WHO will launch new guidelines on integrated care for older people (ICOPE) to support the work of Member States towards creating more integrated, person-centred health and long-term care for people at all ages.
Greece initiates development of postgraduate curriculum for family medicine 26-09-2017
Greece is making concrete steps towards the development of a postgraduate curriculum for family medicine. This is a necessary element of the overall reform in primary health care that is currently being rolled out countrywide.
ECCA country representatives review progress on strengthening health systems for TB prevention and care 22-09-2017
During a meeting held on 13 September 2017, in conjunction with the 67th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, representatives of 11 eastern European and central Asian (EECA) countries assessed progress in efforts to strengthen health systems for tuberculosis (TB) prevention and care. Participants also discussed future plans to maintain the ongoing transformation of the health system.
Book Award 15-09-2017
The Observatory is pleased to announce that the book Strengthening Health System Governance has been awarded a High commendation in the Health and Social Care Category of the prestigious BMA Medical Book Awards.
Day 3 highlights: “The health workforce is the beating heart of any health system” 13-09-2017
On the third day of the 67th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, countries agreed to transform the health workforce in the WHO European Region to ensure that it is sustainable and able to respond to current and future health needs.
Course on health financing for universal health coverage offered in Russian 10-08-2017
Representatives from ministries of health and finance, purchasing agencies, parliaments and local authorities in 11 countries benefitted from the first Russian-language version of the WHO Barcelona Course on Health Financing for Universal Health Coverage conducted recently in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan.
WHO/Europe assists Greece in addressing informal payments in the health sector 08-08-2017
The Ministry of Health of Greece is moving to formulate policies to reduce and eliminate informal payments in the health sector, as part of its overall efforts to increase financial protection of the population. These policies are being developed in view of the Greek government’s commitment to tackle corruption in the public sector, and in the context of the recently approved national plan against corruption.
Belarus prepares to pilot new models of funding for ambulatory TB care 08-08-2017
In May 2017, Belarus kicked off preparations for its 2018 pilot project on changing financing mechanisms for tuberculosis (TB) services with a round-table consultation in Minsk and a study tour to Estonia.
Building primary health care strategy around family medicine in Republic of Moldova 28-07-2017
The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova, in collaboration with WHO/Europe, organized a policy dialogue on implementing primary health care (PHC) reform, which took place in Chisinau on 20–21 July 2017.
Member States meet to plan 10th anniversary of Tallinn Charter 28-07-2017
A core group of Member States convened at a side-event on 26 May 2017, during the Seventieth World Health Assembly, to discuss preparations for a high-level technical meeting in 2018, which will mark the 10th anniversary of the Tallinn Charter.
WHO/Europe highlights improvements in influenza virus sharing at NIC meeting 28-07-2017
The 65th anniversary of the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) was marked at a meeting of the National Influenza Centres (NICs) in Geneva, Switzerland on 17–19 July 2017. The GISRS is a network of 152 WHO-recognized NICs in 113 countries, 6 WHO Collaborating Centres for influenza, 4 WHO Essential Regulatory Laboratories and 13 WHO H5 Reference Laboratories. The meeting was intended to assess the status of GISRS preparedness on influenza surveillance and response, to review the global strategy on influenza and to strategize a GISRS development plan.
The voices of Greek patients to be heard by a more responsive health system 18-07-2017
The Greek Ministry of Health has committed to paying more attention to patients’ experience during the ongoing health reform. It aims to establish a continuous feedback mechanism to assess the quality of services provided and measure the impact of reform initiatives.
Reducing premature deaths from NCDs by 45% − a bold vision discussed by NCD programme directors in Moscow 13-07-2017
More than 100 international experts on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) convened in Moscow, Russian Federation, on 8–9 June 2017. Together they discussed the feasibility of the WHO European Region exceeding the global target and reducing premature mortality from NCDs by 45% by 2030.
Minister of Health of Lithuania visits WHO/Europe to discuss key priorities and collaboration 10-07-2017
On 6 July 2017, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab welcomed Minister of Health of Lithuania Professor Aurelijus Veryga for an official visit to WHO/Europe in Copenhagen, Denmark. The visit provided an opportunity for Dr Jakab and Professor Veryga to discuss ways in which WHO/Europe can work with, in and for Lithuania in order to strengthen collaboration and implement the biennial collaborative agreement for 2016–2017.
Together for a healthier world: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks at European Development Days 07-07-2017
During European Development Days (EDD) on 7–8 June 2017 in Brussels, Belgium, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, then WHO Director-General elect, addressed the international development community. He reminded them that health is a fundamental human right and central to development, both globally and within the European Union (EU).
New Eurohealth on Measuring efficiency in health care 27-06-2017
Being able to measure efficiency is one of the cornerstones of assessing the performance of health systems, and can help to achieve several objectives. This issue’s Eurohealth Observer section features two articles that explore central issues related to measuring the performance of health systems: "Identify the causes of inefficiencies in health systems" and "The challenges of using cross-national comparisons of efficiency to inform health policy".
New WHO report provides blueprint for delivering people-centred care for tuberculosis 26-06-2017
WHO/Europe, in collaboration with partners, has developed a blueprint for a people-centred model of tuberculosis (TB) care that shifts care closer to people and communities. The proposed model aims to transform the delivery of often-outdated TB services to enhance user-friendliness.
New WHO advisory group launched in Almaty to shape the future of primary health care 20-06-2017
Experts convened in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 20–21 June 2017 for the inaugural meeting of the Primary Health Care Advisory Group. The WHO Regional Director for Europe launched the Advisory Group to advance primary health care in the WHO European Region.
TB REP mission to Kyrgyzstan, 6–8 June 2017 15-06-2017
Despite notable progress in the past decade, tuberculosis (TB) is still of public health concern in Kyrgyzstan. The country is among the 30 high-burden countries for multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) in the world and is one of the 18 high-priority countries in the WHO European Region.
EU-WHO meeting addresses critical health systems issues 13-06-2017
The 5th Technical Meeting of the EU-Luxembourg-WHO Universal Health Coverage Partnership, held on 21–23 March in Brussels, deliberated on innovative solutions at the country level, to move the universal health coverage (UHC) agenda forward.
Policy forum examines strengthening health financing in Turkey 12-06-2017
A policy forum in Ankara, Turkey, on 22 February 2017, explored ways to strengthen health financing towards the promotion of the country’s health system goals.
World Health Assembly Day 3: WHO priorities aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 26-05-2017
Delegates at the World Health Assembly approved the Organization’s proposed programme budget of US$4421.5 million for the biennium 2018-2019. This proposed budget sets out the Organization’s priorities in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. It includes increased investments in the new WHO Health Emergencies Programme and combatting antimicrobial resistance.
World Health Assembly Day 1: outgoing Director-General Chan says “reducing inequalities” should guide future health work 23-05-2017
Some 3500 delegates from WHO’s 194 Member States – including a large proportion of the world’s health ministers – are attending the Seventieth World Health Assembly, which ends on 31 May. They are debating ways to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on building better systems for health.
Review of Den Sooluk health sector reform notes improved health outcomes and coordination in Kyrgyzstan 09-05-2017
An assessment of the Den Sooluk National Health Reform Program in Kyrgyzstan concluded that significant progress was made in 2016. Positive trends in health outcomes were observed, important Den Sooluk milestones achieved, policy dialogues enhanced and the review process and donor coordination improved during the year.
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.
Hospital Safety Index training in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 01-05-2017
As part of the Biennial Collaborative Agreement 2016–2017, WHO supported the organization of a Hospital Safety Index training in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health. The training took place on 19–21 April 2017, in Ohrid. It aimed to improve the skills of hospital representatives to carry out full hospital assessments, and consequently to improve hospital safety and reduce human and economic losses during disasters and health emergencies.
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.
Creating life lines – integrating mental health services into primary care 07-04-2017
People diagnosed with chronic conditions suffer from high rates of depression. Depression, for example, occurs in up to 20% of patients with diabetes and coronary heart disease – 2 of the most common conditions diagnosed, treated and managed in primary care. Despite being associated with significant disability and an excess rate of mortality, depression comorbidities often remain undiagnosed.
Policy dialogue proposed during visit of Minister of Health of Latvia to WHO/Europe 07-04-2017
Dr Anda Čakša, Minister of Health of Latvia, met Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, on 6 April 2017. Discussions covered the implementation of Health 2020 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the need to address the social determinants of health as well as communicable and noncommunicable diseases.
Greek Government hosts broad policy dialogue on public health reform 05-04-2017
The Ministry of Health of Greece, together with WHO/Europe, organized a policy dialogue on public health reform that took place in Athens on 28–29 March 2017 under the Strengthening Capacity for Universal Coverage (SCUC) initiative. The policy dialogue aimed to create a common understanding of the urgent need to shift from an emphasis on curative care to one on health promotion and disease prevention. It helped participants to identify structural challenges facing current public health services, clarify public health challenges related to migrants and refugees, establish a common commitment to all-of-government and all-of-society approaches, and agree on emerging priorities and principles for a national public health strategic plan.
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.
Civil society organizations and tuberculosis (TB) stakeholders identify common ground to implement people-centred models of care 30-03-2017
On 7–8 March in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Tuberculosis Regional Eastern European and Central Asian Project (TB-REP) held a civil society involvement and update dialogue. TB-REP members representing civil society organizations (CSOs) identified a path forward and next steps for further improving collaboration and coordination with other project partners and beyond.
Experts review tuberculosis services in 2 districts in Azerbaijan 30-03-2017
The purpose of the technical assessment, which took place on 28 February–3 March 2017, was to evaluate the impact of the application of mandatory health insurance in 2017. The technical team visited TB hospitals, dispensaries, feldsher points (first points of contact with health professionals in rural areas) and rayon (district) hospitals, and also met with Ministry of Health officials, other national stakeholders and international organizations.
New Eurohealth on Harnessing Big Data for Health 28-03-2017
This Spring issue, the Eurohealth Observer section opens with an article that gives a panoramic view of the benefits of unlocking the potential of big data in health care – for patients, providers, policy-makers and researchers.
New report offers in-depth analysis of health situation in Republic of Moldova 27-03-2017
WHO/Europe has launched the third in a series of publications providing in-depth analyses of health situations in Member States. Focused on the Republic of Moldova, the report reveals a health situation that has improved significantly in the last decade but still faces considerable challenges.
Expert meeting lays foundation for scaled-up action on strengthening public health services in Europe 15-02-2017
Countries across the WHO European Region need strong, comprehensive public health services. This was recognized in 2016 by World Health Assembly resolution WHA69.1 as a means of supporting the achievement of universal health coverage in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. However, a recent review of the implementation of the European Action Plan for Strengthening Public Health Capacities and Services showed that, despite robust action in Member States, its potential has remained largely unrealized.
World Cancer Day 2017: focus on early diagnosis 03-02-2017
Despite efforts in prevention, early detection and treatment, cancer mortality increased by 6.6% between 2000 and 2015 in the WHO European Region. On World Cancer Day 2017, WHO is publishing a guide to support countries in the early detection aspects of cancer management.
Greece and WHO/Europe intensify collaboration in the area of public health 20-12-2016
The Greek Government expressed its intention to strengthen public health services and increase capacity to address priority public health issues in the coming years, during a recent evaluation visit by a team from the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
Innovative approaches to integrated primary health care conference in Kazakhstan 15-12-2016
On 7 December 2016, a national conference took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to reflect on possible organizational models of primary health care (PHC) in the country. The event also served as a platform to discuss lessons emerged from implementing innovative approaches to strengthening PHC in the WHO European Region, and to showcase first-hand experience in Kazakhstan.
Universal Health Coverage Day: building efficient health systems that provide access to quality care without financial hardship 09-12-2016
On 12 December – Universal Health Coverage Day – WHO reaffirms its commitment to support countries in providing affordable, quality health care for everyone.
New implementation package to support countries’ efforts to transform health services delivery 05-12-2016
Countries of the European Region have taken an important step towards transforming health services delivery by unanimously endorsing the European Framework for Action on Integrated Health Services Delivery. To support countries in their efforts to put the Framework into action, the WHO European Centre for Primary Health Care has launched a new implementation package.
Greece commits to addressing excessive reliance on caesarean sections 29-11-2016
Over half the births in the country occur by C-section, putting Greece among countries with the highest C-section rates in the world. C-sections can cause significant and sometimes permanent complications, disability or death, particularly in settings that lack facilities or capacity for safe surgery and for treating surgical complications. C-sections also have potential implications for newborns and subsequent pregnancies. Ideally, C-sections are only undertaken when medically necessary.
Health system challenges and opportunities to improve noncommunicable disease outcomes in Serbia 28-11-2016
As part of a WHO/Europe initiative on health system strengthening to improve outcomes of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), a five-member WHO expert team visited Belgrade for a joint mission during 14–18 November 2016.
New WHO report shows strategic purchasing of medicines can improve access in the Region 28-11-2016
A new WHO report provides insight into how countries in the WHO European Region can improve access and reduce medicine prices through strategic and well-planned procurement processes. It also addresses collaboration within and across countries to improve availability of affordable medicines for patients in the Region.
New WHO Barcelona course focuses on strengthening health systems for improved TB prevention and care 01-11-2016
The WHO Regional Office for Europe held the first WHO Barcelona course on health systems strengthening for improved tuberculosis (TB) prevention and care from 13 to 19 October 2016 in Barcelona, Spain.
Kyrgyzstan examines transforming national health system towards Universal Health Coverage 27-10-2016
Improving financial protection and access to health care for citizens was explored in in-depth technical discussions, organized in Kyrgyzstan, to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the health insurance system, on 27-30 September 2016.
Scientific working group consults on blueprint for new models of TB prevention and care 25-10-2016
A scientific working group, composed of technical experts, discussed the development of a ‘blueprint’ for improving models of tuberculosis prevention and care in eleven countries of the eastern European and Central Asian region, at a meeting in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 22 and 23 September 2016.
New WHO policy paper reviews opportunities to promote environmental sustainability in health systems 20-10-2016
Health systems have a substantial impact on the environment and are major consumers of energy and resources, according to evidence compiled in the new WHO policy paper “Towards environmentally sustainable health systems in Europe”.
Prime Minister of Latvia expresses support to increase public financing for health 03-10-2016
Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis of Latvia acknowledged the need to increase public funding on health in the country at a high-level conference held in Riga on 21 September. At the same event, Dr Anda Čakša, Minister of Health described her plans to achieve 12% of government budget allocation to health by 2018 following recommendations by WHO experts.
WHO/Europe and Ministry of Health of Greece expand collaboration on health reform priorities 30-09-2016
Greece, with support from the WHO Regional Office for Europe, has embarked on a two-year initiative as part of the country’s ongoing large-scale health sector reform. The second phase of the “Strengthening capacity for universal coverage” (SCUC2) project supports Greece’s move towards universal health coverage and will focus specifically on providing universal access to health services; establishing transparent, inclusive and modernized health governance; and ensuring fair and sustainable health financing.
Meeting on regional project to strengthen health systems for tuberculosis prevention and care 29-09-2016
On 13 September 2016 the European Office held a meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, in conjunction with the 66th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe. It brought representatives of 11 eastern European and central Asian countries up to date on health systems strengthening for tuberculosis prevention.
RC66 side event informs of the report of the United Nations High-Level Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth 19-09-2016
“Health is an investment, not an expense”, was the overarching message of a side event organized on 14 September 2016, in association with the 66th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC66). The event informed delegates at the Regional Committee meeting of the launch of the report of the United Nations High-Level Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth, scheduled for 20 September 2016.
Day 2 highlights: RC66 adopts European strategy and action plan for refugee and migrant health 13-09-2016
On the second day of the 66th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC66), Member States and partners warmly received the development of a regional roadmap to guide the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and a strategy and action plan for refugee and migrant health in the WHO European Region.
First-of-its-kind training targets medicine pricing policies 11-09-2016
A summer school on pharmaceutical pricing – the first of its kind – helped train high-level civil servants in the WHO European Region in shaping and implementing policies for pricing medicines. The Austrian Health Institute, designated as the WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Policies, organized the five-day course in collaboration with WHO/Europe. It ran from 29 August to 2 September.
Workshops on Essential Public Health Operations (EPHOs) held in Tiraspol 03-08-2016
The WHO Country Office, Republic of Moldova, with the technical support of the European Regional Office, held a series of workshops in Tiraspol between 18 and 22 July 2016.
WHO recommends additional public investment to build on health coverage achievements in Georgia 01-08-2016
At a recent high-level meeting in Tbilisi, Georgia, experts from WHO/Europe and the World Bank presented recommendations for the country to build on its achievements in moving towards universal health coverage.
Intersectoral high-level dialogue in Belarus focuses on increasing efficiency and effectiveness of primary care services for noncommunicable diseases 26-07-2016
A high-level policy dialogue was held on 12 July 2016 in Minsk, Belarus, to discuss the main obstacles to and the optimal strategies for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of primary health care services in addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
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.
Greece and Portugal exchange experience and good practices in health technology assessment (HTA) 20-07-2016
Under the strengthening capacity for universal coverage (SCUC) initiative, WHO/Europe organized a study visit to Portugal for Greek policy-makers on 6–8 July 2016, to provide an overview of the functioning of a well established HTA agency in a European country of comparable size and with similar economic, social and cultural conditions.
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.
Universal health coverage in action at European Development Days 06-07-2016
During European Development Days (EDD) on 15–16 June 2016 in Brussels, Belgium, WHO organized a session in partnership with the European Commission and Luxembourg's Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. The session, entitled 'Strengthening good governance and aid effectiveness to achieve universal health coverage' (UHC), provided insights on the implementation of the EU–Luxembourg–WHO UHC Partnership.
Completion of the EU Joint Action on Health Workforce Planning and Forecasting 29-06-2016
After a three-year project period, the final conference from the European Union (EU) Joint Action on Health Workforce Planning and Forecasting (Joint Action) was held in Mons, Belgium in May 2016.
WHO delivers emergency supplies to Idleb, northern Syria 22-06-2016
On 15 June 2016, WHO delivered 2 truckloads of emergency supplies to 15 primary health clinics and 15 hospitals that provide health care to more than 110 000 patients on a monthly basis in Idleb, northern Syria. The supplies included 45 basic interagency emergency health kits, 15 surgical supply kits and Italian emergency kits (5 of type A and 5 of type B). The shipment was provided through funding from the United States Agency for International Development and the State of Kuwait.
Building consensus on health system strengthening in Greece 21-06-2016
The Ministry of Health of Greece together with WHO/Europe organized a workshop on health system strengthening that took place on 8–10 June 2016 in Athens, under the "Strengthening capacity for universal coverage" (SCUC) initiative.
Celebrating 20 years of the Ljubljana Charter 16-06-2016
This year, the WHO European Region celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Ljubljana Charter on Reforming Health Care in Europe, 1996.
Blood connects us all – blood donation text message service in Sweden 14-06-2016
Only a quarter of blood donations in high-income countries come from young people (up to age 24). An initiative in Sweden lets blood donors know via text message when their blood has been given to a patient. This is one example of using technology to recruit new donors and to keep them donating. On 14 June, World Blood Donor Day, we thank blood donors for their life-saving gift, and underline the need for regular blood donation.
One nurse's quest to track down TB on the eastern edge of Greenland 10-06-2016
The town of Tasiilaq, Greenland, sits perched on the shore of a natural harbor in a dramatic fjord. It is the most populous community on Greenland's east coast, with just slightly more than 2000 inhabitants. It is also home to a concerning number of tuberculosis (TB) cases, with a TB rate of 900 cases per 100 000 population. In comparison, the average rate among the 53 countries of the WHO European Region was 37 per 100 000 in 2014.
Mobile clinics in Ukraine have carried out nearly 200 000 patient consultations since 2015 01-06-2016
People wait for a doctor's consultation in front of the old building functioning as a primary health care facility in Synykha village, Ukraine. Halyna, 70, cries. She has heart disease but it is almost impossible for her to visit a doctor. "The polyclinic is 30 km away, the bus runs only once a day but even in town there is no cardiologist to consult with. I cannot afford medicines. We have not received proper health care for more than 2 years since the conflict started. Without the support provided by the mobile team, I cannot imagine how I would survive."
Turkmenistan to speed up collaboration with WHO to strengthen health system 26-05-2016
Turkmenistan will accelerate its collaboration with WHO to strengthen the national health system, with special emphasis on tuberculosis (TB) prevention and care, and human resources for health.
12th Flagship Course on Health Systems Strengthening: Focus on noncommunicable diseases 20-05-2016
The 12th annual Flagship Course on Health Systems Strengthening took place on 9–13 May, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. The course focused on the health systems' response to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), with a combination of theoretical learning and practical applications through several country cases. It was designed and delivered by WHO/Europe through the WHO Barcelona Office for Health Systems Strengthening.
Intercountry high-level meeting on health systems strengthening for enhanced tuberculosis prevention and care: Regional Eastern European and Central Asian Project 17-05-2016
On 26–28 April 2016 in Copenhagen, Denmark, a high-level meeting was held to discuss and catalyse implementation of the Tuberculosis Regional Eastern European and Central Asian Project (TB-REP) funded by the Global Fund.
Positive feedback on the health financing course on universal health coverage 13-05-2016
The sixth WHO Barcelona Course on Health Financing took place on 14–18 March 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. Built on the theme of universal health coverage, the course reviewed ways to improve health systems' performance through better policy on health financing.
WHO/Europe facilitates exchange of experience between Greece and Portugal on primary health care reforms 12-05-2016
Under the "Strengthening capacity for universal coverage" (SCUC) initiative, WHO/Europe's Division of Health Systems and Public Health organized a study visit to Portugal for Greek policy-makers on 11–15 April 2016.
Nurses and midwives: A force for enhancing health and strengthening health systems 12-05-2016
Nurses and midwives make up the majority of health care professionals in the WHO European Region, delivering health services to people of all ages. International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day, observed on 5 May and 12 May, respectively, offer opportunities to highlight some of the vital ways in which nurses and midwives contribute to public health and well-being.
Transforming integrated health service delivery in the WHO European Region 11-05-2016
"Everything starts with people. Without people there is no health system." This sentiment was echoed in keynote presentations, illustrative country cases and expert interventions throughout the 2-day final consultation of the European Framework for Action on Integrated Health Services Delivery in discussions of entry points and processes for integrated health service delivery that took place in Copenhagen, Denmark on 2–3 May 2016.
Expert workshop on health systems performance assessment 06-05-2016
The Division of Health Systems and Public Health, hand in hand with the Division of Information, Evidence and Research and Innovation and the Division of Policy and Governance for Health and Well-being, convened an expert workshop on health system performance assessment (HSPA) on 12–13 April 2016.
Country-by-country profiles on national health situation relaunched 06-05-2016
The first in a series of publications providing in-depth analyses of the health situation in Member States has been launched, focusing in its first edition on Greece. Written in collaboration with ministries of health, the new series is based on Health 2020 indicators and provides insights into performance against Health 2020 targets and into implementation. Reports on Slovenia and the Republic of Moldova are forthcoming.
Access to medicines discussed during visit of Portuguese Minister of Health 20-04-2016
Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, applauded the intersectoral work that Portugal is already undertaking to address health inequalities and the social determinants of health, including efforts at the local level and through civil society, during the visit of Dr Adalberto Campos Fernandes, Minister of Health of Portugal, to WHO/Europe on 19 April 2016.
WHO to embed International Health Regulations in health systems strengthening process 20-04-2016
WHO will work towards embedding the International Health Regulations in national health sector planning processes and health systems strengthening to ensure a sustained, intersectoral approach to universal health coverage.
Greece explores options for optimal contracting of future neighbourhood family health units 15-03-2016
A set of WHO/Europe meetings on contractual arrangements for neighbourhood family health units (NFHUs) took place in Greece on 8–12 March 2016, under the "Strengthening capacity for universal coverage" initiative.
E-health in practice 10-03-2016
From medical monitoring for nomadic reindeer herders, to education and training with multilingual, virtual, simulated patients, technology is increasingly being used to deliver and advance health services in the WHO European Region. A new report provides an overview of the developments and benefits of using e-health and includes 29 case examples from across the Region.
E-health – when, not if 10-03-2016
A new report on e-Health in the WHO European Region reveals that tangible progress has been made, with clear benefits for many countries. In most Member States, it has become commonplace for technology to be used to deliver health services and public health improvements, such as electronic health records.
WHO-EU partnership supporting policy dialogue and the Republic of Moldova’s aspiration towards universal health coverage 08-03-2016
To highlight the achievements of the European Union (EU)-Luxembourg-WHO Universal Health Coverage Partnership for 2011–2015, the WHO Country Office in the Republic of Moldova coordinated production of a video sharing the country's experience of health policy dialogue.
Quick supply of competent staff for neighborhood family health units – key to Greece’s primary health care reform 03-03-2016
A series of WHO/Europe meetings to develop an initial training package for staff of neighbourhood family health units (NFHUs) took place in Greece on 22–26 February 2016, under the "Strengthening capacity for universal coverage" initiative.
Policy dialogue for better health governance in Ukraine 18-02-2016
Improvement in health status, financial protection, well-being, equitable access and satisfaction with the health services provided to the Ukrainian population, especially to vulnerable groups, is the overall goal of the "Policy Dialogue for Better Health Governance" project launched on 17 February 2016 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Greece takes critical step forward in defining service package for Primary Health Care 10-02-2016
Continuing its efforts to support medium-term reform priorities in the Greek health sector, WHO/Europe held a scoping mission to Greece on 27 January–2 February 2016 to assist in developing a package of services for furthering primary health care (PHC). The mission took place under the "Strengthening capacity for universal coverage" (SCUC) initiative and brought together senior members of the Greek Ministry of Health, representatives from WHO/Europe and other key decision makers involved in PHC reform.
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.
Slovenia’s health system review findings and national health plan presented 26-01-2016
Slovenia faces one of the largest increases in aging-related public spending in the European Union, projections to 2060 suggest.
WHO/Europe opens new page in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Health 25-01-2016
A team headed by Dr Hans Kluge, Director of WHO/Europe's Division of Health Systems and Public Health, visited Greece on 12–13 January 2016 to start a new initiative entitled "Strengthening capacity for universal coverage" (SCUC), which aims to support the medium-term reform priorities of the health sector.
Health system reform on the agenda during the Minister of Health of Montenegro’s visit 22-01-2016
Professor Budimir Segrt, Minister of Health of Montenegro, emphasized the importance of health sector reform in his country during his visit WHO/Europe on 18 January 2016. The Minister said that improving the education, knowledge and skills of health workers, introducing a new financing model for secondary and tertiary health care and ensuring good governance of drugs and medicine were essential components of the reform.
Will there be sufficient health professionals to meet future needs? 18-12-2015
The number of physicians and nurses in the Region may not be sufficient to cover the future health needs of an ageing population, despite an increase of around 10% in the past 10 years. This is one of the key findings in this year's report on core health indicators in the WHO European Region.
Third expert meeting in the health system strengthening NCD work programme 17-12-2015
The third expert meeting for the health system response to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) work programme took place on 5–6 November 2015 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The event aimed to synthesize lessons learnt from the 11 country assessments conducted on the health system response to NCDs, distil policy implications and identify knowledge gaps.
Updating the health system performance assessment (HSPA) in Turkey 16-12-2015
In order to respond to the Turkish Ministry of Health's request to update the HSPA, a team led by Dr Elke Jakubowski, Programme Manager, Public Health Services at WHO/Europe, visited Turkey on 14–17 September 2015.
WHO/Europe brings environmental sustainability to forefront of health systems at meeting in Bonn, Germany 11-12-2015
On November 11 and 12, WHO/Europe convened a strategic meeting on environmentally sustainable health systems (ESHS) in Bonn, Germany. Attendees included representatives of 19 European Region Member States, medical and environmental experts, nongovernmental organization leaders and WHO staff.
“Europe is Europe because of migration”: highlights from day 2 of the high-level conference on refugee and migrant health 24-11-2015
Recapping discussions from the first day, Dr Santino Severoni noted that delegates recognized that the current massive refugee, asylum seeker and other migrant influx in Europe is an urgent public health concern for all Member States in the Region.
Workshop on sustaining a health system in conditions of crisis in Transnistria region 10-11-2015
The first intensive course on health system sustainability in Transnistria region entitled "The activity of healthcare facilities in conditions of crisis" took place on 3–5 November 2015 in Tiraspol.
Engaging people in every step: patients and carers explain the benefits of people-centred health care 05-11-2015
"Voices of Patients and Carers" consists of a collection of personal stories, a photo series and a film called "Journeys to Health", which share the real-life stories of people throughout the WHO European Region who played an integral role in their own care during their personal health challenges.
WHO Regional Director visits Slovenia 02-11-2015
Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, Regional Director of WHO/Europe, made an official visit to Slovenia on 29–30 October 2015. At a meeting in Vila Podrožnik, organized by Ms Milojka Kolar-Celarc, Minister of Health of Slovenia, the Regional Director met with Mr Miro Cerar, Prime Minister of Slovenia, and Mr Dušan Mramor, the Minister of Finance.
Statement - The challenges of migration require migrant-sensitive health systems for today and for the future 29-10-2015
Statement by Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe
WHO/Europe partners with Austria and Belgium to address new, high-priced medicines in Europe 15-10-2015
During the European Health Forum held from 30 September to 3 October 2015 in Gastein, Austria, WHO/Europe and the social security institutes of Austria and Belgium held a meeting aimed to stimulate discussion on how to prioritize the introduction of new high-priced medicines.
New Minister of Health of the Republic of Moldova visits WHO/Europe 07-10-2015
Mrs Ruxanda Glavan, newly appointed Minister of Health, visited WHO/Europe to meet Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and senior management on 5 October 2015.
European health report 2015 published 23-09-2015
This flagship report shows that Europeans are living longer, but high levels of tobacco and alcohol consumption, combined with rising obesity, could mean that the life expectancy of future generations will fall. The report charts progress towards the targets set in Health 2020 and recommends that new kinds of evidence be examined to understand the complex relation between health, well-being and culture.
Day 4 highlights: RC65 adopts new tuberculosis action plan and closes 17-09-2015
Highlights of the final day of the 65th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC65) included adoption of the action plan, agreement on closer cooperation between WHO/Europe and the European Commission and a description of countries' experience in addressing the migration crisis in Europe.
Day 3 highlights: adoption of strategy on physical activity and roadmap for tobacco control 16-09-2015
The strategy and the roadmap for the European Region, adopted by the 65th session of the Regional Committee (RC65), will contribute to achieving the global goal of a 25% reduction in premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) by 2025.
Day 2 highlights: focus continues on intersectoral action 15-09-2015
Panel discussions on the second day of the 65th session of the Regional Committee (RC65) focused on the need to work across sectors to address the health challenges of today's interconnected world. The WHO Director-General called on Member States to pay particular attention to how corporate interests influence health policy-making, asking, "Who really governs the policies that shape our health?"
New evidence: how the economic crisis has affected health systems and health in Europe 07-09-2015
Two new studies published by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and WHO/Europe provide new evidence on the impact of the crisis on health systems and health in Europe.
WHO/Europe brings lessons from Ebola preparedness and good practices to international health security discourse 30-07-2015
On 13 July 2015, WHO convened a high-level conference in Cape Town, South Africa called "Building Health Security Beyond Ebola".
Moldovan study visit to Estonia to learn the hospital sector reform 23-07-2015
A high-level delegation from the Republic of Moldova representing members of Parliament, the Government, hospitals and the state medical university visited Estonia on 20–23 July 2015 to learn about the Estonian experience in strengthening the hospital sector.
Georgia’s health financing reforms show tangible benefits for the population 14-07-2015
The Minister of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia held a meeting with WHO/Europe, the World Bank and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Tbilisi on 24 June 2015 to present the findings of a new survey on health care utilization and expenditure.
Uzbekistan strengthens the safety and resilience of its hospitals 14-07-2015
Uninterrupted functioning of health services is of the highest importance in emergencies and disasters. Continuing functioning of hospitals depends on a range of factors, including the safety of its buildings, critical systems and equipment, the availability of supplies, and the emergency and disaster management capacity of the hospital. The Safe Hospital Initiative is a priority among the five messages of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which was agreed by 186 countries in March 2015.
New report: Investing in public health offers large gains in health, the economy and other sectors 14-07-2015
Tobacco use reduces overall national income by 3.6%. Obesity accounts for 1–3% of all health expenditure in most countries. These and other surprising facts came to light in a report published by WHO/Europe on the long- and short-term effects of a country's health status on its financial and economic situation.
Building capacity for laboratory services 14-07-2015
Well-functioning laboratory services are an essential component of health systems, for public health surveillance, disease control and clinical diagnosis. A new section of the website explains WHO's work in strengthening laboratory services and building capacity, both in normal circumstances and in emergencies.
WHO/Europe hosts ad-hoc meeting of the Ministers of Health of the SEEHN Member States to discuss universal health coverage 01-07-2015
On 21-23 June 2015 the ministers of health of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) met in Belgrade, Serbia, to identify further steps in strengthening the SEE regional collaboration for public health. WHO/Europe at this event was represented by its Regional Director Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab and senior staff.
Subregional training course for the central Asian republics on public health leadership 30-06-2015
WHO/Europe organized a subregional training course on public health leadership for the central Asian republics on 15–18 June 2015 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Special report on Healthy Cities in Europe launched 22-06-2015
Do healthy cities make a difference? is the central question addressed in the new Health Promotion International special supplement. Looking at intersectoral governance for health and equity in European cities, the supplement presents a collection of critical peer-reviewed analyses and reflections that build on a five-year evaluation process incorporating data from 99 cities across the WHO European Region.
Mobile health care for Ukraine 10-06-2015
WHO has trained medical staff in Ukraine to deliver high-quality health services for internally displaced people and communities in conflict areas. Now, 16 mobile emergency primary health care units are operating in eastern Ukraine, giving over 1600 consultations a week to people affected by the crisis.
Identifying priorities for health systems strengthening 2015–2020 30-05-2015
WHO/Europe's Division of Health Systems and Public Health has been actively identifying priorities for strengthening people-centered health systems to inform the positioning of WHO/Europe's priorities for 2015–2020.
Policy conference on innovating public health finance in Bosnia and Herzegovina 30-05-2015
On 26–27 May 2015, a conference centred on a joint project for developing and advancing modern and sustainable public health strategies, capacities and services to improve population health took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Days 5 to 7 of the World Health Assembly: highlights for the European Region 27-05-2015
Discussions continued in the drafting group on the draft decision on Ebola and follow-up to the Special session of the Executive Board on the Ebola emergency. Particular focus was given to core capacity assessment for implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) and to the contingency fund.
Day 4 of the World Health Assembly: highlights for the European Region 22-05-2015
Day 4 of the World Health Assembly: highlights for the European Region
Day 3 of the World Health Assembly: highlights for the European Region 21-05-2015
Day 3 of the World Health Assembly: highlights for the European Region.
Partners meeting on strategic health system strengthening priorities and areas for collaboration 11-05-2015
On 30 April 2015, WHO/Europe brought together senior representatives from international partners to collaborate and share information on ongoing work in health system strengthening.
Better hospital care for children 11-05-2015
In Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, children are receiving better care and hospitals are enjoying increased capacity following a WHO project on improving the quality of paediatric care in hospitals. The 3-year pilot concluded in December 2014, and has already delivered dramatic and visible results.
Flagship course on health systems strengthening with a focus on noncommunicable diseases 05-05-2015
The annual "flagship" course on health systems strengthening was held between 27 April and 1 May 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. The focus of the course was the health system response to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The training programme combined theory and practical application in several country case studies.. "This course can ignite real changes in our health systems", said Klodian Rjepaj, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health, Albania. The course was designed and delivered by the Division of Health Systems and Public Health of the WHO Regional Office for Europe through the WHO Barcelona Office for Health Systems Strengthening.
Health financing course on universal health coverage another success 05-05-2015
The fifth WHO Barcelona Course on Health Financing took place from 16–20 March 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. Built on the theme of universal health coverage, the Course reviewed ways of improving health system performance through better health financing policies.
Strengthening nursing and midwifery expertise in the WHO European Region 20-04-2015
In conjunction with the Latvian presidency in the EU, the WHO Regional Office for Europe hosted the 3rd biannual meeting of the region's government chief nursing officers (CNOs), national nursing and midwifery associations and WHO collaborating centres on Nursing and Midwifery from 8–9 April in Riga, Latvia. The meeting was held to review progress and provided an opportunity to discuss the role of nurses and midwives in transforming health service delivery towards people-centred health systems for improved health outcomes. It was also an opportunity to finalize the European strategic directions for strengthening nursing and midwifery towards Health 2020 goals (ESDNM) and the accompanying new European compendium of good practices.
WHO undertakes mission to Kyrgyzstan to strengthen public health services 17-04-2015
WHO/Europe recently conducted a technical mission to Kyrgyzstan with the aim of providing support and advice to the Ministry of Health in assessing structural and organizational reforms in the public health system. The mission held meetings with leaders and experts from key national public health institutions and organizations, and included a visit to the City Sanepid Service in Bishkek. In addition to identifying key developments and achievements, the mission also pinpointed remaining challenges to the reform of the public health services in the country.
Riga Declaration paves the way to ending TB in the European Region 07-04-2015
In her keynote speech at the 1st Eastern Partnership Ministerial Conference on Tuberculosis and Its Multi-Drug Resistance, held on 30–31 March in Riga, Latvia, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, declared: "Europe is in a position to lead prevention, care and the innovation of new tools in the fight against TB, and to pave the way for TB elimination. It is only through regional collaboration and cooperation that we can achieve this goal, so that our children will live in a world free of TB."
New WHO report shows that transparency and cooperation help to reduce high prices for new medicines 26-03-2015
As the number of new medicines introduced in Europe rises, governments are finding it increasingly difficult to afford them, according to a comprehensive study released today by the WHO Regional Office for Europe. The study illustrates the challenges for national health systems, with specific examples, and shows that few countries in the WHO European Region have mechanisms in place to evaluate the cost–effectiveness of new drugs; this hampers the value-assessment and decision-making processes.
Slovenian Minister of Health visits WHO/Europe 06-03-2015
Ms Milojka Kolar Celarc, Minister of Health of Slovenia, made an official visit to WHO/Europe on 6 March 2015. Building on the strong existing collaboration between WHO and Slovenia, the visit provided an opportunity for Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, to explain the functions, programmes and new focus areas of the Organization, including the WHO reform process and implementation of Health 2020, the European policy framework for health and well-being. It also enabled the Minister to meet and discuss key health issues with senior WHO staff.
Kazakhstan: transformations to place people at the centre of health services 04-03-2015
Kazakhstan has embarked on a long-term reform process to strengthen its health system and tackle the challenges the country is facing related to the rise of NCDs, the geographical and socio-demographic health inequalities, and the organizational barriers within the health system, to name but a few.
Belgian Minister of Health visits WHO/Europe 04-03-2015
Dr Maggie De Block, Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health of Belgium, made an official visit to WHO/Europe on 2 March 2015. The visit was organized to discuss the continuing exchange of technical information and collaboration between Belgium and WHO in coming years, and how WHO/Europe could assist the new Minister at national level. Dr De Block met Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, as well as senior WHO staff.
Meeting of the EU Senior Working Party on Public Health (Brussels, 17 February 2015) 20-02-2015
On 17 February the Director of Health Systems and Public Health addressed a meeting of the EU Senior Working Party on Public Health in Brussels, on the economic crisis and sustainable public financing for health in Europe.
WHO opens office on primary health care in Kazakhstan 11-02-2015
WHO officially inaugurated a new centre for excellence in primary health care in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 11 February 2015. The centre will ensure that WHO/Europe is best equipped to support countries in revitalizing primary health care.
Addressing inequities through responsive health services in Kazakhstan 18-01-2015
The Government of Kazakhstan approached WHO and other United Nations agencies to support the development of regional policies that are responsive to the population’s needs, with a primary health care approach that includes intersectoral actions. A multidisciplinary WHO team visited Mangystau on 10-17 December 2014 and, jointly with the local counterparts, developed an action plan based on a rapid assessment of health needs.
Greece and Portugal exchange know-how on the organization of primary health care services 17-01-2015
A study visit to Portugal for policy-makers from Greece was organized by the WHO Programme Management Team in Athens on 1-5 December 2014. The main objective was to exchange experience on the organization of PHC services and their contracting with pay-for-performance components in the context of starting up family health units under the implementation of the PHC Law in Greece.
Minister of Health of Latvia visits WHO/Europe 09-01-2015
Mr Guntis Belēvičs, the new Latvian Minister of Health, visited WHO/Europe on 7 January 2015.
Conference on Universal Health Coverage Day in Albania 19-12-2014
12 December 2014 was observed worldwide as the first-ever Universal Health Coverage Day following the unanimous endorsement of the resolution on Universal Health Coverage, by the United Nations on 12 December 2012. A national conference was jointly organized in Albania by the Ministry of Health and the WHO Country Office to promote Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as the future of the development of health sector.
Baltic policy dialogue focuses on integrated care solutions 19-12-2014
The 11th edition of the Baltic Policy Dialogues series, held on 13–14 November 2014 in Vilnius, gathered leading and senior-level representatives from the Ministries of Health of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, as well as representatives of the health insurance and professional stakeholders for analysing evidence, sharing experience and exploring implications of investing in integrated care solutions to manage multiple and chronic conditions.
General practitioners implementing innovative measures to tackle NCDs in Croatia 18-12-2014
In Croatia, the probability of premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases is 18% and primarily affects males in their productive years. Noncommunicable diseases account for 90% of overall mortality. This has significant socioeconomic consequences and is a drain on the national economy. Status quo in the current levels of alcohol use, smoking, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity would result in an increased burden of noncommunicable diseases that would affect the sustainability of the health system.
WHO puts spotlight on leadership capacity-building at European public health conference 15-12-2014
At the 7th European Public Health Conference, which was held in Glasgow on 19-22 November, WHO emphasized the need for national governments, academia, civil society, and designated public health institutions across the European Region to commit greater efforts to developing leadership skills for individual and institutional actors in the public health field.
WHO explores viability of health insurance options for sector reform in Cyprus 08-12-2014
In support of national health sector reform in Cyprus, the Ministry of Health and WHO/Europe have undertaken a national study to compare the efficiency and sustainability of various health insurance schemes. The aim of the study is to determine the potential costs, benefits, and risks of operating a national health insurance plan via multiple insurance organizations versus through a single purchaser.
Building capacity in global health diplomacy 18-11-2014
In October 2014, health and diplomatic professionals from the South East European Network (SEEHN) countries gathered in Chisinau, Moldova, for a training in global health diplomacy under the auspices of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the Global Health Programme of the Graduate Institute and the SEEHN. The course was implemented with generous support of the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation.
Assessment of barriers and opportunities to improve NCD outcomes in Estonia 13-11-2014
A week-long WHO/Europe assessment of Estonia’s response to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) conducted in September 2014 looked for ways in which the Government can reduce the burden of these diseases and further improve their treatment and management.
Pharmacists have decisive role in combating antibiotic resistance, says new WHO European survey 13-11-2014
Pharmacists are among the best positioned to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics, according to a new survey in the WHO European Region. They therefore have a crucial role in combating antimicrobial resistance, along with policy-makers and health practitioners: every player is key. On European Antibiotic Awareness Day, 18 November 2014, WHO advocates increasing the prudent use of antibiotics through pharmaceutical services in Europe.
WHO Collaborating Centre in Moscow signals new beginning for public health services 05-11-2014
WHO is stepping up collaboration with countries in eastern Europe and central Asia to strengthen their public health services in view of the growing double burden of communicable and noncommunicable diseases in the Region.
From policies to joint actions: third National Health Forum held in Republic of Moldova 03-11-2014
Over 450 participants gathered at the third National Health Forum on 23–24 October 2014 in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, to exchange information and improve cooperation at national and local levels in the area of health care and public health. This event is the broadest national platform for discussions in the health sector and was attended by representatives of Parliament, the Prime Minister's office, stakeholders in the health system and other sectors, diplomatic missions and the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the Republic of Moldova, international organizations and partners. Representatives of the Romanian and Lithuanian ministries of health, WHO and international speakers also attended as special guests.
Motivating factors for health workers who migrate from Republic of Moldova 28-10-2014
Financial incentives, working conditions, family ties and career advancement all play a significant role in the decision of many health care workers in the Republic of Moldova to emigrate. This was one of the findings of a study on "Health workers who migrate from the Republic of Moldova to work in Italy and other European Union (EU) countries" launched and presented during a roundtable meeting on 16 October 2014. The study was conducted in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and other EU countries between July 2013 and February 2014 by the WHO Country Office in Republic of Moldova in collaboration with the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Crown Princess Mary of Denmark underlines importance of universal vaccination in address to Tajik medical students 24-10-2014
On World Polio Day, 24 October, as part of her visit to Tajikistan to draw attention to maternal and child health issues throughout the WHO European Region, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark underlined that access to immunization at every stage of life is the right of every individual.
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.
WHO facilitates knowledge transfer on primary health care contracting in Greece 16-10-2014
A WHO mission to Greece on primary health care (PHC) contracting and key performance indicators (KPIs) in service delivery took place on 7–10 October 2014. The mission’s team included senior experts from the Ministry of Health of Portugal, the Portuguese Catholic University and WHO’s Programme Management Team in Greece.
Working for better noncommunicable disease outcomes in Turkey: challenges and opportunities for health systems 09-10-2014
A week long policy dialogue and training course is underway in Turkey, to take forward recommendations of a new WHO report assessing the health system response to NCD prevention and control. Turkey was one of the first countries to undertake an assessment of the health system capacity to respond to NCD, using the assessment guide developed by WHO Regional Office for Europe. The assessment was conducted in 2013 by WHO in partnership with the Ministry of Health in Turkey.
Andorra country report on primary health care provides policy recommendations 09-10-2014
Andorra has launched its country report, Evaluation of the Structure and Provision of Primary Health Care in the Principality of Andorra, at a conference recently held in Andorra la Vella. The report provides policy recommendations on a number of health system areas, including health governance, tools and incentives to increase quality control, and addressing inequities in using primary health care services.
Ensuring older people have access to more integrated health and social services in Serbia 08-10-2014
With the oldest population in the European Region, Serbia acknowledges the need for innovative and timely action to ensure sustainable and accessible health and social services for its older people. Like many other European countries, Serbia faces challenges related to an ageing population, including increasing chronicity with 76% of the people over 65 years reporting at least one chronic condition and 8 out of the top 10 causes for morbidity and mortality are related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Moreover, access to services for older people in rural areas is limited and 18% of older people live in poverty but only 3% received social benefits. A further challenge is constitute by the dependency ratio (1.1 to 1) that jeopardizes the health social welfare sustainability.
Public health self-assessment process initiated in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 30-09-2014
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is the first country in the WHO European Region to conduct a critical self-assessment of its public health services using a newly revised assessment tool for Essential Public Health Operations (EPHO).
Nurses and midwives: a vital resource for health 29-09-2014
Strengthening nursing and midwifery to maximize their potential and enable their full contribution to Health 2020 implementation was the focus of a technical briefing on Wednesday 17 September 2014, at the 64th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.
Progress on Tallinn Charter implementation report 29-09-2014
At a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Regional Committee (SCRC) in Malta, in December 2013, its members agreed to establish a Core Group representing selected Member States and partners to help WHO/Europe monitor countries’ progress in implementing the commitments of the Tallinn Charter.
Highlights of RC64 day 3 – Adoption of action plans on vaccines and prevention of child maltreatment 17-09-2014
Two far-reaching action plans – on vaccines and prevention of child maltreatment – were adopted, mapping the path for interventions in these areas until 2020.
Country cooperation strategy (CCS) signed with Cyprus 17-09-2014
The Ministry of Health of Cyprus and WHO signed a memorandum of understanding on the CCS, which provides a medium-term strategic framework for their joint work in 2015–2020. The CCS creates a platform for mutually beneficial collaboration that addresses the country’s health needs, interests and capacities, and WHO’s global health leadership priorities, regional orientations and core functions.
Technical briefing at WHO Regional Committee for Europe in Copenhagen, 17 September 2014 11-09-2014
A technical briefing “Nurses and midwives: a vital resource for health” will take place on Wednesday, 17 September at the sixty-fourth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC64) in Copenhagen.
New policy summary – Economic crisis, health systems and health in Europe 04-09-2014
Even in time of austerity, policy-makers have choices and can influence the effect of an economic shock on population health and the health system.
Final versions of documents for RC64 now available 14-08-2014
Final versions of documents for the 64th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe are now available for download.
WHO/Europe reviews progress and systemic challenges in health system reform in Greece 07-08-2014
As collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Health under the Health Reform Support Programme (HRSP) enters its second year, a WHO/Europe team headed by Dr Hans Kluge, Director of the Division of Health Systems and Public Health, visited Greece on 14–16 July 2014 to evaluate progress achieved so far. The team also addressed systemic challenges to the Programme and the overall health reform process in the country.
Stronger management of hospitals: the next step toward quality health care in Greece 01-08-2014
Senior hospital leaders and policy-makers in Greece attended an executive training workshop on 28 June 2014 focused on strengthening hospital management as a key step toward improving the quality of health care in the country.
Strategic approach to health workforce planning in the Republic of Moldova 30-07-2014
A workshop to strengthen national capacity in workforce planning in the Republic of Moldova was organized by the Ministry of Health and WHO on 16–18 July 2014. The workshop focused on the role of workforce planning in financial and service planning, critical factors that influence an effective workforce plan, and application of the WHO Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN).
Reforms to continue under new leadership of Greece’s Ministry of Health 28-07-2014
Addressing the main partners in the Health Reform Support Programme (HRSP) on 24 June 2014, the newly appointed Minister of Health of Greece, Mr Makis Voridis, expressed his readiness to continue dialogue on HRSP and related activities, and to scale up communication activities to promote reforms among various stakeholders. He stressed the importance of primary health care (PHC) as the cornerstone of the Greek health system’s reform and the urgent need for prompt action to strengthen the Unified Social Health Insurance Fund (EOPYY) to ensure financial sustainability of the system.
National and local authorities in Greece set priorities for utilization of European Structural Investment Funds in the health sector 23-07-2014
A European Structural Investment Funds (ESIF) workshop was organized on 24 June 2014 in Athens, Greece by the Ministry of Health’s Managing Authority, with WHO/ Europe’s technical and logistical support. The aim was to update all participants on the ongoing and forthcoming reforms in the health sector and agree on priorities for ESIF 2014–2020 utilization, in line with the established direction towards universal coverage with quality and integrated health services.
Study on Moldovan health workers in Romania highlights factors leading to emigration 18-07-2014
WHO supports Cyprus in moving towards universal health coverage 15-07-2014
Cyprus and WHO have agreed to work out a plan of technical assistance covering the period July 2014 to December 2016 to accelerate reforms aiming at universal health coverage in the country. The plan will include a survey led by Cypriot experts to assess household health, use of health services and expenditure on health.
Greek policy advisors and WHO discuss health reform programme 09-07-2014
A delegation of 7 top health policy advisors to the Greek Minister of Health recently met with the senior managers and staff of WHO/Europe to discuss the ongoing health reform in Greece and agree on technical and administrative arrangements.
Country assessment to improve noncommunicable diseases outcomes in Belarus 24-06-2014
An interdisciplinary team of experts visited Belarus from 28 May to 3 June 2014 to assess health system barriers that prevent core services related to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) from being delivered to the population as well as to identify opportunities to overcome them. During the mission, WHO staff and consultants worked closely with national experts on health systems governance and monitoring, public health services and service purchasing. The mission focussed specifically on cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Ongoing collaboration to strengthen public health services in Greece 18-06-2014
Safe blood for saving mothers 13-06-2014
Timely access to safe blood and blood products is essential for all countries, as part of a comprehensive approach to prevent maternal deaths. 14 June is World Blood Donor Day.
Increasing university autonomy and accountability in the Republic of Moldova 05-06-2014
In support of the national process to increase the autonomy of universities, a workshop on university autonomy and accountability in the decentralization process took place in Chisinau on 14–15 May 2014.
Ambitious health reform process in Greece to be supported by broad communication strategy 04-06-2014
As part of a comprehensive Health Reform Support Programme (HRSP) in Greece, WHO is providing technical support to the Ministry of Health for development of a health reform communication strategy. The first mission took place on 5–7 May 2014, and comprised meetings with high-level policy-makers.
WHO collaborates on Portugal's National Health Plan 2012-2016 03-06-2014
On 9 May 2014, WHO/Europe teams from the programmes of Public health services, Health system governance and Health systems policy, in collaboration with the Directorate General for Public Health of Portugal, organized a policy dialogue on the implementation of the Portuguese National Health Plan (NHP) 2012-2016.
Prisons and health 23-05-2014
Prisons are not healthy places. WHO/Europe works with countries and partners to improve the health of prisoners. Good prison health reduces reoffending, the social costs of imprisonment, and public health expenditure.
Kazakhstan to host new WHO office on primary health care 22-05-2014
Kazakhstan today signed an agreement with WHO to host a new geographically dispersed office of WHO on primary health care in Almaty.
Mapping the quality of health care in the Republic of Moldova 21-05-2014
The Ministry of Health with WHO support has initiated a process of assessing the quality of health care, documenting the situation and developing a national plan for quality improvement that would involve all stakeholders and follow a systematic approach. To start the process, a rapid external assessment of quality of health care in the Republic of Moldova was conducted on 1–9 April 2014. A half-day seminar to discuss the findings took place on 9 April 2014.
Health system assessment identifies steps to improve NCD outcomes in the Republic of Moldova 02-05-2014
The findings and policy recommendations of the country assessment ("Health system barriers and innovations for better NCD Outcomes") were discussed and validated at a policy dialogue meeting held 19-20 February 2014 in Chisinau.
Tajikistan moves towards universal health coverage (UHC) 15-04-2014
Over the last decade, Tajikistan has undertaken a series of comprehensive health reforms to move towards UHC. With the support of international partners, the Government has developed a number of health policies and programmes, including a health-financing strategy for 2005–2015, to improve equity and efficiency in the health sector.
Patients and health providers actively engaged in discussing priorities for coordinated/integrated health service delivery 02-04-2014
How can the perspective of people be included in the design of service delivery following a life course approach and along a broad continuum of care? How can leadership support highly qualified and motivated health professionals to adapt to the demands of the 21st century? How can international organizations work synergistically in their efforts to support the conditions most conducive to coordinated and integrated health services delivery?
Establishment of the new Centre for Primary Health Care is closer: a roadmap for its opening discussed at the recent WHO mission to Kazakhstan 31-03-2014
Final steps were taken towards the opening of the new WHO Centre for Primary Health Care (PHC) in Almaty during a recent WHO mission to Kazakhstan on 26-28 March 2014. The mission aimed to agree with the Kazakh Government on the last details for the operations of this centre of excellence in services delivery based on a primary health care approach.
Health financing course on universal health coverage delivers 28-03-2014
The fourth Barcelona Course on Health Financing took place on 10–14 March 2014 in Barcelona, Spain. Built on the theme of universal health coverage, the Course reviewed ways to improve health systems’ performance through better policy on health financing.
Policy dialogue on health system financial sustainability in Malta 27-03-2014
WHO and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies organised a policy dialogue to engage senior health and finance officials in discussion about how Malta can make its health system more financially sustainable
WHO supports Portugal in monitoring the impact of the crisis 27-03-2014
WHO to support the Portuguese Ministry of Health in monitoring the impact of the crisis on financial risk protection and timely access to health services
Strategic approach to health financing in the Republic of Moldova 25-03-2014
Significant changes have taken place in the National Health Insurance Company (NHIC) of the Republic of Moldova in the last 2 years, following initiation of long-term and close collaboration with WHO/Europe. The overall goal of the strategic partnership is to increase sustainability and efficiency of the health financing system.
Initiation of a national policy dialogue on public health in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 10-03-2014
A national policy dialogue on public health involving a broad group of stakeholders was launched with an initial consultation meeting on 25–26 February 2014 in Skopje.
High-level meeting to promote hospital reform in Greece 10-03-2014
A meeting dedicated to hospital reform in Greece took place on 7 February 2014. This event was a joint initiative of WHO/Europe and the Belgian Embassy in the context of the Health Reform Support Programme 2013–2015 (HRSP) under the Ministry of Health’s Health in Action Initiative.
Monitoring the impact of the financial crisis on health and health systems in Greece 03-03-2014
A workshop organized in Athens by the Ministry of Health of Greece together with WHO/Europe on 24–25 February 2014 produced a list of indicators to monitor the impact of the financial crisis and identified steps needed to collect and compile the required information.
Regional Director commends Catalonia’s multisectoral public health plan 27-02-2014
On 14 February 2014, the Regional Government of Catalonia, Spain, held a conference to introduce its Interdepartmental Plan for Public Health of Catalonia (PINSAP) to policy-makers, leaders and stakeholders from across the public and private sectors in the region. PINSAP aims to increase the number of years of healthy life of the population of Catalonia, and incorporate health into the design and evaluation of all public policies. It was developed with particular focus on addressing social inequalities and the effects of the economic crisis on health.
European Forum of National Nursing and Midwifery Associations (EFNNMA), WHO to collaborate on strategic directions 11-02-2014
EFNNMA and WHO/Europe have agreed on a two-year work plan to collaborate on the strategic directions for strengthening nursing and midwifery services in the WHO European Region. EFNNMA will also contribute to the European compendium of good nursing and midwifery practices that WHO/Europe is developing.
Call for submission of CIHSD initiatives: deadline extended 10-02-2014
New deadline for submissions: 14 March 2014
Greece launches new primary health care law 07-02-2014
Greece has launched a primary health care law, based on the core values of the Declaration of Alma-Ata, to ensure better health of the Greek people.‬‪ The new law, which was recently passed by the Greek parliament, is part of the health system reform Greece is undertaking to build a comprehensive and strong nation-wide primary health care service.
European Conference puts spotlight on Greek health system reform 18-12-2013
The Conference signals the start of the implementation of the Health in Action initiative, which aims to reform the Greek health system and address the impact of the economic crisis on health.
Broad platform for strategic health reform in the Republic of Moldova 17-12-2013
A National Health Forum in the Republic of Moldova convened for the second time on 25–26 November 2013, bringing together over 400 decision-makers in Chisinau for a policy debate on health reforms. Participants represented the health and other sectors from central and local levels, the Parliament, Prime Minister’s office, diplomatic missions to the Republic of Moldova, international organizations and partners.
European Conference puts spotlight on Greek health system as it faces the challenges of reform 12-12-2013
Key stakeholders from the Greek and international communities are meeting to discuss how to boost the country’s health sector as part of the Greek health reform. The High-level Conference on the Greek Reforms in the Health Sector: Improving Citizens’ Health will take place in Athens on 12–13 December 2013, and will be attended by high-level officials from the Greek Government and regional authorities, and experts from the public and private sectors, the academic community and civil society. The Conference is organized by the Ministry of Health of Greece in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
Health system assessment contributes to stronger response to NCDs in Tajikistan 06-12-2013
The results of an assessment of health system features and innovations for better noncommunicable disease (NCD) outcomes were presented at a roundtable meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 27 November 2013.
Sustainable Health Systems for Inclusive Growth in Europe 27-11-2013
The Lithuanian Presidency hosted a Health Systems Conference “Sustainable Health Systems for Inclusive Growth in Europe”, 19-20 November 2013
Celebrating 35 years of commitment to primary health care in the WHO European Region 19-11-2013
Highlighting a 3-day visit to Kazakhstan, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, addressed the International conference to mark the 35th anniversary of the Declaration of Alma-Aty on Primary Health Care, which took place in Almaty on 6-7 November 2013.
90th anniversary of institutional public health in Bosnia and Herzegovina 05-11-2013
On 31 October–1 November 2013, the Public Health Institute of the Republika Srpska from Banja Luka and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina from Sarajevo, jointly held the 90th anniversary of institutional public health. Representing the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Kluge, Director, Division of Health Systems and Public Health, delivered a speech which was focused on the WHO/Europe commitment to continuously support Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Make health systems people centred 28-10-2013
Five years on from the signing of the Tallinn Charter: Health Systems for Health and Wealth, which called for greater investment in health systems, ministers and high-level officials met again in Tallinn, Estonia on 17–18 October 2013, at a follow-up meeting called “Health systems for health and wealth in the context of Health 2020”. The current economic crisis has underscored the need to invest in health, and focus more on addressing health inequities, ensuring universal health coverage and protecting health among the most vulnerable populations.
Working meeting with the Minister of Health, Greece 24-10-2013
The Minister of Health of Greece, Mr Adonis Georgiadis, the Greek Prime Minister Office, and Dr Hans Kluge, Director, Division of Health Systems and Public Health, WHO Regional Office for Europe, discussed on 23 October the ongoing collaboration within the Health Reform Support Programme funded by EU and Greece.
WHO meeting with the Ministry of Health in Cyprus 24-10-2013
Dr Petros Petrides, Minister of Health, Cyprus, hosted a meeting in Nicosia on 10 September 2013 with Dr Hans Kluge, Director, and Dr Sarah Thomson, Senior Health Financing Specialist, Division of Health Systems and Public Health, WHO Regional Office for Europe, and senior officials from the Ministry of Health to discuss health sector reforms underway in Cyprus.
Framework for Action towards Coordinated/Integrated Health Services Delivery (CIHSD) launched 22-10-2013
WHO/Europe is developing the Framework for the European Region, and launched the work plan for it at the conference “Health systems for health and wealth in the context of Health 2020”, held on the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Tallinn Charter in Estonia.
Meeting discusses ways to strengthen nursing and midwifery 15-10-2013
WHO/Europe recently held its second meeting of government chief nursing officers in Vilnius, Lithuania . The meeting took place in conjunction with the EU Presidency CNO/CMO meeting during 8-9 October 2013.
16th European Health Forum Gastein 19-08-2013
The European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG) will hold its 16th annual conference on 2–4 October in Gastein, Austria. The EHFG is the leading health policy conference in Europe. Its main objective is to facilitate the establishment of a framework for advising on and developing European health policy while recognizing the principle of subsidiarity.
European Forum for Primary Care conference: balancing primary and secondary care provision for more integration and better health outcomes 19-08-2013
The European Forum for Primary Care (EFPC) and the Turkish Foundation of Family Medicine (TAHEV) are hosting the conference with support from the International Hospital Federation (IHF) and WHO/Europe. It will explore how the balance between primary and secondary care can lead to more integration and better health outcomes.
The world health report 2013: research vital to universal health coverage 15-08-2013
WHO calls on all countries to invest in and produce research to develop universal health coverage tailored to their country needs. “The world health report 2013: research for universal health coverage” is launched today.
10th Flagship Course on Health Systems Strengthening. Focus on noncommunicable diseases 25-07-2013
WHO/Europe’s Barcelona Office for Health Systems Strengthening is hosting the 10th Flagship Course on Health Systems Strengthening. The Course’s special theme is how to strengthen health systems to address the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Doctors trained in Tajikistan in promoting voluntary blood donation 23-07-2013
Doctors from blood transfusion centres, departments and offices of transfusion therapy treatment care facilities in Tajikistan were recently trained in selection of voluntary and unpaid blood donors. The WHO Country Office organized the training course in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Tajikistan and the Republic Blood Centre.
WHO, Greece sign agreement on support programme for health reform 22-07-2013
WHO/Europe has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Health to implement the health reform support programme for 2013–2015 in the framework of the health in action initiative.
Pharmaceutical innovation must align with patient needs, says new report 16-07-2013
For the first time, more people in European Union countries are aged over 65 years than under 15 years. Much of the rest of the world, including low-and middle-income countries, is moving in a similar direction. A new WHO report calls for pharmaceutical researchers to adjust their research and development work to take account of this shift.
2nd Florence International Training (FIT) Course 12-07-2013
Applications are invited for the Course, which will address the impact of the economic crisis on the determinants of health and response strategies for health professionals in Europe, and will be held in Florence, Italy on 17–22 November 2013. The deadline for receiving applications is 30 August 2013..
Shaping the future of health care in Greece 06-06-2013
On 31 May 2013, WHO/Europe took part in a conference on shaping the future of health care in Greece, held in Athens.
World Health Assembly, day 4: disability, development and universal health coverage on agenda 27-05-2013
On 23 May 2013, World Health Assembly discussions covered the health sector’s contribution to the upcoming high-level meeting of the General Assembly on disability and development, to be held on 23 September 2013 in New York.
Reigniting economic growth and reducing unemployment are good health policy 29-04-2013
Senior government officials reached broad agreement on the policy responses needed to address the health impact of the economic crisis, during discussions at a high-level meeting in Oslo, Norway on 17–18 April 2013. Participants said that the focus should be on areas and services that encourage economic growth and that reinforce solidarity and equity (such as health, unemployment, social benefits and education). Countries can reignite economic growth and improve health outcomes at the same time.
WHO policy dialogue on international health workforce mobility and recruitment challenges 29-04-2013
The WHO Regional Offices for Europe and Western Pacific, in cooperation with the WHO Collaborating Centre and the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) in Amsterdam, are organizing an international policy dialogue in Amsterdam on 2 and 3 May 2013.
WHO high-level mission to Greece on health systems reform 18-04-2013
Mr Andreas Lykourentzos, Minister for Health of Greece, hosted a high-level meeting on 10 April 2013 to discuss an expanded role for WHO/Europe in the health care reform process in Greece and the governance and financing arrangements for technical assistance funded by the European Union.
European experts meet to discuss impact of economic crisis on health 16-04-2013
Senior government officials representing the 53 Member States in the WHO European Region will meet in Oslo, Norway on 17–18 April 2013 to review the impact of the economic crisis on health and health systems in the Region, discuss the various policy responses, share lessons learned and agree on ways in which countries can better prepare for the future.
How has the economic crisis affected health systems? 16-04-2013
Senior policy makers from ministries of health, finance and health insurance funds, as well as patient organizations, international partners and researchers, meet in Oslo, Norway on 17-18 April 2013 to review the situation across the Region today.
WHO/Europe in Copenhagen moving to new premises 05-04-2013
WHO/Europe’s head office, based in Copenhagen, Denmark, is moving to new premises during 22 March to 1 April 2013. All United Nations organizations in the Danish capital will come together in new premises known as UN City.
How good is our information on health and well-being? 08-03-2013
Expertise in health information is fragmented and not shared sufficiently across Europe. A new online portal is one feature of an innovative collaboration between the Netherlands and WHO/Europe to collect and spread knowledge on health data, information, evidence and best practices.
Intersectoral coordination and disease control at points of entry: critical to avert and control health crises 01-03-2013
European countries have identified intersectoral coordination and disease control at international airports, ports and ground crossings (points of entry) as critical to ensuring their effective implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR). This would help avert and control health crises, such as the influenza pandemic and the recent outbreaks of foodborne disease and of measles affecting many European countries.
Health reforms in the Republic of Moldova in line with Regional priorities 19-02-2013
Dr Hans Kluge, Director of the Health Systems and Public Health Division of WHO/Europe and Special Representative of the Regional Director on multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB), visited the Republic of Moldova on 11–14 February 2013, on the invitation of Dr Andrei Usatii, Minister of Health. The agenda of the visit included public lectures, meetings and discussions on priority issues in public health and health systems. In a debriefing meeting on 14 February, both leaders noted that reforms in the Republic of Moldova are in line with Regional and global health policy developments, including the recently adopted European health policy Health 2020 and ongoing dialogue on universal health coverage.
Baltic policy dialogue explores hospital-sector reform 15-01-2013
Senior representatives of the health ministries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania recently took part in the 9th Baltic policy dialogue, focusing on hospital financing and governance as ways to support the rationalization of hospital care and improvement of performance.
Key WHO/Europe events in 2013 15-01-2013
Following the adoption of Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being, in September 2012 and building on past resolutions and collaborative work, WHO/Europe plans many activities, campaigns and events in 2013.
Financial sustainability of the health systems in the WHO European Region 06-12-2012
On 27 November 2012, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health, Sports and Welfare of the Netherlands, Mr Geert Van Maanen, visited WHO headquarters to meet the WHO Director-General Dr Chan to discuss common fields of interest, including the financial sustainability of health systems, healthy ageing and long term care.
A comprehensive review of policies, achievements and opportunities in the health sector of the Republic of Moldova 26-11-2012
A National Health Forum took place in Chisinau on 22–23 November 2012 to evaluate the on-going reform process in major areas of the health sector in the Republic of Moldova and identify priority actions to be undertaken in 2013 as part of the sector's long-term development. The Forum, entitled "Healthy Moldova: Policies, Achievements and Opportunities", was the first event of such scale in the Republic of Moldova and culminated earlier policy dialogues hosted by the Ministry of Health and WHO to debate options for health system reforms.
New public health action plan focuses on disease prevention and health promotion 12-11-2012
Participants in the annual conference of the European Public Health Association (EUPHA), held in Malta, welcomed the launch of the WHO European Action Plan for Strengthening Public Health Services and Capacity on 9 November 2012.
Health 2020 on agenda at Economist Global Healthcare Conference 08-11-2012
How should policy makers be dealing effectively with the health challenges of today and how should they be shaping health systems for the future? Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe will make a keynote address on future challenges for global health at the Economist Global Healthcare Summit on 30 November 2012.
Health systems must reorient services to meet new challenges 29-10-2012
Recognizing that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) represent the greatest health burden for countries in the WHO European Region requires service-delivery systems to shift towards more people-centred care.
Capacity to diagnose M/XDR-TB strengthened across Europe 18-10-2012
WHO/Europe has established the European Tuberculosis Laboratory Initiative (ELI) to increase laboratory capacity to diagnose multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB) across the WHO European Region. ELI members met for the first time on 15–16 October, in Bilthoven, the Netherlands, at an event hosted by the Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), under the partnership agreement between WHO and the Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.
Flagship Course on Health System Strengthening: focus on noncommunicable diseases 17-10-2012
The annual Course was held in Barcelona, Spain between 25 September and 3 October 2012. It focused on assessing health systems’ performance, diagnosing barriers to their achieving better noncommunicable disease (NCD) outcomes, improving service delivery to scale up key interventions for primary prevention and disease management, and reviewing health financing instruments and financial incentives to support better NCD outcomes.
WHO Sub-regional Meeting of Chief Nursing Officers from CIS countries 17-10-2012
The WHO Regional Office for Europe convened a sub-regional meeting of Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) from Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation on 11-12 October 2012.
Division of Health Systems and Public Health hosts workshop at the 15th European Health Forum in Gastein 10-10-2012
The Division of Health Systems and Public Health (DSP), in collaboration with the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), hosted a workshop on health systems governance on 4 October in Bad Gastein, Austria.
Health in an age of austerity: WHO at European Health Forum Gastein 10-10-2012
Speaking during the opening session of the European Health Forum Gastein in Bad Hofgastein, Austria last week, Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, underlined the health sector’s vital contribution to the general economy, and the importance of investing in public health, health promotion and disease prevention in times of austerity. As more and varied groups now have an interest in health, Ms Jakab also spoke of the continuing relevance and even greater importance of WHO, and how Health 2020, the new European policy framework, supports action across government and society to promote health and well-being.
Croatian minister meets the Division of Health Systems and Public Health 08-10-2012
On 24th of September, Dr Rajko Ostojic, Minister of Health of Croatia, visited the WHO Regional Office for Europe and met with Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe and divisional directors.
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.
Norwegian Directorate of Health visits WHO/Europe 03-10-2012
On the 25th of September a delegation led by Dr. Bjorn Inge Larsen Director General of Health in Norway and including a number of senior directors from the Norwegian Directorate of Health visited the Regional Office for Europe.
DSP participates in panel of experts to discuss the evidence behind Health 2020 at the 62nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe 18-09-2012
On day 2 of the 62nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, a panel discussion was held to discuss the evidence underpinning Health 2020. The Division of Health Systems and Public Health (DSP) participated in the panel, reflecting on how countries are coping with the crisis and the implication for the Health 2020 agenda.
DSP participates in technical briefing on “Health promotion and prevention of age-related chronic diseases: are health systems fit for ageing populations?” 18-09-2012
On day four of the 62nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, a panel of experts discussed issues around the impact of ageing and the growth of chronic disease on health systems. The Division of Health Systems and Public Health (DSP) participated in the briefing, reflecting on the effects of ageing on the labour force; while many countries are raising the statutory retirement age, this will not be enough to halt the projected declining workforces in the coming decades and the subsequent deterioration in dependency ratios across the region i.e. the ratio between the working and the non-working.
European countries adopt action plan for strengthening public health capacities 14-09-2012
The WHO Regional Committee for Europe adopted the European Action Plan for Strengthening Public Health Capacities and Services at its 62nd session that concluded yesterday in Malta. Member States expressed their commitment to undertake further reviews of their public health services and integrate revised essential public health operations in their national strategies and systems.
Health ministers discuss policy responses to economic crisis 13-09-2012
Health ministers from the WHO European Region this week discussed strategies for developing people-centred health systems on the sidelines of the sixty-second session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in Malta. At a lunch meeting hosted by the Prime Minister of Malta, Mr Lawrence Gonzi , they discussed the way their health systems can be reformed in response to the economic crisis.
Countries discuss challenges in achieving sustainable health workforce 13-09-2012
Representatives from health ministries, international organizations and non-governmental organizations gathered this week to discuss actions needed towards achieving a sustainable health workforce and strengthening health systems in the WHO European. The technical discussion took place at the sixty-second session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in Malta.
Primary health care as part of integrated health service delivery, NCDs and ageing 10-09-2012
WHO/Europe organized a workshop on 3-4 September 2012 in Gothenburg, Sweden during on the theme of primary health care (PHC) as a part of integrated health service delivery – against the background of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and ageing.
Pre-meeting to the WHO Regional Committee: Public Health, Malta, Sunday 9 September 2012 10-09-2012
Ministers and high level representatives from the newly independent states and southern-eastern European countries and the WHO Regional Office for Europe’s Executive Management discussed the rationale and key findings of reports underpinning the European Action Plan (EAP) for Strengthening Public Health Services and Capacity 2012-2020 across the region at a high level meeting preceding the sixty-second session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in Malta.
Regional Committee opens on Monday in Malta 09-09-2012
Ministers and representatives from 52 countries in the WHO European Region are in Malta from 10-13 September 2012 for the sixty-second session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.The session is being webcast and covered on Twitter (#RC62Malta).
53 countries to set new European health roadmap for 2020 and beyond 07-09-2012
Health ministers and senior officials from the 53 countries in the WHO European Region are gathering in Malta next week to vote on an ambitious long-term WHO European policy for health and well-being, Health 2020.
WHO to support Ireland reform health systems in response to financial crisis 20-07-2012
WHO will support Ireland in assessing options for reforming its health system in response to the financial crisis, Dr Hans Kluge, Director of the Division of Health Systems and Public Health in WHO/Europe, assured the Irish Minister of Health Dr James Reilly at the end of a discussion with senior policy-makers in Dublin.
Applications invited for course on strengthening health systems 19-07-2012
The ninth Flagship Course on Health System Strengthening will be held in Barcelona, Spain from 25 September to 3 October 2012. Its theme will be how to strengthen health systems to tackle the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases.
Newly independent states aim to reduce noncommunicable diseases 13-07-2012
11 of the newly independent states (NIS) recently came together to map their health systems’ ability to tackle noncommunicable diseases. They identified common challenges and possible joint actions to develop a subregional initiative.
OECD/WHO Meeting on financial sustainability of health systems in central, eastern and south-eastern Europe, 28-29 June 2012 13-07-2012
Given the rising urgency of managing health care expenditures and the particular characteristics and complexity of the health sector, the OECD and the WHO Regional Office for Europe organized a milestone event on the financial sustainability of health systems in central, eastern and south-eastern Europe (CESEE), in parallel with the CESEE Senior Budget Officials (SBO) on 28-29 June 2012, in Tallinn, Estonia.
WHO Expert Meeting on Integration and Coordination of care, 6 July 2012, London 11-07-2012
The WHO Regional Office for Europe convened an expert meeting at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Friday 6 July 2012, on conceptual thinking around integration/ coordination of care.
Policy dialogue on public health services strengthening for improved NCD prevention and control, Astana, Kazakhstan, 27-29 June 2012 25-06-2012
WHO/Europe is organizing a policy dialogue on public health services strengthening for improved noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevention and control, in Astana, Kazakhstan, on 28-29 June 2012, for the Newly Independent States (NIS). This policy dialogue is a unique opportunity for Ministries of Health to discuss the state of the art on health systems for NCDs, and more specifically the implementation of the Essential Public Health Operations (EPHO) endorsed by the European Ministers of Health at the Regional Committee in Baku, Azerbaijan, September 2011.
Self-sufficiency in organ donation a step closer in south-eastern Europe 08-06-2012
SEEHN - Health ministers and high-level officials from the 10 countries in the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) attended the first regional ministerial conference on organ donation and transplantation in Zagreb, Croatia on 4 June.
Latest issue of the Health Financing Policy Papers Series: “A review of health financing reforms in the Republic of Moldova” 08-06-2012
WHO/Europe published a new review of health financing reforms in the Republic of Moldova.
WHO/Europe hosts visit from Bosnia and Herzegovina delegation 21-05-2012
SEEHN - On 14 May 2012, Mr Sredoje Novic, Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Dr Ranko Skrbic, Minister of Health and Social Welfare of the Republika Srpska, met Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and other WHO/Europe senior-management staff.
29th Meeting of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) in Zagreb, on 04-05 June 2012 15-05-2012
SEEHN - The Croatian Presidency of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) (January-June 2012) is organizing its 29th Meeting in Zagreb, on 04-05 June 2012.
Follow webcast of health-financing course 10-05-2012
Two sessions of the popular Barcelona course in health financing will be webcast for the first time in May. The introductory session, on Monday, 14 May 2012, and a keynote session on universal coverage and private financing, on Wednesday, 16 May will both be streamed
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.
Release of Vol.2, Issue 1 - Clinical Health Promotion 01-05-2012
Vol.2, Issue 1 of Clinical Health Promotion - Research and Best practice for patients, staff and community is now released.
Diabetes and Health systems 27-04-2012
The OECD and the Danish National Diabetes Association organized the European Diabetes Leadership Forum in Copenhagen, 25-26 April 2012.
Hospital Financing 24-04-2012
A lunch session on Hospital Financing was organized by the Belgian Federal Public Service of Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment at the side-lines of the WHO High Level Health Policy Forum in Brussels, 19 April 2012.
WHO/Europe holds expert meeting to review the Essential Public Health Operations 03-04-2012
Building on a wide consultation process, the WHO Regional Office for Europe has convened an expert meeting to develop a revised version of the Essential Public Health Operations (EPHOs) based on the compendium of inputs/comments from Member States and other international partners, in Copenhagen, Denmark, 29-30 March 2012.
European Forum of National Nursing and Midwifery Associations annual meeting, Copenhagen, 29-30 March 2012 03-04-2012
The European Forum of National Nursing and Midwifery Associations held their 16th Annual Meeting with WHO on 29-30 March 2012, in Copenhagen.
Public Health in Germany 28-03-2012
The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina held a Scientific Symposium on “Public Health in Germany – in the context of international structures, developments and global health challenges” in Berlin, Friday 16 March 2012.
WHO/Europe to assist Greece in pharmaceutical health care pricing 23-03-2012
WHO/Europe has responded positively to a request from the Greek Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity to provide technical assistance in the field of pricing and reimbursement of pharmaceuticals and other public health areas based on a joint assessment. This was announced by Dr Hans Kluge, Director of the Division of Health Systems and Public Health, at a conference about the future of health care in Greece held in Athens on 20 March 2012.
European public health action plan: Consultation generates important feedback 20-03-2012
International organizations and more than 35 countries made recommendations on revising both the structure and content of the draft action plan.
Netherlands collaborating centre working on new approach to primary care 07-03-2012
On 20 February 2012, WHO/Europe agreed key research areas for the next two years with the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), a WHO collaborating centre for primary care.
WHO, EC and StopTB Partnership strengthen collaboration 28-02-2012
WHO/Europe, in collaboration with the StopTB Partnership and WHO headquarters, organized a joint visit of the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Stop TB, President Sampaio, to the European Commission on 22 February 2012.
Health system performance assessment for health governance 24-02-2012
On 16-17 February 2012, representatives from 18 Member States and a number of WHO Regional Office partner organizations met to explore the demand for tools to strengthen health system performance assessment (HSPA).
New publication on blood safety from the South-eastern Europe Health Network 21-02-2012
WHO/Europe has recently published a new document entitled, "Current status and future strategies in safe blood and blood components transnational availability for medical emergencies and special circumstances in South-eastern Europe".
WHO/Europe and the European Forum of Medical Associations (EFMA) prepare for next meeting 17-02-2012
WHO/Europe hosted EFMA’s Liaison Committee on 10 February 2012, and discussed preparations for EFMA’s next meeting and its partnership with WHO.
Slovenia hosts equity focus health system performance assessment workshop 09-02-2012
The workshop on equity focus in health system performance assessment (EfHSPA) took place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, 1-2 December 2011. The workshop provided a platform for cross-country learning.
Hospital sector reform: Republic of Moldova and Estonia learn from each other 08-12-2011
A study visit of health care managers from the Republic of Moldova to Estonia took place from 5 to 9 December 2011. The visit was organized by the WHO country offices in both countries, in close partnership with health sector authorities and health care providers in Estonia.
New clinical health promotion research centre opens in Scandinavia 29-11-2011
The opening of the brand new Clinical Health Promotion Centre, a collaboration between Nordic research institutions, was celebrated on 18 November 2011. The new centre will strengthen global clinical research and development in five key areas: alcohol/drugs, tobacco, nutrition, physical activity and comorbidity.
Latest issue of Health Promoting Hospitals (HPH) newsletter now available 21-11-2011
Issue 52 of the International Network of Health Promoting Hospitals & Health Services (HPH) is now available. This issue has articles on the upcoming HPH conference in Taipei, the WHO Global conference on social determinants of health in Rio de Janeiro, and news from HPH networks (Austria, Slovenia, Canada).
WHO/Europe invites partners to develop European action plan on public health 18-11-2011
WHO/Europe is developing a new European action plan on public health. Participants at the Polish European Union Presidency conference, “Solidarity in health. Closing the health gap between European Union States”, were invited last week to partner WHO in developing and implementing the plan.
Joint annual review meeting on national health strategy of Tajikistan 04-11-2011
The Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the WHO Country office, Tajikistan, and development partners convened a two-day joint annual review meeting on 27-28 October 2011, in Dushanbe, to review the status and discuss the achievements of the first year of implementation of the National Health Strategy 2010-2020, which is being implemented within the framework of the work plan of the Ministry of Health.
"Estonian Handbook for Guidelines Development" launched 17-10-2011
On 14 October 2011, the Medical Faculty at the University of Tartu, Estonian Health Insurance Fund and the World Health Organization launched the "Estonian Handbook for Guidelines Development" as an outcome of a 2-year preparation process. It provides guidance for health-care providers and public health specialists about evidence-based options for diagnosis and care of patients that help to improve the quality of care in Estonia.
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.
Health Financing System in the Republic of Moldova: 10th anniversary health insurance conference held in Chisinau 30-09-2011
On Friday, 23 September 2011, the National Health Insurance Company of the Republic of Moldova held a jubilee conference, The Health Financing System in the Republic of Moldova, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its founding.
Estonia shares health insurance fund experience with Republic of Moldova 30-09-2011
Within the framework of a development cooperation project, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is financing the project “Supporting the Functioning of Moldovan Health Insurance System” conducted by the Estonian Health Insurance Fund. The main aim of this project is to support the development of Moldovan health insurance system through sharing the Estonian experience.
EU supports launch of WHO Health Policy Support Project in Tajikistan 30-09-2011
On the 1st of June 2011, the World Health Organization launched the Health Policy Support Project in Tajikistan, with the financial support of the European Union.
Future model of public health services strengthening and strategy developing in Tajikistan 22-09-2011
On 20-23 September 2011 WHO/Europe, WHO Country office, Tajikistan and the Ministry of Health of Tajikistan organized a meeting and workshop on public health services reform, the future model of public health services, and strategy developing and strengthening. The meeting was attended by members of the working group for the evaluation and reform of public health strengthening, representatives of the Ministry of Health of Tajikistan, and representatives of international organizations.
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?”
Public health developments in south-eastern Europe 21-07-2011
Cooperation on public health in south-eastern Europe is gaining momentum as countries establish regional health development centres to share resources and expertise.
WHO/Europe supports health care reform in Greece 24-06-2011
Speaking at a conference in Athens this week, the Director of WHO/Europe’s Division of Health Systems and Public Health said that WHO/Europe is working with the Government of Greece on its health care reform.
Turkey’s health system well prepared for crises 30-05-2011
On 24 May 2011, a new WHO/Europe report, “Assessment of health systems’ crisis preparedness: Turkey”, was launched in Ankara by Professor Recep Akdağ, Minister of Health of Turkey, during a press conference attended by representatives of WHO/Europe and the European Commission (EC).
High-level policy-makers attend first Barcelona Course in Health Financing 27-05-2011
Forty-six high-level health professionals from 20 countries attended the first Barcelona Course in Health Financing, held from 2 to 6 May 2011. The course focused on how to improve health system performance through better health financing policies. The course was organized and delivered by the WHO Barcelona Office for Health Systems Strengthening, Division of Health Systems and Public Health.
Modernizing hospital networks in the Republic of Moldova 23-05-2011
A policy round table on hospitals was held in the Republic of Moldova on 18-19 May 2011.
Turkey “translated into action” Tallinn Charter on Health Systems 12-05-2011
In recent years, Turkey’s national health service has undergone major reforms, yielding significant improvements in utilization, effectiveness and health outcomes. Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, has identified Turkey as a successful example of a country implementing the values and principles of the Tallinn Charter.
Doubling expenditure on the National Health Service in England had a variable impact on health system performance 17-03-2011
A report published yesterday reveals that while public expenditure on health care in England more than doubled between 1997 and 2010, the impact on health system performance has been variable.
Public health is back on European countries’ agenda 11-03-2011
The second day of the European Health Policy Forum in Andorra focused on health systems and public health. Countries described the progress they had made with health reforms, sometimes in difficult economic circumstances, since adopting the Tallinn Charter: “Health Systems for Health and Wealth” in 2008.
European countries take up the Health 2020 challenge 10-03-2011
In Andorra, the first meeting of the European Health Policy Forum of High-level Government Officials opened on 9 March 2011, to launch a two-year process that will shape Health 2020, the new European policy for health.
New ways of paying for primary health care discussed in Belarus 10-03-2011
Representatives of the health and finance ministries, as well as the regions, met in Minsk on 1–2 March 2011 to discuss ways to further improve the financing of primary health care in Belarus.
Development of HEALTH2020 under way 18-10-2010
International experts in public health met on 14 October 2010 to map out the broad goals and targets of the new European health policy, HEALTH2020, at a meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark.
WHO/Europe contributes to health budget discussions in Latvia 01-09-2010
WHO experts contributed to discussions 08 September 2010 at the Latvian parliament on the development of a public health strategy and the health budget.
Meeting with the Department of Health of England 01-09-2010
On 25 August 2010, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and senior WHO managers received a delegation from the Department of Health to discuss ongoing collaboration on health systems performance assessment.
WHO/Europe and World Bank collaborate on study of health systems 01-09-2010
Since 1990, eastern Europe and central Asia have made significantly lower gains in life expectancy than any group of middle- or high-income countries. WHO/Europe is working with the World Bank on a results-based assessment of health systems in these countries.
WHO discusses health priorities with the European Forum of Medical Associations 15-07-2010
Members of the Liaison Committee of the European Forum of Medical Associations (EFMA) met with WHO/Europe staff for a full day to discuss future priorities for collaboration.
Learning from Nordic health systems 21-06-2010
Ministers of health and social affairs from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden met in Aalborg, Denmark today to exchange experience and discuss how to cooperate more closely to tackle noncommunicable diseases and provide highly specialized health care.
Conference held to discuss the future of Estonia's health system 22-05-2010
On 5 March 2010, health experts met at a conference in Tallinn to map out future solutions to health financing in Estonia. WHO Regional Director Zsuzsanna Jakab and Minister of Social Affairs Hanno Pevkur addressed the conference. The report “Responding to the challenge of financial sustainability in Estonia’s health system” was launched during the conference.
Second technical advisory global meeting on innovative technologies, Copenhagen, Denmark, 27–29 April 2010 22-05-2010
This meeting was organized within the framework of the global initiative on health technologies, and medical devices in particular, and hosted by WHO/Europe.
World Blood Donor Day, 14 June 2010 22-05-2010
World Blood Donor Day is an international event celebrated on 14 June every year to thank regular blood donors, increase awareness of the need for blood donations; and encourage more people to give blood. World Blood Donor Day 2010 will focus on young donors with the slogan “New blood for the world”. As the need for blood increases globally, young people can make an important contribution by donating blood and by recruiting others to do so.
Health Worker Migration Global Policy Advisory Council Meeting/ Interregional Forum on Health Worker Migration in Madrid, Spain, 9-11 May 2010 22-05-2010
This meeting provided an important and creative platform for forward-thinking and solutions-oriented dialogue on the critical issue of health worker migration and came at an opportune time, preceding the 63rd Session of the World Health Assembly where the WHO Code of Practice was addressed.
International Nurses Day, 12 May 2010 22-05-2010
International Nurses Day (IND) is held around the world every 12 May. This day is celebrated to remember all of the valuable contributions nurses make to society and commemorates the birth of Florence Nightingale. The theme for 2010 is Delivering Quality, Serving Communities: Nurses Leading Chronic Care.
Latest Eurohealth publication featuring an article by WHO/Europe's new Regional Director, April 2010 22-05-2010
Features an article by the new World Health Organization Regional Director for Europe, Zsuzsanna Jakab, who set out her vision of the way forward for the WHO Regional Office.
World Health Day, 7 April 2010 22-05-2010
This year's World Health Day, held on 7 April 2010, focused on urbanization and health. With the campaign "1000 cities - 1000 lives", events were organized worldwide calling on cities to open up streets for health activities. Stories of urban health champions were gathered to illustrate what people are doing to improve health in their cities.
14th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA), 30 November - 3 December 2010, Singapore 22-05-2010
ICDRA provides drug regulatory authorities of WHO Member States with a forum to meet and discuss ways to strengthen collaboration, to harmonize regulation and improve the safety, efficacy and quality of medicines globally. The 14th conference will take place from 30 November - 3 December 2010 in Singapore and will provide opportunities for drug regulators and interested stakeholders to share and discuss current and topical issues of global concern, for example, the H1N1 influenza situation, counterfeit medicines and access to quality drugs.
Call for papers now open for the Third International Conference on Improving Use of Medicines (ICIUM), 10-14 April 2011, Alexandria, Egypt 22-05-2010
Experts, policy makers and other members of the international community will gather in April 2011 to present knowledge on ways to improve medicines use and health, especially for vulnerable populations. They will also shape recommendations and a future research agenda on these topics.
International Course on Strategic Planning for Human Resources for Health, Kyiv, Ukraine, 24-28 May 2010 22-05-2010
This course has been designed for experienced, senior public health officials and staff who are involved in managing and developing policy and strategies for human resources for health.
First Croatian Congress on Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, 22-24 April 2010 22-05-2010
The first Croatian Congress on Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research
WHO team reports on the importance and quality of one of Europe’s leading patient information websites (the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care) 22-05-2010
In 2008 Germany’s Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) - an independent scientific body established under the 2004 national health reform legislation - invited the WHO to evaluate the methods it uses for developing patient information, as well as the information’s quality and accuracy. The final report contains a series of recommendations on how IQWiG could develop this programme and strengthen its role as a leading producer of patient-centred and evidence-based health information.
Meeting of Global Forum of Government Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers, 12-13 May 2010 22-05-2010
During this meeting of the Global Forum, a new initiative was launched called the global government chief nursing and midwifery officers leadership collaborative (GLC). Its purpose is to enhance the effectiveness of nurses and midwives in promoting and improving population health in Member States. A chief part of its mission will be to strengthen nursing and midwifery leadership capacity, particularly that of chief nurse and midwifery officers, in supporting health systems development.
14th Annual Meeting of the European Forum of National Nursing and Midwifery Associations and WHO, 29-30 April 2010 22-05-2010
This meeting focused on the presentation of two documents: 1. Nurses and Midwives: A Force for Health - Survey on the situation of Nursing and Midwifery in the Member States of the European Region of the World Health Organization 2009, conducted between December 2008 and March 2009 2. The draft follow-up strategic document: 10 Years after the Munich Declaration - Strategic directions for moving forward from 2010-2015 for Nursing and Midwifery in the Member States of the European Region of the World Health Organization
New WHO publications on primary care in Ukraine and Serbia 22-05-2010
Evaluation reports on primary care in Serbia and Ukraine will be launched in spring 2010. WHO/Europe held final validation meetings with stakeholders in December 2009 and March 2010 to discuss draft results and outcomes of the evaluation.
Health System Performance Assessments for Azerbaijan and Estonia to be released shortly 22-05-2010
Following the recent releases of Health System Performance Assessments (HSPA) for Armenia, Georgia and Portugal, the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the respective Ministries of Health have collaborated on the development and implementation of HSPAs for Azerbaijan and Estonia. These are expected to be released later this year.
18th International Conference on Health Promoting Hospitals and Health Services, 12-16 April 2010 22-05-2010
Tackling Causes and Consequences of Inequalities in Health: Contributions of Health Services and the Health Promoting Hospitals Network.
WHO Primary Care Evaluation Tool (PCET) workshop, Bratislava, Slovakia, 14-15 April 2010 22-05-2010
A WHO Primary Care Evaluation Tool (PCET) workshop took place in Bratislava, Slovakia on 14-15 April 2010.
Portugal surpasses performance of the EU-15 group on 11 key health performance indicators 22-05-2010
National Health Plan indicators either reached target or on track.

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