News

Integrated screening for infectious diseases: a success story from Georgia 21-05-2021

Testing simultaneously for several infectious diseases in primary health care settings is feasible and can help to bring down the burden of chronic hepatitis C, HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and tuberculosis (TB) in countries in eastern Europe and central Asia, results from Georgia and elsewhere in the WHO European Region show.

Getting closer together – one vaccination at a time 26-04-2021

The past year has been dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought tragedy, suffering and frustration to so many, and which will leave its mark on our society for many years to come. To help us put this pandemic behind us, we have our hopes firmly pinned on the new vaccines that have been developed in record time.

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.

Launch of the Virtual Library of good practices in the response to tuberculosis, HIV and viral hepatitis, and a call for submissions 19-11-2020

To simplify, streamline and digitize the sharing of good practice experiences across the WHO European Region, the Joint Tuberculosis, HIV and Viral Hepatitis programme has developed a Virtual Library of good practices.

Unleashing the potential of vaccines for a healthier Europe 02-09-2020

Compared to every other WHO region, the European Region has the lowest mortality figures for children under the age of 5. The Region has been free from poliomyelitis since 2002, and many Member States have also stopped the endemic spread of measles and rubella.

Bringing hepatitis C testing and treatment to underserved communities in Madrid, Spain 28-07-2020

An estimated 80 000 people in Spain are infected with hepatitis C but have not received lifesaving direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs, mostly because they belong to vulnerable population groups and have poor access to health care.

Testing, treatment and comprehensive prevention – how a nurse-led program is dealing with hepatitis in prisons in Luxembourg 28-07-2020

A prison sentence may not feel like a stroke of luck, but it can mark an opportunity for testing vulnerable populations and providing care to detainees to prevent potentially life-threatening diseases.

Vaccination must be maintained during COVID-19 pandemic to be effective 20-04-2020

Statement by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, on the occasion of European Immunization Week 2020, We are living through an exceptional time, when every one of us has been called upon to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The COVID-19 situation in the European Region remains very concerning.

Open online consultation – Healthcare and beyond, to end HIV, tuberculosis and viral hepatitis 31-03-2020

A consultation survey on the first edition of the Operational Framework for Intersectoral Action to End HIV, Tuberculosis and Viral Hepatitis in Europe and Central Asia will be open to everyone from today until 15 April 2020. Collaborating with civil society organizations, other United Nations agencies and partner countries, WHO/Europe has drafted this first edition of the Framework to provide suggested concrete actions to end these diseases through collaboration beyond the health sector. Please, tell us what you think about it.

Celebrating the power of vaccines to help prevent cancer 04-02-2020

Several forms of cancer are largely vaccine-preventable, including cervical and liver cancer. On World Cancer Day, 4 February 2020, WHO/Europe celebrates progress gained in controlling these diseases and the vital role vaccines play in helping to prevent them.

Up to a quarter of Europeans will develop cancer: from prevention, early diagnosis, screening and treatment to palliative care, countries must do more 04-02-2020

Each year, 4.6 million new cancer cases are diagnosed in the WHO European Region and 2.1 million people die from cancer. Twenty percent of these deaths are from lung cancer, followed by colorectal (12%), breast (7%), pancreatic (6%) and stomach cancer (5.7%).

European Laboratory Initiative on TB, HIV and Viral Hepatitis sets priorities for integrated testing and diagnosis in 2020–2021 13-01-2020

The European Laboratory Initiative on TB, HIV and Viral Hepatitis (ELI), a regional network supporting a joint, patient-centred response to the 3 diseases, has set priorities for the next 2 years to improve integrated diagnostic services.

Time for integrated and people-centred services for HIV, TB and viral hepatitis 10-01-2020

The international medical journal, The Lancet, has published an article demonstrating the benefits of integrated and people-centred services in responding to the rise of HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and viral hepatitis in eastern European and central Asian countries of the WHO European Region.

Four countries pilot a joint, multisectoral response to tuberculosis (TB), HIV and viral hepatitis 19-11-2019

Following the launch in 2018 of the United Nations Common Position on Ending HIV, TB and Viral Hepatitis through Intersectoral Collaboration, Belarus, Georgia, Portugal and Tajikistan agreed to lead the way on adopting an intersectoral approach in their response to the 3 diseases.

Call for applications: experts in HIV and/or hepatitis sought to join ELI core group for 2019–2020 10-10-2019

WHO/Europe seeks a maximum of 3 new members to join the European Laboratory Initiative (ELI) core group for 2019–2020. With their expertise in HIV and/or hepatitis, the new members would strengthen ELI’s core group, following the recent expansion of ELI’s scope to encompass HIV and viral hepatitis, in addition to TB.

Call for good practices of intersectoral collaboration to end HIV, tuberculosis and viral hepatitis 08-10-2019

WHO/Europe is calling for partners across the whole of society to showcase their work in responding to HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and viral hepatitis from outside the traditional health sector.

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.

Learn the ABCs of hepatitis before you leave on holiday 23-07-2019

Hepatitis, in its many forms, is a serious threat to health. What all forms have in common is the inflammation they cause in the liver. In the long term, the most common viral forms – hepatitis B and C – can cause serious health problems such as liver cancer, cirrhosis of the liver and liver failure resulting in death. In the short-term, hepatitis A often manifests as foodborne illness, accompanied by vomiting, fever and diarrhoea.

Call for submissions to a compendium of good practice in the health sector response to viral hepatitis in the WHO European Region 13-06-2019

WHO/Europe is appealing to Member States, partners and community organizations across the European Region to submit examples of good practice in response to viral hepatitis in the Region for publication in a compendium.

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

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

Regional committee on TB expands to cover HIV and viral hepatitis 21-05-2019

In 2019, the scope of the Regional Collaborating Committee on Tuberculosis Control and Care (RCC-TB) was expanded to include HIV and viral hepatitis. The RCC-TB, originally focused exclusively on TB, was established by WHO/Europe in 2012.

European Immunization Week celebrates the everyday heroes who help protect us all from dangerous diseases 23-04-2019

The widespread use of vaccines has drastically reduced the threat of once-common diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough and measles in the WHO European Region. Contributing to this success story are countless individuals – from scientists to parents, from nurses to bloggers – who each play a part in helping to immunize Europe.

First Regional Consultation on Viral Hepatitis in Europe shows progress and reaffirms countries’ commitment to elimination 16-03-2019

The First Regional Consultation on Viral Hepatitis in the WHO European Region is a landmark on the road to eliminating the disease by 2030. Viral hepatitis is a public health threat affecting tens of millions of people in the Region. One hundred and twenty participants from 45 Member States convened in Tbilisi, Georgia, on 11–13 February 2019 to discuss all aspects of the response and exchange tools and experiences to address common challenges. The wide participation of regional partners, leading experts, members of civil society organizations, patients’ associations and representatives in the first event of its kind reflects countries’ commitment to scale up their response to this dreadful disease.

Improving the availability and use of vaccination records in Kyrgyzstan 14-02-2019

Home-based vaccination records play an important role in documenting immunization services received by children and thereby contribute to the control of vaccine-preventable diseases. Starting on 4 February 2019, every newborn in Kyrgyzstan will receive a home-based vaccination certificate. The certificate was developed by the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan and is considered to be an official document.

Turkmenistan launches its first national strategic plan for viral hepatitis response 31-01-2019

Turkmenistan has launched its first-ever national strategic plan on viral hepatitis at a meeting of experts on 20 December 2018 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. During the meeting, representatives of the Minister of Health and Medical Industry, WHO technical experts, epidemiologists, laboratory specialists and infectious disease specialists from national and regional levels discussed the goals, indicators and activities proposed by the strategic plan.

Advisory group urges action to tackle vaccine-preventable diseases 30-01-2019

At its 18th meeting on 12–13 November 2018, in Copenhagen, Denmark, the European Technical Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (ETAGE) urged action to improve immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases in the WHO European Region.

European Laboratory Initiative on TB expands to cover HIV and viral hepatitis 14-01-2019

To strengthen and streamline the joint response to tuberculosis (TB), HIV and viral hepatitis in the WHO European Region, the WHO-established European Laboratory Initiative on TB extended its scope to HIV and viral hepatitis. Through this development, WHO aims to address more effectively the specific needs of the Region.

Countries of eastern Europe and central Asia improve access to HIV, TB and viral hepatitis diagnostic technologies and medicines 27-11-2018

In 2017, 130 000 people acquired HIV in countries of eastern Europe and central Asia. Since 2010, the number of new infections has increased by 29%, making it the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the world.This region also faces the highest levels of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in the world: 1 in 6 newly diagnosed and 1 in 2 previously treated TB patients are estimated to have MDR-TB. It is also heavily affected by chronic hepatitis C virus infection, and accounts for the largest proportion of HIV-infected people with past or present hepatitis C infections.

Improving the availability, quality and use of global immunization data 14-11-2018

Progress towards the elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in the European Region cannot be monitored or achieved without accurate, subnational data that is reported in good time to the national and global levels.

Understanding why people do or do not vaccinate – the first step to increasing vaccination coverage 25-10-2018

Why is little Jon not vaccinated? Does his family not feel welcome at the health clinic, or is the waiting time too long? Do his parents have doubts about vaccine safety, or are they not well-informed about the vaccination schedule? Only when we know the root causes of low coverage can we address them. Despite this, only a few national immunization programmes have conducted in-depth analysis to understand the barriers to vaccination in their countries.

Groundbreaking pledge of United Nations agencies to end HIV, TB and viral hepatitis epidemics in Europe at high-level meeting on ending TB 28-09-2018

For the first time, 14 United Nations agencies have joined forces to end the epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and viral hepatitis – Europe’s deadliest communicable diseases. The commitment was demonstrated with the launch of the first-ever United Nations Common Position on Ending HIV, TB and Viral Hepatitis through Intersectoral Collaboration in the WHO European Region.

Improved access to health services to eliminate hepatitis C in Portuguese prisons 02-08-2018

Portugal has introduced a new model of care for prison inmates, relocating health professionals from hospitals to the prisons themselves in order to provide critical on-site health care to viral hepatitis and HIV patients, and allowing access to care for inmates who were previously unable to visit hospitals due to complex security procedures.

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

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

Increased coverage in WHO European Region leaves fewer children vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases 23-07-2018

Coverage rates for most routine vaccines in the Region increased in 2017 compared to the previous 3 years. Most notably, according to new WHO–United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimates, 90% of children in the Region received the necessary second dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV2) in 2017 according to their country’s routine schedule (compared to 88% in 2016), and 94% of children received the third dose of diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis-containing vaccine (DTP3) (compared to 92% in 2016).

European Immunization Week – vaccination is a right and responsibility for all 23-04-2018

Vaccines protect people of all ages from potentially serious diseases. On 23–29 April 2018, European Immunization Week (EIW) is celebrated across the WHO European Region to raise awareness of the critical role vaccines play in protecting public health, and to remind each person to do their part to immunize Europe.

WHO supports the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to take concrete steps to end viral hepatitis 20-04-2018

With WHO support and guidance, the Ministry of Health of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia gathered national and international experts to review the challenges and agree on the outline of the first ever national action plan towards eliminating hepatitis. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 50 people living in the country are affected by chronic hepatitis B or C, although precise data is lacking and many are unaware of their infection. Viral hepatitis is a priority for collaboration between the Ministry of Health and WHO.

Ukraine to finance expanded opioid substitution therapy programme 12-01-2018

The Government of Ukraine has committed to fund and expand access to opioid substitution therapy (OST) for over 10 000 patients at 178 health-care facilities in 2018. This represents a 100 fold increase in the number of OST patients in Ukraine since 2005.

Have your say: take the WHO United Nations (UN) consultation survey and contribute to the UN’s work to end tuberculosis, HIV and viral hepatitis in the WHO European Region 11-12-2017

If you are a member of a civil society organization or a national or international partner organization, a patient, or part of an affected community, or if you simply have strong opinions you would like to share to contribute to the UN’s work to end tuberculosis (TB), HIV and viral hepatitis in the Region, WHO/Europe wants to hear from you.

European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week 2017: tackling late diagnosis 20-11-2017

This year, the theme of European Testing Week, 17–24 November, is aligned with World AIDS Day in raising awareness on the issue of late diagnosis of HIV infection. In the eastern part of the WHO European Region, 1 in 3 people are unaware of their HIV status. In the rest of the Region, the figure stands at 1 in 7.

Meeting of European immunization programme managers offers innovative forum for exchange of ideas and experiences 09-11-2017

Over 170 immunization programme managers from 43 Member States of the WHO European Region came together on 24–27 October 2017 in Budva, Montenegro, for the biannual Immunization Programme Managers’ Meeting (PMM), organized by WHO/Europe. They focused on maintaining momentum towards the goals of the European Vaccine Action Plan (EVAP).

Independent advisory group reviews immunization developments in Europe 02-11-2017

The independent European Technical Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (ETAGE) provides independent review and expert technical input to WHO/Europe’s vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization programme (VPI).

Understanding behaviours as a first step to addressing declining vaccination uptake in Europe 04-10-2017

Routine immunization coverage has declined in the WHO European Region as a whole over the past 5 years, creating increased risk of new outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. National immunization programmes across the Region are eager to reverse this trend. However, to develop successful interventions they must first understand the underlying determinants of their populations’ vaccination behaviours – what drives people to vaccinate, and what may pose a barrier.

Workshop on new medicines for treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis held in Copenhagen 21-09-2017

The regional Green Light Committee for the WHO European Region (rGLC/Europe) conducted a workshop on the “Introduction of new medicines for the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis in the WHO European Region” on 25–26 July 2017, followed by a meeting on 27 July, in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Georgia’s hepatitis C elimination programme setting an example in Europe 25-08-2017

In Georgia, about 150 000 people (or 1 in 20), were affected by hepatitis C in 2015. That same year, the country became the first in the WHO European Region to set the goal of eliminating hepatitis C as a public health threat. Two years later, 32 000 people have been successfully cured. On World Hepatitis Day 2017, on 28 July, national and international experts met in Tbilisi with representatives of WHO/Europe to assess progress and challenges of the Georgia hepatitis C elimination programme.

Experts and patients come together on people-centred hepatitis response in the Russian Federation 09-08-2017

Awareness is growing in the Russian Federation on the need for a strategy on viral hepatitis. Patients and doctors are pointing to the huge burden of disease and the challenges in accessing health services. WHO is advocating for action based on the global and European strategy and plan.

World Hepatitis Day: making hepatitis elimination a reality 27-07-2017

The campaign for this year’s World Hepatitis Day, held annually on 28 July, is “Eliminate hepatitis”. It commemorates global, regional and country efforts to combat viral hepatitis and provides a powerful opportunity to increase public awareness of the devastating disease, advocating improved access to and availability of testing, treatment and preventive measures.

WHO European Region moving closer to control of hepatitis B 27-07-2017

An estimated 15 million people in the Region are living with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and 56 000 die annually from the late effects of chronic infection, including liver cancer.

WHO mission assesses response to viral hepatitis in Uzbekistan 21-07-2017

Following the invitation of the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan, a team of WHO experts, with the participation of colleagues from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Viral Hepatitis of the United States of America’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), conducted a rapid mission to assess the country’s response to hepatitis.

Assessment of viral hepatitis response in Ukraine 15-06-2017

The first ever Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis, adopted in May 2016 by the World Health Assembly, calls for elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. In line with this strategy, the European “Action plan for the health sector response to viral hepatitis”, adopted in the same year, identifies priority actions to achieve this goal in the WHO European Region.

Hepatitis A outbreaks in European Region mostly affecting men who have sex with men 08-06-2017

Between June 2016 and mid-May 2017, an unusual increase in cases of hepatitis A affecting mainly men who have sex with men (MSM) has been reported by low endemicity countries in the European Region, and in the Americas (Chile and the United States of America). In the European Region, 15 countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom) reported 1173 cases related to the 3 distinct multi-country hepatitis A outbreaks as of 16 May 2017. Most of the affected countries have routinely recommended Hepatitis A vaccine for MSM.

Hepatitis B vaccination has dramatically reduced infection rates among children in Europe, but more is needed to achieve elimination 28-04-2017

The introduction of the hepatitis B vaccine in 1982 led to a dramatic fall in the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections globally. Today, 4.5 million infections are prevented each year in children, as the first WHO “Global hepatitis report 2017” revealed last week.

European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week 2016: Test. Treat. Prevent. 17-11-2016

Safe and effective treatments exist that allow people living with HIV and/or viral hepatitis B to lead healthy and long lives. Those living with hepatitis C can be cured. Knowing your health status, however, is the prerequisite to accessing treatment. This is why WHO strongly supports European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week, which aims to break the silence around HIV and viral hepatitis and build momentum to stop these epidemics by 2030.

Day 3 highlights: agreement on women’s health strategy and action plans for HIV and viral hepatitis 14-09-2016

Dr Margaret Chan welcomed the WHO Regional Committee for Europe’s adoption of a European strategy for women’s health as well as action plans for both HIV and viral hepatitis in her plenary address, affirming the WHO European Region’s position at the forefront of global health developments.

WHO governing body for the European Region convenes with eight strategic proposals on the agenda 08-09-2016

At the 66th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, to be held in Copenhagen from 12 to 15 September, representatives from the 53 countries in the WHO European Region will debate a set of innovative action plans that affect public health. The plans call for accelerated action and stronger political commitment on refugee and migrant health, women’s health, sexual and reproductive health, noncommunicable diseases, HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, integrated health services and the use of data in public health.

Speaking out on hepatitis, the silent killer 26-07-2016

Though effective tools are available now to prevent and treat viral hepatitis, more than 400 people across the WHO European Region still die from causes related to viral hepatitis every day. In September, WHO/Europe will submit an action plan setting the ambitious goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat in the Region by 2030. Here, people with first-hand experience of hepatitis tell their stories.

WHO mission assesses response to viral hepatitis in Kyrgyzstan 26-07-2016

Responding to a request from Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Health, a team of WHO experts conducted a mission on 11–15 July 2016 to assess the national hepatitis response, including the existing policy and governance environment, available data and information systems, laboratory capacity, testing and treatment infrastructure, human resource capacity, drug and diagnostic supply, and medicine costing and access.

Consultation for action plans on HIV and viral hepatitis 13-05-2016

The joint Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Programme of the WHO Regional Office for Europe is developing two action plans to address the HIV and viral hepatitis epidemics in the WHO European Region.

European Immunization Week in the classroom 25-04-2016

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

Europe shapes new action plans on HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis 12-04-2016

Two advisory committees met in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 4–5 April 2016 to guide new action plans on HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis for the WHO European Region 2016–2021.

WHO releases new guidance on hepatitis 04-03-2016

In February 2016, WHO released 2 new hepatitis publications to assist and guide countries in the treatment and surveillance of hepatitis.

Preventing cancer - The European code against cancer 04-02-2016

Cancer incidence is rising in the WHO European Region. A new edition of the European code against cancer lists 12 ways of helping people to adopt healthier lifestyles and of boosting cancer prevention across Europe. 4 February is World Cancer Day.

More than 23 million people in the WHO European Region fall ill from unsafe food every year 03-12-2015

Although the WHO European Region has the lowest estimated burden of foodborne diseases globally, the report "Estimates of the Global Burden of Foodborne Diseases" indicates that more than 23 million people in the Region fall ill from eating contaminated food annually, resulting in 5000 deaths.

European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week: 20–27 November 2015 20-11-2015

This year, European Testing Week (20–27 November 2015) comes at an important time, with the recent launch of the WHO Consolidated guidelines on HIV testing services and the imminent release of the WHO Guidelines on testing for hepatitis B and C.

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.

Inaugural World Hepatitis Summit calls upon governments to eliminate viral hepatitis B and C by 2030 09-09-2015

The first ever World Hepatitis Summit, co-organized by WHO, the World Hepatitis Alliance and hosted by the Scottish Government, convened in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom on 2–4 September 2015.

Viral hepatitis – 400 deaths a day in the WHO European Region could be prevented 23-07-2015

Over 13 million people in the WHO European Region live with chronic hepatitis B infection and over 15 million with chronic hepatitis C infection, leading to 400 deaths every day. WHO calls on policy-makers, health workers and the public to act now to prevent infection and death from hepatitis. 28 July is World Hepatitis Day.

Georgia sets sights on eliminating hepatitis C 23-07-2015

In April 2015, Georgia launched a hepatitis C elimination programme by making the new curative treatment available to people infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and suffering from severe liver disease. As the new antiviral drugs for hepatitis C, known as oral "directly acting antiviral agents" (DAAs), are not affordable by most people, the plan is to make discounted HCV diagnostics available to all and to build capacity to diagnose and treat all Georgians infected with HCV.

Expert advisory group supports implementation of the European Vaccine Action Plan 14-10-2014

WHO/Europe sought expert guidance on the control of vaccine-preventable diseases in the European Region from the European Technical Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (ETAGE) at the Group’s 14th meeting on 8-9 September 2014 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Joint article on policy responses to viral hepatitis B and C: just published 02-10-2014

Article “Policy responses to viral hepatitis B and C among people who inject drugs in Member States of the WHO European region: a sub-analysis of the WHO 2013 global hepatitis policy survey” now in BMC Infectious Disease supplement “Viral Hepatitis and Drug Use in Europe”

Highlights of RC64 day 4 – Ebola emergency update, food and nutrition action plan adopted, and six European progress reports discussed 18-09-2014

On its final day, the 64th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC64) enthusiastically adopted the European Food and Nutrition Action Plan 2015–2020

Member States unanimously adopt new plan to combat vaccine-preventable diseases 17-09-2014

An ambitious roadmap to ensure equitable and optimal protection of Europe’s population from vaccine-preventable diseases was adopted by the 64th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe on 17 September 2014.

Preventing hepatitis B and C 23-07-2014

Hepatitis B and C are prevalent in the WHO European Region. This year, WHO and partners have made significant advances in tackling the disease, and on World Hepatitis Day they urge policy-makers, health workers and the public to "think again" about this silent killer. 

World Health Assembly, day 4: proposals on coordination of noncommunicable disease response 26-05-2014

The World Health Assembly approved proposals to improve global coordination of efforts to address noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, cancers, heart disease and stroke. It also approved a resolution to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis.

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.

Mid-week summary of European Immunization Week 2014 23-04-2014

European Immunization Week (2014) began on 22 April 2013, with a flurry of blog posts, tweets and public awareness activities scattered throughout the Region. Most prominent among those who have expressed their support for immunization so far this week are WHO Regional Director Zsuzsanna Jakab and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Patron of the Regional Office.

Hepatitis C treatment guidelines issued 09-04-2014

WHO has issued its first guidance for the treatment of hepatitis C, a chronic infection that affects an estimated 130 million to 150 million people and results in 350 000 to 500 000 deaths a year worldwide. An estimated 1 in 50 people is infected with hepatitis C in the WHO European Region.

Denmark celebrates new collaborating centre on HIV and viral hepatitis 17-12-2013

On 9 December 2013 at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, a reception was held to celebrate the collaboration between WHO/Europe and the recently designated WHO Collaborating Centre on HIV and Viral Hepatitis.

This is hepatitis. … Know it. Confront it 30-09-2013

Countries across the WHO European Region highlighted the threat from this silent epidemic on World Hepatitis Day, 28 July 2013. The group of infectious diseases known as hepatitis A, B, C, D and E affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and kills close to 1.4 million each year.

Viral hepatitis requires more attention in the WHO European Region 24-07-2013

Viral hepatitis affects millions of people in the WHO European Region. Types B and C cause the main burden of disease, and kill over 120 000 people in Europe every year. Urgent action is needed to address this neglected epidemic. 28 July 2013 is World Hepatitis Day.

Hepatitis B and C infect one in fifty adults in European Region 05-06-2013

Over 13 million adults are living with hepatitis B and 15 million with hepatitis C in the WHO European Region – indicating a huge burden of treatment and care. New estimates published in an article on 30 May 2013 by WHO/Europe, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Public Health England suggest that almost one in fifty adults is infected with hepatitis B and a similar proportion of people have chronic hepatitis C.

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.

Delegates launch a call to action on hepatitis B and C 07-12-2012

A call to action was launched at the Summit Conference on Hepatitis B and C in Mediterranean and Balkan Countries that took place on 5-7 December 2012 in Cyprus. The event united a range of stakeholders to urge the formulation and implementation of effective policies and targeted actions by national governments, healthcare providers and civil society in the fight against hepatitis B and C.

Strategies for combatting hepatitis: new framework for global action released 23-10-2012

The Global Alert and Response programme at WHO headquarters has launched a framework for global action entitled, “Prevention and control of viral hepatitis infection”.

Training in Ukraine: tuberculosis and harm reduction services integration and advocacy 08-10-2012

During 25-27 September 2012, a training on tuberculosis (TB) and harm reduction (HR) services integration and advocacy was held in Kiev, Ukraine, organized by the WHO Knowledge Hub for Harm Reduction/Eurasian Harm Reduction Network and supported by WHO/Europe.

WHO launches "Guidance on prevention of viral hepatitis B and C among people who inject drugs" 27-07-2012

A new WHO publication was launched at the XIX International AIDS Conference in Washington DC, United States of America, on 21 July 2012. The guidance is the first step in the provision of comprehensive guidance on viral hepatitis surveillance, prevention and treatment by the World Health Organization.

New strategy to prevent and control viral hepatitis infection 27-07-2012

The WHO Global Alert and Response Programme has launched its strategy to prevent and control viral hepatitis infection. Its publication "Prevention and control of viral hepatitis infection: framework for global action" describes the four areas of work to prevent, treat and save the lives of people infected with hepatitis through targeted regional and country-specific strategies.

AIDS 2012: growing HIV epidemic in eastern Europe and central Asia a concern 25-07-2012

Representatives from across the world gathered at a special session of the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) this week, to highlight the key issues in and solutions to the growing challenge of HIV in eastern Europe and central Asia.

Hepatitis: it's closer than you think 20-07-2012

9 million people in the WHO European Region are infected with hepatitis C and around 86 000 die annually. Most infected people show no symptoms, so the virus remains neglected until the disease becomes chronic. World Hepatitis Day, 28 July 2012, focuses on hepatitis C in injecting drug users and high coinfection with HIV.

Central Asia in the spotlight: growing HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs 19-06-2012

In the WHO European Region, people who inject drugs are particularly at risk of being infected with HIV. Concern is increasing in five central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), where more than half of newly diagnosed HIV infections occur among such people. This is the focus of the first meeting organized by WHO/Europe to address HIV prevention in this group in the central Asian republics.

WHO/Europe participates in meeting on disease prevention in the context of sexual health 01-06-2012

On 22-23 May, the WHO/Europe programme on HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and viral hepatitis (HSV) participated in an European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) expert meeting entitled “Comprehensive Approach to Disease Prevention in the context of Sexual Health”.

HIV prevention guidelines now available in Russian 02-05-2012

The guidelines “Prevention and treatment of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people” are now available in Russian.

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).

Revised guidance on HIV treatment and care published 09-02-2012

WHO/Europe has revised two clinical protocols on the treatment of and care for people living with HIV, to reflect the latest evidence-informed approaches. The protocols take account of regional characteristics and should support countries in scaling up treatment coverage.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in resource-constrained settings: expert panel consensus 02-11-2011

This article was published in Liver International, the official journal of the international association for the study of the liver. An informal World Health Organization consultation of experts made several conclusions, such as: chronic HBV is a major public health problem in emerging nations; all HIV-infected persons should be screened for HBV infection; HIV/HBV co-infected persons should be treated with therapies active against both viruses and that reduce the risk of resistance; standards for the management of chronic HBV infection should be adapted to resource-constrained settings.

Turkmenistan marks World Hepatitis Day 02-08-2011

On 28 July 2011, the Ministry of Health of Turkmenistan and Medical Industry, in cooperation with the WHO Country Office, Turkmenistan, organized a round table discussion to commemorate the first World Hepatitis Day.

World Hepatitis Day: “Hepatitis affects everyone, everywhere. Know it. Confront it.” 28-07-2011

28 July 2011 is the first World Hepatitis Day. In the European Region, the epidemic remains hidden and the public health response inadequate.

Web consultation for the emergency action plan on HIV/AIDS, 2011-2015 04-03-2011

The HIV/AIDS, STIs and Viral Hepatitis Programme of the WHO Regional Office for Europe is developing an Emergency Action Plan on HIV/AIDS 2012–2015, to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the WHO European Region and lead an effective response to it.

Hepatitis and the World Health Assembly agenda 22-01-2010

Efforts made by the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) and national patient groups resulted in the addition of viral hepatitis to the 62nd World Health Assembly agenda in May 2009.