News

Largest disruption to schooling in history due to COVID-19 measures must not rob children of their education and development 02-07-2021

Schools should remain open for as long as possible with adequate public health and social measures in place, and governments should use the summer months to implement measures that protect in-person schooling in the next school year, an international group of experts established by the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe said in its latest recommendations on schooling during COVID-19.

European Region needs to scale up efforts to prevent violence against children, new report says 15-06-2021

In the WHO European Region, 1 in every 3 children experiences some form of violence in their lifetime. More efforts are required to coordinate activities by health, social welfare, education, justice and other sectors to collectively ensure that children have safe and nurturing childhoods, but a new report launched today by WHO/Europe says countries are well placed to achieve this.

Technical experts advise on how to ensure the best possible schooling during COVID-19 23-04-2021

Keeping schools open is at the heart of the recommendations made by a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) advising WHO/Europe on matters related to schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 report highlights key steps for better and integrated health care for older people in North Macedonia 30-03-2021

Every fourth person in North Macedonia will be over 65 years old in 2050 compared to about 14% currently. While every older person is different, we know that physical and mental capacity tend to decline with increasing age. Poorer health and reduced quality of life for older people will be costly for individuals and for the country.

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.

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.

Uzbekistan is making healthy diets a cornerstone of national policy with the help of WHO 12-01-2021

Uzbekistan is taking important steps towards the prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) with technical guidance and support from WHO. Recently, the country adopted a series of important measures that can significantly improve food safety and the quality of nutrition, reducing many health risk factors for the population.

Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021 – 2030 06-01-2021

The United Nations has proclaimed 2021–2030 the Decade of Healthy Ageing, with WHO leading international action to improve the lives of older people, their families and communities.

Minimizing the COVID-19 risk: advice to individuals, communities and governments for the winter holidays 16-12-2020

Winter holidays are a time for family, community and renewal. This year more than ever, across the WHO European Region, people are anxious to gather together and reflect on what has been both an extraordinary and difficult 2020.

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.

WHO/Europe highlights how alcohol undermines sustainable development across the WHO European Region 18-11-2020

A new factsheet, “Alcohol consumption and sustainable development”, prepared by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, draws attention to the barriers alcohol consumption presents across the Region to achieving 13 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Albania upgrades its cervical cancer screening programme with WHO’s support 17-11-2020

On 17 November 2020, WHO is launching the Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer. To mark this event, we look at Albania’s success story of cervical cancer screening. Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women of reproductive age in Albania, affecting 134 new women each year. Yet cervical cancer is preventable through human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening. With WHO’s support, the country took action by setting up a national screening programme.

Bringing sexual and reproductive health services to young people across the Republic of Moldova 15-10-2020

Unprecedented work has been undertaken in the Republic of Moldova to ensure that adolescents can access sexual and reproductive health services, following a systematic process outlined by WHO.

WHO launches guide to boost children’s health and well-being in Russian-speaking countries 23-09-2020

In a newly published book, WHO/Europe provides up-to-date guidance for ensuring healthy nutrition and physical activity of primary school-aged children while cultivating good habits that will last into adulthood. The guidance is published in the Russian language and can be used by parents and other adults working with children across the Russian-speaking countries in the WHO European Region.

Tailoring health interventions: behavioural and cultural insights for health 19-08-2020

Behavioural and cultural insights are still relatively underutilized in global health. By drawing on fields outside of medicine such as the social sciences and health humanities (including anthropology, history, sociology and psychology), it is possible to develop more effective health interventions.

Schools for Health in Europe network mobilizes to support school children’s well-being throughout the COVID-19 crisis 13-06-2020

Closed schools, home learning, isolation and quarantine measures have turned the daily life of students and their teachers upside down. The Schools for Health in Europe (SHE) network is supporting countries in ensuring the well-being of school children in the WHO European Region by sharing examples of good practice and teaching material developed for these unusual times.

The rise and rise of interpersonal violence – an unintended impact of the COVID-19 response on families 03-06-2020

“I’m so scared” is a cry for help heard in ever-increasing numbers by the brave volunteers who operate the many violence prevention helplines and services across the WHO European Region since COVID-19 response measures commenced.

International Children’s Day: new WHO report tells the stories of child trauma 02-06-2020

On 1 June 2020, International Children’s Day, WHO released a new report on early life trauma (also referred to as adverse childhood events) with a focus on Belarus and Ukraine.

WHO report on health behaviours of 11–15-year-olds in Europe reveals more adolescents are reporting mental health concerns 19-05-2020

In around a third of countries, the report reveals a rise in adolescents feeling pressured by schoolwork and a decline in young people reporting to like school. The report also discloses that over 1 in 10 adolescents report having been cyberbullied at least once in the past two months.

Nordic collaboration tracks positive mental health among adolescents 19-05-2020

Repeated rounds of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in Sweden during the 1990s highlighted a worrying spike in health complaints among the nation’s young people. This led to the government investing heavily in schools and the coordination of work to protect and promote good mental health.

France: data collection helps policy-makers devise careful prevention strategies to improve adolescent health 18-05-2020

In France, researchers working on adolescent health found that merging 2 major surveys could innovate the collection of public health data on young people and deliver more accurate insights on which to build policies.

Invest in the overlooked and unsung: build sustainable people-centred long-term care in the wake of COVID-19 23-04-2020

Statement to the press by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, 23 April 2020: Over these past three months, since the first cases were reported, the WHO Regional Office for Europe has worked around the clock to support countries prepare and respond to COVID-19.

Promoting physical activity among women during pregnancy – an innovative approach in Turkmenistan 27-03-2020

Turkmenistan will promote physical activity among women during their pregnancy as an innovative approach to tackle the physical inactivity of women and high levels of childhood obesity. Both of these factors are major health risks for the country, according to results from the latest WHO STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) survey, an internationally comparable, standardized and integrated surveillance tool through which countries can collect, analyse and disseminate core information on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

Providing life-changing hearing surgery in Greenland 04-03-2020

Asger, an 11-year-old boy from Nuuk, Greenland, suffered repeated episodes of chronic middle ear infection with pus draining from both ears as a baby. Asger’s family first noticed he was suffering hearing loss when he started school. Aged 10, he received a device to improve his hearing, a headband with a hearing aid that did not have to be put in the ear. At the same time, a new hearing test revealed a previously unknown hearing loss in the healed left ear. Asger was now classified as having disabling hearing loss.

Portugal brings down obesity by taxing sugary drinks 04-03-2020

On World Obesity Day, 4 March, we highlight the success Portugal has had in tackling childhood obesity – one of the main health challenges in the WHO European Region – with their sugary drinks tax.

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.

Podcast series explores healthy aging and growing old in an “age-friendly” city 29-11-2019

A new podcast series co-produced by the Nordic Welfare Centre explores the themes of healthy ageing and raises the question of what makes a city an “age-friendly” environment.

Observatory presents new research on health financing and population ageing at a side event to the G20 Health Ministers Meeting 15-11-2019

During a side event to the G20 Health Ministers Meeting, Josep Figueras, Director of the European Observatory, presented new research exploring the economic implications of population ageing, and how countries are responding and can learn from each other. The new study, produced by the Observatory in collaboration with the WHO Centre for Health Development (Kobe), seeks to address concerns of policy-makers that population ageing will lead to inexorable growth in health care spending.

Experts call for bold action on school-based health in the Russian Federation 15-10-2019

National and international policy experts on healthy nutrition and physical activity in schools have called for bold action to promote the health of school-aged children and to invest in a future where all children have the freedom to lead a healthy and active life.

Health literacy counts as academic competence in Finnish schools 13-09-2019

In Finnish national school curricula, health literacy is introduced as a competence to help make sound health decisions, and to identify and work on the factors that affect one’s own health and well-being.

Improving the health of mothers and newborns in Slovakia 12-08-2019

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to improve the health of women and newborns and end all preventable deaths, to ensure care for health and well-being, and to expand an enabling environment, the Ministry of Health of Slovakia is preparing to renew the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative certificates.

New WHO publication encourages investment in the health of adolescents in Europe 11-07-2019

The WHO/Europe publication “Adolescent health in the European Region: can we do better?” encourages action to improve the physical, mental and social well-being of young people. These investments can have lifelong impacts.

National policy experts call for bold action for healthy ageing in the Region 08-03-2019

National policy experts on healthy ageing have called for bold action to promote healthy ageing and to invest in a future where all older people have the freedom to live an active and healthy life that allows them to continue doing what they value. The call was made during a meeting held on 26–27 February 2019 in Moscow, Russian Federation, where participants from more than 30 countries of the WHO European Region came together to take stock of the policies and strategies across the Region.

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

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

Day 3 highlights: Strategy on the health and well-being of men in the WHO European Region adopted 19-09-2018

Why do men die prematurely, and what can be done to change this? And how do we advance public health to meet future societal needs? The Region now has stronger tools to answer these questions, following today’s adoption of the Strategy on the health and well-being of men and a 10-point action plan on public health.

Q&A: Transforming the health system for better antenatal care in Georgia 22-08-2018

Georgia is playing an important role in eastern Europe and central Asia as one of the first countries to implement the WHO antenatal care recommendations, which were developed based on evidence gathered during the last 15 years.

International Youth Day: Safe spaces for healthy adolescents 10-08-2018

On 12 August, the world marks International Youth Day, with “safe spaces for youth” as the theme. Young people in the WHO European Region are healthier than ever before; however, many challenges still remain. Ensuring safe spaces during this important period of change is a critical step towards creating positive experiences for youth that encourage healthy lifestyles.

New publication to support training of sexuality educators released 19-03-2018

The German Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA), a WHO collaborating centre for sexual and reproductive health, has released a new publication dedicated to the competencies and training of sexuality educators.

Palliative care workers from across the Russian Federation confirm commitment to improving care 27-12-2017

On 29–30 November 2017, Moscow hosted the largest annual scientific and educational conference on palliative care in the Russian Federation. Medical doctors from all regions of the country and international experts took part in the event, organized by the Russian Association of Hospice Care Professionals. They learned international and national best practices, and reviewed ways to improve palliative care for adults and children in the country.

Start of regional influenza surveillance for the 2017–2018 season 31-10-2017

During the winter months, influenza may infect up to 20% of the population, depending on which viruses are circulating, and cause substantial mortality. People at increased risk for severe disease once infected include the elderly, pregnant women, young children, immunocompromised people and people with chronic underlying medical conditions. These groups represent a significant proportion of the population in the WHO European Region. WHO recommends that everyone at risk of severe disease as a result of infection with influenza, as well as health-care workers, be offered a seasonal influenza vaccine.

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.

Public health advice as heatwave continues across southern and central Europe 13-07-2017

Excessively high temperatures are expected to continue in parts of central Europe, Balkan countries, Italy, Portugal and southern Spain. Such heat leads to increased concerns for the health and well-being of vulnerable groups such small children, the elderly and those who have chronic medical conditions.

Toxoplasmosis: greater awareness needed 09-11-2016

Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is estimated to affect more than 2 million people every year in the European Region. Although most people do not have symptoms, if a woman becomes infected just before or early in her pregnancy, it can have very serious health consequences for her child. WHO has interviewed people who work with, and have first-hand experience of this common, but largely unknown disease.

Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society celebrates World Breastfeeding Week 16-08-2016

Breastfeeding contains essential nutrients and is important for the healthy development of a child. To encourage this healthy practice, on 1–7 August 2016, 170 countries celebrated World Breastfeeding Week.

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

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

Armenian Health Behaviour in School-aged Children report launched 28-06-2016

The results of the Armenian national study on Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) 2013/2014, launched in May 2016, revealed a number of issues regarding physical and mental health among Armenian adolescents. In line with most other countries in the European Region, the study showed a lack of physical activity.

Day 4 of the World Health Assembly: Two new strategies call for action on women's and children's health, ageing 01-06-2016

On 26 May, delegates at the World Health Assembly agreed to implement two new health strategies, both closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

First HBSC national report in Republic of Moldova 05-04-2016

The results of the first national Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) report "Behavioural and social determinants of adolescent health" were presented on 30 March 2016 in Chisinau, during a press conference organized by the Ministry of Health, the WHO Country Office in the Republic of Moldova and the national HBSC research team.

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

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

New WHO study reveals that while smoking by school-aged children has declined significantly, young people’s health and well-being is being undermined by gender and social inequalities 15-03-2016

A new pan-European WHO survey of schoolchildren reveals that the proportion of 15-year-olds who first smoked at the age of 13 has fallen significantly since 2010. The report goes on, however, to warn that while 80% of respondents report generally high rates of life satisfaction, differences between genders and socioeconomic status are adversely affecting many young people's health, well-being and lifestyle choices at a critical stage in their development.

Towards a European strategy for women’s health 08-03-2016

Just over half of the 900 million people living in the WHO European Region (463 million) are women.

Newly updated training aims to improve quality of care for mothers and newborns 19-02-2016

A second edition of WHO/Europe's Effective Perinatal Care (EPC) training package is being launched this month, after a 2-year process to update the original package. The updated EPC, which is based on the latest evidence and guidelines, will support countries across the European Region in improving the quality of maternal and newborn health care.

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

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

“No” to influenza vaccination costs thousands of lives 28-10-2015

Too many people among those at high risk in the European Region choose not to get vaccinated against influenza. Everyone who is over 65, has an underlying health problem, is pregnant or is a health care worker should be vaccinated annually.

Health ministers explore creating a health chain reaction for life 20-10-2015

The life-course approach, meaning looking at health through the life-cycle, will take centre stage for the first time in Europe at the WHO European Ministerial Conference on the Life-course Approach in the Context of Health 2020, to take place in Minsk, Belarus, on 21–22 October 2015. Ministers of health and representatives of the 53 Member States will join WHO experts to explore a new angle on policy-making, focusing on the developmental origins of health and disease and making a compelling case for policies that address health at the transitions in life, across ages and generations.

Healthy ageing requires a life-course approach 01-10-2015

The first World report on ageing and health calls for urgent, comprehensive public health action to address population ageing. It summarizes current evidence, redresses common misconceptions and assumptions and outlines a framework of action to foster healthy ageing worldwide. Key messages of the report underpin those of the upcoming WHO European Ministerial Conference on the life-course approach: Start early to maximize functional ability. It is never too late to maintain peak health by preventing and delaying the onset of noncommunicable diseases. Minimize loss by ensuring supportive environments, effectively managing chronic conditions and developing systems of care.

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.

Make physical activity part of all stages of life 21-09-2015

The 53 European Member States unanimously endorsed a physical activity strategy for the WHO European Region 2016–2025 at the 65th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in Vilnius, Lithuania on 16 September 2015.

Memorandum of Understanding for Life-course Approach Conference in Minsk now signed 01-04-2015

V. Zharko, Minister of Health of the Republic of Belarus and Z. Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, signed the Memorandum of Understanding  for the WHO European Ministerial Conference on Life-course Approach in the Context of Health 2020. The Conference will take place in Minsk on 21-22 October 2015, and will focus on how the latest evidence on influencing health across life stages can be applied by the health sector and the whole of government to improve health and well-being.

National Reproductive Health Strategy in Republic of Moldova: final assessment and new perspectives 17-01-2015

A recent evaluation of the National Reproductive Health Strategy (NRHS) set in 2005 revealed important issues to be addressed in all of 11 priority areas assessed.

Improvement of maternal and newborn health continues in the Republic of Moldova 09-01-2015

Ongoing implementation of near-miss case reviews and the "individual, family and community involvement methodology" by health professionals in the Transnistrian region will have a significant impact on reducing maternal mortality in the Republic of Moldova.This was the conclusion of a mission conducted by the WHO/Europe on 29 October 2014 to follow up on implementation of the near-miss case review methodology and to discuss progress within pilot facilities in Tiraspol and Bender. Near-miss case reviews are the  identification and assessment of cases in which pregnant women have survived obstetric complications. The WHO team also participated in case discussions. 

WHO project contributes to significant improvement of paediatric care in Tajikistan 09-12-2014

A WHO project funded by the Russian Federation has succeeded in improving the standard of paediatric care provided by hospitals in the Khatlon region of Tajikistan. The results of the project and opportunities to scale up best practices were discussed at a roundtable with stakeholders held in Dushanbe on 28 November 2014.

Breastfeeding: a winning goal for life 31-07-2014

During World Breastfeeding Week, 1–7 August 2014, WHO and its partners underline the importance of sustaining and increasing the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding.

Mothers’ support groups help to encourage breastfeeding 31-07-2014

In the Russian Federation and all over the world, mothers' support groups are helping to encourage women to breastfeed. One such group in Russia is the Greater Moscow League of Young Mums, a nonprofit organization based in Moscow Province.

WHO and Russian Federation provide essential equipment to children’s hospitals in Kyrgyzstan 23-07-2014

Essential medical equipment and supplies were handed over by WHO to the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan  in June 2014 for distribution to 10 pilot hospitals in 3 regions of the country and the National Mother and Child Health Protection Centre.  The equipment and supplies were procured within a project funded by the Russian Federation called “Improvement of the quality of paediatric care in first referral hospitals in selected countries of Asia and Africa.”

WHO and the Russian Federation contribute to improving pediatric hospital care in Tajikistan 10-07-2014

An official ceremony was held on 25 June 2014, in Tajikistan’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Population Health, for essential hospital equipment handed over to hospitals in Hatlon oblast, Tajikistan.

Kyrgyzstan making progress, but more to do in mother and newborn care, assessment shows 12-06-2014

The results of a recent assessment show that Kyrgyzstan is making progress in improving access to and quality of out-patient and hospital care for pregnant women, mothers and babies; however, continued steps are needed to enhance its capabilities and offerings to women and children to reach the Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5. 

International Children’s Day: More needs to be done to promote better health 30-05-2014

The health of children is important for every society. Measures for protecting and improving children’s health and development are in place across the WHO European Region, but much more can be done to promote better health and well-being and greater equality.

Implementing new ways to improve maternal and child health in Transnistrian Region 06-05-2014

Progress in implementation of a "near-miss case review" methodology in the Republic of Moldova was presented at a conference in Tiraspol on 2 April 2014. Although access to quality maternal and newborn health services has improved over the past 10 years in the Republic of Moldova, there is room for further improvement to enhance the quality of care and  support the achievement of Millennium Development Goal targets.

Member States share experiences in implementing "Beyond the Numbers" case reviews to reduce maternal and newborn deaths 06-05-2014

A WHO meeting on the impact of the "Beyond the Numbers" approach in improving maternal and perinatal health was held on 29–30 April 2014 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

New long-term strategy to improve reproductive, maternal, child and adolescent health in Uzbekistan 12-03-2014

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan currently coordinates the development of national strategy and action plan on Improving Reproductive, Women, Child and Adolescent Health for 2014-2020 using WHO European child and adolescent health strategy and its evidence based tool as guidance. WHO/Europe technical programmes provide technical support for the national group in the strategy development process.

New WHO/EC project focuses on Age-friendly Environments in Europe 26-11-2013

WHO/Europe and the European Commission, DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion have started a joint project for Age-friendly Environments in Europe (AFEE).

Capacity building workshop on school-based prevention of childhood obesity in Albania 13-11-2013

To enhance and operationalize implementation of the Albanian Food and Nutrition Action Plan (FNAP) 2013–2020, a workshop was conducted on 28–29 October 2013 in Tirana, Albania focused on “Capacity building on evidence-informed action planning: School-based prevention of childhood obesity”. 

Belarus: standards of care rise, TB disease and deaths decline 07-11-2013

Reforms in Belarus to upgrade tuberculosis (TB) care and control to international levels are having a positive impact, with fewer TB deaths and new cases.

Multicountry meeting in Armenia accelerates progress toward improved maternal and child health in eastern Europe 06-11-2013

WHO organized a meeting 24–25 October 2013 in Yerevan, Armenia, on improving primary health care for women and babies and referral systems during pregnancy and after childbirth. The meeting was held as part of a project to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in eastern Europe.

Healthy children learn best 07-10-2013

Studies have repeatedly shown that healthy children perform better in school. Researchers have known this for years, yet health and well-being are still not a top priority in most schools.

4th European Conference on Health Promoting Schools. Odense, Denmark 7-9 October 2013 01-10-2013

4th European Conference on Health Promoting Schools Odense, Denmark 7-9 October 2013

At the crossroads: transforming health systems to address women’s health across the life course 02-09-2013

Breastfeeding mothers need peer counselling 01-08-2013

Breastfeeding can benefit mothers' health, reduce infant mortality and promote child development. For World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 August), WHO and its partners highlight the importance of peer counselling and community support systems.

Just published: From ICPD to post-2015. Entre Nous No 78, 2013 01-07-2013

Two decades after the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo in 1994, governments, parliaments, civil society and international organizations are reviewing achievements and remaining gaps in implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action in achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Vladimir Putin salutes the progress in improving perinatal health 24-06-2013

The 11th World Congress of Perinatal Medicine has just finished in Moscow. All participants as well as honourable guests, the President of the Russian Federation and the Minister of Health care of the Russian Federation  among them, emphasized the importance of exchange of experience in further improvement of maternal, perinatal and newborn health and achieving the Millennium Development Goals.

27% of women in Europe experience intimate partner violence and or non-partner violence 20-06-2013

A new report released today, “Global and regional estimates of violence against women”, reveals that 27.2% of women in the WHO European Region have experienced either physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence by someone other than a partner, or both, at some point in their lives.

Just published: Reduction of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in countries. Meeting report 19-06-2013

Rotarian Action Group for Population & Development (RFPD) Academy discusses possibilities to boost improvement of maternal and child health 18-06-2013

The members of Rotaract Germany, the Rotarian youth organization, recognize the role of reproductive health for peace and the key role of UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5 for the achievement of all other MDGs. Maternal and child health are or should be important topics for people of all age groups, but it is of special importance to the younger generations since they will have to face the future effects of current efforts or inaction.

Analysing barriers for breastfeeding 07-06-2013

One of the indicators to monitor progress in improved health of women, newborns, children and adolescents is " Exclusive breastfeeding for six months". This was supported at the Sixty-sixth World Health Assembly held in Geneva.

Polio commission calls on Europe to improve surveillance and reporting 06-06-2013

The European Regional Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication (RCC) reaffirmed the Region’s polio-free status at its 27th annual meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 30–31 May 2013, but called for significantly greater engagement in the Region to maintain this status until global eradication is achieved.

From research and guidelines to improving sexual and reproductive health and rights 29-05-2013

The First global conference on contraception, reproductive and sexual health took place 22–25 May 2013 in Copenhagen. It united 1500 experts, policy makers, civil society representatives and health care providers from 92 countries.

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.

Please mark the dates: First global conference on contraception, reproductive and sexual health to be held in Copenhagen 22–25 May 2013 22-02-2013

The First global conference on contraception, reproductive and sexual health organized by the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health (ESC) will take place in Copenhagen on 22–25 May 2013.   Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary is the Patroness of the Congress.

Alcohol and tobacco use among young people falls in the Russian Federation 15-02-2013

Data published by WHO/Europe show a significant fall in alcohol and tobacco use by young people in the Russian Federation. The latest report from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study shows a decline in the number of 13-year-old girls who smoke at least once a week. Weekly smoking among 15-year-old boys and girls is also decreasing.

Ageing and sexual health 11-02-2013

The 77th edition of Entre Nous addresses a broad spectrum of aspects of ageing and sexual health, from specific medical challenges to wider social trends that recognize that sexuality and sexual health are an intrinsic part of health and wellbeing in older age. The perspectives reflected in the content highlight how gains in life span can be transformed into increasing health and wellbeing, including sexual health, in older age groups, that touch upon the most intimate aspects of healthy ageing.

Entre Nous focusing on child marriage 04-12-2012

Entre Nous no. 76 is a special issue produced with technical and financial support of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Office of UNFPA. This issue is dedicated to the complex phenomenon of child marriage and its relationship to sexual and reproductive health in the WHO European Region. Child marriage and childbearing affect girls’ physical and psychological health. Girls are not only at risk of early and unwanted pregnancies, but the complications associated with pregnancy and child birth are among the leading causes of death for girls aged 15 –19 worldwide.

Assisting countries in improving the quality of care during pregnancy and after delivery - new WHO tool finalized by experts in Moscow 07-11-2012

Good quality of primary health care is seen as the key to reducing maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. Differences in care related to social status, gender and ethnicity are important contributors to inequity in health outcomes.

More evidence on linkages between NCDs and SRH in Entre Nous 24-10-2012

The 75th issue of Entre Nous  explores the many parallels between noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in terms of vulnerabilities and risks for and as a result of ill health, such as, poverty, inequity, social determinants of health and socio-cultural factors. This issue covers guidance in the implementation of the new European policy for health “Health 2020”.

Living longer – staying healthy, 1 October: International Day of Older Persons 01-10-2012

New Video "Healthy ageing in the European Region" is now available 14-09-2012

 Video was prepared and shown at the 62 sesion of the  WHO Regional Committee for Europe

Joining forces to improve the quality of family planning services in Kyrgyzstan 14-09-2012

Following a strategic assessment in 2011 on the prevention of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortion in Kyrgyzstan, a training of trainers course was conducted on 13–17 August 2012 to build knowledge within the health workforce on the medical criteria for safe and effective use of various contraceptives.

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.

London Summit - WHO joins call for renewed focus on family planning 11-07-2012

WHO commits to fast-track its assessment of new and existing quality contraceptives so more women in low- and middle-income countries can obtain and use a broader range of safe and effective contraceptive products.

New report on Adolescent mental health published 10-07-2012

In any given year, 20% of adolescents experience a mental health problem, most commonly depression or anxiety. In many settings, suicide is among the leading causes of death among young people.

Making cities healthy for everyone: European mayors share experiences 21-06-2012

Over 300 mayors and municipal health leaders met in St Petersburg, Russian Federation on 14-16 June 2012 for the Annual Business and Technical Conference of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks. At the Conference, participants shared solutions for creating urban environments that nurture health and well-being throughout life.

Strengthening partnership in family planning 18-06-2012

Czech Republic resolves to survey adverse childhood experiences and endorses Action for Road Safety 05-06-2012

The Czech Republic Intersectoral Steering Committee met at the Ministry of Health on 29 May.

International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse calls for greater political commitment to prevent elder abuse 05-06-2012

In the WHO European Region about 2500 people over 60 lose their lives each year from physical abuse and about 4 million suffer from it.

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

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

Trends in Maternal Mortality: 1990 to 2010 24-05-2012

WHO report reveals teenagers do not get a fair deal on health 02-05-2012

Widespread inequalities mean that many young people in the WHO European Region and North America are not as healthy as they could be, according to a new report on the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, published by the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

Progress towards Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 6 in the WHO European Region: 2011 Update 20-04-2012

As called for by Regional Committee for Europe Resolution EUR/RC57/R2, this report constitutes the biennial update on the progress made towards the health-related Millennium Development Goals in the European Region. It draws on the most recent data sources available, as of July 2011, for Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 6 on, respectively, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and combating HIV/AIDs, malaria and other diseases (including tuberculosis).

World Health Day 2012 – Active ageing adds healthy life to years 29-03-2012

Europe’s population is living longer than ever before. Average life expectancy at birth in the 53 countries in the WHO European Region is over 72 years for men and around 80 for women. While birth rates and total population numbers are declining in some parts of the Region, the proportion of people aged ≥65 years is forecast almost to double between 2010 and 2050.

New tool on assessment of quality of antenatal and postpartum care piloted in Kyrgyzstan 28-03-2012

Maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity is decreasing in many countries of the WHO European Region, however, much more should be done to accelerate the progress. The Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan has requested assistance of WHO, UNFPA and UNICEF in accessing the quality of maternal and neonatal health care to develop recommendations for improvement in consultation with international and national experts.

Causes and consequences: what determines our sexual and reproductive health? Entre Nous 73, 2011 14-02-2012

Issue No 73 of Entre Nous, “Causes and consequences: What determines our sexual and reproductive health?” focuses on the relationship between health inequities, social determinants of health and sexual and reproductive health, highlighting the progress, challenges, current status and commitment that has been made in this area throughout the European Region. The issue also features an article on the new European policy for health “Health 2020” which is currently under development and how this policy can be used to tackle the public health challenges of today such as vulnerable groups and inequities.

Life does not end at 60 - senior citizens have much to offer 31-01-2012

Many Europeans live longer and are healthier than ever before. This is an opportunity to highlight senior citizens’ many resources and experiences. A recent conference focused on labour market issues, and how working conditions and labour market policies can be adapted to meet the needs of older workers

Albania Success stories in improving mother and child health 03-01-2012

International meetings in Uzbekistan on maternal and child health: priority actions identified 13-12-2011

Two international meetings on maternal and child health brought together hundreds of experts and representatives of national governments and international organizations, to discuss the reforms made by the Uzbek Government in accelerating progress towards achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 4 and 5 and to identify priority actions in the WHO European Region.

Promoting multisectoral collaboration on child and adolescent health in Azerbaijan 14-11-2011

With technical support from WHO/Europe, the Ministry of Health organized a workshop in November that brought together officials from the Ministry, the State Committee on Women, Family and Children’s Affairs, representatives of other ministries (education, youth and sport, labour and social protection), and national programmes and institutions, major partners (WHO, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Bank and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)) and local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) involved in maternal, child and adolescent health.

High food prices contributing to malnutrition in Tajikistan 10-11-2011

Data from household surveys in rural Tajikistan in July 2011 show that 29.1% of children are stunted and 12.5% are wasted. WHO/Europe is assisting the country to develop a national action plan on nutrition.

Linking sexual and reproductive health and HIV in countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia: Examining the future of integrated services 09-11-2011

Representatives from 13 countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia met in Antalya, Turkey, on 2–4 November to examine how to develop better linkages between Sexual Reproductive Health, HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other services.

Women and cancer: screening and treatment save lives 03-11-2011

One in five women in the European Region will get cancer before the age of 75. A third of cancers are preventable, and common types among women – breast, colorectal and cervical – can be cured if detected early.

Moving ahead with sexuality education in the European Region 10-10-2011

On 6–7 October 2011 the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) and WHO Regional Office for Europe jointly hosted a workshop in Cologne, Germany, on the further development of good quality sexuality education in the European Region.

Workshop on improvement of supervisory system in Tajikistan for better maternal and child health programme 06-10-2011

A workshop on improvement of a supervisory system in Tajikistan for better maternal and child health programme took place in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 12-17 September 2011.

Healthy nutrition in schools 23-09-2011

Schools offer an opportunity to promote healthy eating habits that children can carry into adulthood, and to reach into the wider community.

Looking “beyond the numbers” to save mothers’ lives in Ukraine 23-09-2011

On 13–16 September 2011, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine hosted a three-day technical workshop and one-day national conference to discuss and adopt new ways to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity in the country.

Computer tool to improve healthcare delivery 21-09-2011

A capacity building workshop on maternal health in Moldova on 20-22 September introduces a computer-based tool to calculate the cost of health care in a specifically defined area.

Congress of the European Society of Gynecology – from contraception and maternal health to cardiology and cancer 16-09-2011

On 8–11 September, the Tivoli Congress Centre in Copenhagen set the stage for the 9th Congress of the European Society of Gynaecology (ESG). More than 2300 gynaecologists from over 65 countries attended. Topics ranged from contraception, maternal health, pregnancy and contraception for women with cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes to less familiar issues such as obesity, gender issues and violence prevention.

Entre Nous special issue focussing on maternal and child health in Kazakhstan 11-07-2011

Issue No 74 of Entre Nous, “Improvement of maternal and child health in Kazakhstan” describes how politicians, managers and clinicians, supported by WHO and the European Union, have begun to transform out-of-date practice by introducing evidence-based care.

National health promotion conference on child and youth health in Estonia 20-06-2011

The annual conference, held in Tartu on 10 June 2011, focused on child and youth health. The participants gathered information on the current state of young people’s health and health determinants, and studied obstacles to creating a safer and healthier environment for young people. The proposals made were published in the conference memorandum.

New WHO/Europe report: an estimated 10 000 old people physically abused every day 16-06-2011

Every year at least 4 million older people in the WHO European Region are estimated to suffer physical abuse: being slapped, punched, kicked, burned, wounded with a knife or locked in their rooms. Research also indicates that as many as 2500 older people may die at the hands of family members. These are the main findings of the new European report on preventing elder maltreatment, released today by WHO/Europe at the 3rd European Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, in Budapest, Hungary. The report gives the first description of the size, causes and consequences of elder maltreatment, and provides an overview of good practice in prevention.

Armenia one step closer to achieving universal access to reproductive health 27-05-2011

The international community has agreed that improving maternal health (Millennium Development Goal 5) is impossible without providing high-quality services for family planning. The prevalence of contraceptive use and the unmet need for family planning are becoming indicators for this Millennium Development Goal.

Sexual health: A public health challenge in Europe. Entre Nous 72, 2011 23-05-2011

Issue No 72 of Entre Nous, “Sexual Health: A Public Health Challenge in Europe,” explores the progress that has been made in sexual health across Europe. It highlights the broader concepts of sexual wellbeing including the fundamental belief that sexual health is an integral part of overall health, wellbeing and quality of life. Analysis of sexual health of adolescents, older people, migrants, people living with HIV  and people with disabilities  in the WHO European Region is presented in the magazine. 

Regional Advisory Panel for Research and Training in Reproductive Health in the European Region convenes in Copenhagen 03-05-2011

Members of the Regional Advisory Panel for Research and Training in the European Region met in Copenhagen from 27-28 April together with observers, partners and representatives from WHO headquarters to discuss and decide on further implementation of the WHO Global Reproductive Health Strategy (2004) and the WHO European Regional Strategy on Reproductive and Sexual Health (2001).

WHO and the EU commend the work of the National Mother and Child Health Centre in Astana 12-04-2011

WHO and the European Union will present the commemorative plaque to the National Mother and Child Health Centre for the contribution on improving maternal and child health in Kazakhstan.

Six success stories in Making Pregnancy Safer 10-11-2010

Persisting inequity in maternal health 29-10-2010

In some countries in Europe, only 20% of the poorest women have access to 4 or more antenatal care visits, compared to over 80% of the richest women.

Progress regarding MDGs 3, 4 and 5. Draft conclusions from WHO meeting of national focal points for family and community health in Durres, Albania. 29-10-2010

Maternal mortality halved in eastern Europe and central Asia, but too many women die giving life 22-05-2010

In the past ten years, maternal mortality has halved but vulnerable groups are still not reached and many women die or suffer from complications while giving birth. Contraception is seen as the most cost-effective solution. At a meeting organized in Istanbul on 11 November 2009 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), WHO/Europe, international experts and policy-makers from 20 countries in eastern Europe and central Asia pledged to step up the fight against needless death and suffering from pregnancy and childbirth