News

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.
WHO report on violence and injuries reveals grim statistics on preventable deaths 14-07-2020
A new report from WHO highlights that violence and injuries are a leading cause of death in all countries of the WHO European Region, regardless of economic status. In the time that it takes to read this news item, 2 people will have died a violent and traumatic death in the Region.
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.
Bulgaria launches new national programme amid pandemic on violence against women and children 13-05-2020
Bulgaria has adopted a national programme to prevent and protect women and children against domestic violence. The programme fills a crucial need as non-governmental organizations have registered an increase in violence against women and children since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During COVID-19 pandemic, violence remains preventable, not inevitable 07-05-2020
Statement to the press by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe: WHO is deeply troubled by the reports from many countries of increase in interpersonal violence – including violence against women, men and children – as a result of the COVID-19 situation.
Regions and cities of the WHO European Region commit to safe mobility and transport for urban populations 30-03-2020
The WHO European Healthy Cities Network and the WHO Regions for Health Network have issued a joint statement calling for action for safe mobility and transport for urban populations. The statement was aligned to and supplements the Stockholm Declaration that was adopted by the 3rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, held in Sweden on 19–20 February 2020.
The year ahead: key events across the WHO European Region in 2020 21-01-2020
A busy and exciting year is in store for the WHO European Region with a range of important initiatives, campaigns and events on the horizon. WHO/Europe will continue to work to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as WHO’s 13th General Programme of Work. In February, WHO/Europe is set to welcome Dr Hans Kluge as the new Regional Director once his nomination is approved by WHO’s Executive Board. Dr Kluge will take over from Dr Piroska Östlin, Regional Director (a.i.) who, as part of her mandate, has been leading the Office’s efforts to put countries at the centre. Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab was declared Regional Director Emeritus by the 69th session of the Regional Committee in September 2019.
Violence against children: tackling hidden abuse 13-01-2020
Each year, at least 55 million children experience some form of violence in the WHO European Region, including physical, sexual, emotional and psychological violence. Despite the magnitude of this figure, it is well established that incidents of interpersonal violence are widely underreported.
Orange the World: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence 22-11-2019
The international campaign “16 days of Activism against Gender-based Violence” starts on 25 November 2019, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and will continue until 10 December 2019, Human Rights Day. Under this year’s theme, “Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands against Rape” the campaign focuses on the issue of rape as a specific form of harm committed against women and girls in times of peace or war. WHO is calling for more action to prevent and end violence against women.
Preventable trauma in childhood costs north America and Europe US$ 1.3 trillion a year 04-09-2019
The findings of a new study on the life-course health consequences and associated annual costs of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) show that preventable trauma in childhood costs north America and the European Region US$ 1.3 trillion a year.
10 ways to help stay safe during the school holidays 01-07-2019
Schools across the WHO European Region have closed or will soon close their doors for the summer. This means many families will pack their bags and head off on holiday – often driving to vacation destinations and frequently spending much of their time around water. Here are some ways students and their parents can help keep their summer holidays safe.
Are you a leader for road safety? The Region marks United Nations Global Road Safety Week 12-06-2019
“Leadership” was the theme for the 5th United Nations Global Road Safety Week on 6–12 May 2019. Through the WHO country offices, activities and events on road safety were organized across 14 countries in the WHO European Region in conjunction with government agencies (police, health, transport, etc.), nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, media outlets, road safety activists and civil societies.
Scaling up access to rehabilitation services in Georgia 29-05-2019
With technical support from WHO, the Georgian Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs has initiated work to increase access to rehabilitation services and assistive devices in the country.
Developing a national action plan to stop violence against children in Ukraine 04-03-2019
Supporting the development of a national action plan to stop violence against children, WHO held a policy dialogue on 6–7 February 2019 in Kiev, Ukraine. The policy dialogue enabled key health actors and policy-makers to jointly set the course for the development of a national action plan. The plan will serve to strengthen national action to achieve the SDGs in eliminating all forms of violence against children.
Strengthening intersectoral work to tackle violence against children in the Baltic States 11-02-2019
WHO is supporting its Member States to strengthen intersectoral work to tackle violence against children through capacity-building initiatives. The latest in a series of such initiatives were two workshops focusing on the Baltic States. The workshops organized by WHO were held on 8 to 11 January 2019 in Vilnius, Lithuania and provided a platform for discussing experiences, strengths and challenges regarding evidence-based parenting programmes as effective measures to prevent child maltreatment.
Imagining a better world through the SDGs 15-01-2019
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development helps us to imagine a better world, one where there is peace, partnership and prosperity for everybody and for the planet. But the 2030 Agenda goes beyond imagination to provide a blueprint for actually achieving this vision.
2018: The WHO European Region’s Year in Review 21-12-2018
The year 2018 was a momentous one for WHO, which celebrated 70 years of working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. Here is a look back at some of the key moments from the year – highlighting both country-level activities and the collective achievements of the Region, but also emphasizing areas where continued work and even accelerated efforts will be needed to make progress.
Malta observes World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 06-12-2018
Every year, World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDoR) draws attention to road traffic injuries as the leading killer of children and young adults. Malta observed WDoR with a public event on Sunday, 18 November 2018 and an international road safety conference on Monday, 19 November.
Commemorating victims of road crashes across the European Region 04-12-2018
On World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDoR), WHO country offices actively engaged with high-level policy-makers, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), police forces, churches, emergency services and civil society to commemorate the lives lost or irreversibly impacted by road trauma. Across the WHO European Region, they organized activities and events to raise awareness about the preventable deaths of 83 000 people killed each year on the Region’s roads.
Celebrating success and inspiring progress on World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse 19-11-2018
In the WHO European Region, it is estimated that 55 million children are subject to some form of violence each year. On World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse, WHO/Europe highlights examples of good practice from around the Region related to the prevention of child maltreatment.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims: “Roads have stories” 16-11-2018
Someone dies on the roads every 6 minutes in the WHO European Region. On World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, read the personal testimonies of both survivors and the families of victims. Their stories are a call to action to make our roads safer.
Adolescents drink less, although levels of alcohol consumption are still dangerously high 26-09-2018
A new WHO report published today, Adolescent alcohol-related behaviours: trends and inequalities in the WHO European Region, 2002–2014, provides new insights into data collected over 12 years on adolescent drinking. The report reveals that alcohol use has declined among adolescents in Europe. However, despite the reductions, levels of consumption remain dangerously high and this continues to be a major public health concern.
Day 4 highlights: countries at the centre of health work 20-09-2018
“It is now clearer than ever that we need to be bolder and reach further, to engage effectively with all those that have a stake in health,” said Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab on the final day of RC68. Many non-State actors were accredited to attend future sessions of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, and Member States applauded the work of country offices.
European Region on track to ending violence against children, but greater commitment and more action still needed 20-09-2018
A new WHO progress report on preventing child maltreatment suggests that the WHO European Region is on track to achieve a 20% reduction by 2020. The projections are based on homicide trend data, which is used as one of the baselines to assess progress. The report estimates that 629 homicides of children younger than 15 years took place in the Region in 2015, which is an improvement from the previous estimate established in 2014.
Strengthening human resources for rehabilitation in Tajikistan 23-08-2018
WHO is collaborating with the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) to strengthen rehabilitation in Tajikistan.
Child maltreatment prevention workshop strengthens collaboration in Nordic–Baltic subregion 03-07-2018
WHO/Europe has brought together and supported Member States within the Nordic–Baltic subregion to strengthen national action to tackle violence against children through intersectoral work. To advance progress in this area, more than 90 stakeholders from 10 Member States took part in a workshop on 18–19 June 2018 in Vilnius, Lithuania, to discuss how the health sector could partner with other sectors to stop child maltreatment. The Government of Lithuania and the Nordic Baltic Council of Ministers cohosted the event.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: alarmingly high rates of abuse in residential facilities 14-06-2018
On 15 June 2018, countries will mark the 13th annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Elder abuse takes many forms, including psychological, physical, financial and sexual abuse as well as neglect.
Tajikistan develops its first list of essential assistive products for older people and people with disabilities 03-05-2018
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Tajikistan, with technical support from WHO, recently developed a national Assistive Products List (APL). The list includes 30 priority assistive products that are essential for the well-being of people with disabilities, older people and people with noncommunicable diseases, among others.
Alcohol, road traffic injuries and noncommunicable diseases 27-04-2018
Recognising cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and road traffic injuries (RTIs) as major public health hazards in the European Region, WHO/Europe held a training course on the role of alcohol as a risk factor. Participants comprised 44 policy-makers from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The third in a series of intersectoral training courses on NCDs, this 4-day workshop was dedicated to national practices and joint regional action on prevention of drink–driving.
WHO staff receives Tajik award for contribution to disability and rehabilitation sector 10-04-2018
Satish Mishra, Technical Officer for Disability and Rehabilitation, at the WHO Country Office in Tajikistan was awarded the “Exemplary Worker Award” by the Government of Tajikistan for his work in the disability and rehabilitation sector, and contribution to the development of Tajikistan.
Rehabilitation programme in Tajikistan builds towards universal health coverage 27-03-2018
9-year-old Robia is one of more than 170 000 men, women and children who have benefitted from Tajikistan’s National Programme on Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities. In the spirit of universal health coverage (UHC), all services are free of charge to people with disabilities. World Health Day on 7 April will focus on UHC for everyone, everywhere.
Road safety: Kyrgyzstan sees decrease in deaths 23-01-2018
A policy dialogue on road safety in Kyrgyzstan in October 2016 resulted in many initiatives to improve road safety. A year on, Deputy Minister of Health Dr Amangeldy Murzaliev invited 30 stakeholders from across Government, health service providers, the police force, Parliament and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to assess the progress made.
New study shows child maltreatment is a public health problem in Republic of Moldova 06-12-2017
A report on adverse childhood experiences and their associations with risk behaviours and health problems in students in the Republic of Moldova revealed that 59.6% of respondents experienced one or more adverse experiences (child abuse and neglect and or household dysfunction) during the first 18 years of life. The study provides evidence that child maltreatment and exposure to major household dysfunction is a public health problem in the country.
Prime Minister of Turkey addresses 8th Highway Traffic Safety Symposium 04-12-2017
In 2016, 7300 lives were lost and hundreds of thousands of people were injured on Turkey’s roads. In recognition that this figure is unacceptably high and to emphasize that greater road safety is essential, Prime Minister of Turkey Mr Binali Yıldırım addressed delegates at the country’s 8th Highway Traffic Safety Symposium.
Leaving no one behind in eliminating violence against women 24-11-2017
A quarter of all women in the WHO European Region experience physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner – the most common type of violence against women worldwide. On 25 November, the first day of a 16-day global campaign of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, WHO launches a manual which provides guidance on strengthening health systems’ responses to gender-based violence.
Survey of adverse childhood experiences debated by Poland’s National Public Health Council 30-10-2017
Results of a survey of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) in Poland were presented during a meeting of the National Public Health Council in Warsaw on 10 October 2017. The meeting convened by the Ministry of Health and WHO was opened by Dr Zbigniew Krol, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Health, who welcomed over 30 experts from different disciplines in attendance.
Experts debate strengthening response to domestic violence in Czech Senate 30-10-2017
Czech Senate member, Dr Lumir Kantor, welcomed 45 experts from different sectors to debate domestic violence, at the Czech Senate on 16 October 2017. The meeting had been called by WHO, the Ministry of Health and the Third Faculty of Medicine as part of the biennial collaborative agreement.
International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect hosts 15th European conference 18-10-2017
Over 500 experts in child violence prevention gathered for the International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (IPSCAN) European conference at The Hague, Netherlands on 1-4 October 2017. The conference marked the 40th anniversary since the foundation of IPSCAN.
European conference discusses a decade long progress in injury prevention 18-10-2017
130 experts gathered at the 4th European Conference in Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on 19-20 September 2017. The meeting was organized by EuroSafe (European Association for Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion), in collaboration with the Netherlands Consumer Safety Institute and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
Tajikistan receives 4.5 tonnes of Braille paper to support education of children and young adults with blindness 25-09-2017
Four and a half tonnes of Braille paper, worth US$ 180 000, safely arrived in Tajikistan thanks to the financial support of the Italian Society for the Blind.
Suicide prevention – new resource for media professionals 08-09-2017
It is a tragic fact that over 125 000 suicides are committed each year across the WHO European Region, with low- and middle-income countries in the Region having the highest suicide rates in the world. A further startling fact is that suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds, after road traffic accidents.
Breaking the link between disability and exclusion in Tajikistan 07-08-2017
Several hundred Tajik people need long-term rehabilitation care following a large poliomyelitis (polio) outbreak in 2010. To support the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Tajikistan, WHO set up a disability rehabilitation programme in 2013. The programme improves the provision of and access to rehabilitation services for people with disabilities, with a focus on those affected by polio.
Experts meet to discuss ending violence against children in Montenegro 04-07-2017
Forty leading experts from different sectors gathered at a meeting on 23 June 2017 in Podgorica, Montenegro, to discuss ending violence against children in the country. Dr Alma Dresevic, Deputy Minister of Health, opened the meeting by speaking of the importance of collaboration among different sectors to stop child maltreatment.
Students meet at WHO Country Office in the Russian Federation 27-06-2017
On 22 May 2017, the WHO Country Office in the Russian Federation hosted a meeting with students of the Moscow State Medical Stomatological University, named after AI Evdokimov. The introductory session for second and third year students was provided by senior staff members of the WHO Country Office.
European countries promote #SlowDown campaign for UN Global Road Safety Week 19-06-2017
The Save Lives: #SlowDown campaign was launched during the Fourth UN Global Road Safety Week, 8–14 May 2017, to raise awareness, generate action on measures to address speed and improve safety for road users.
Training on the use of SBI in trauma settings held in Moscow 14-06-2017
On 29–30 May 2017, WHO/Europe, through the WHO Country Office in the Russian Federation, organized a 2-day workshop in Moscow, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, to build capacity for the use of screening and brief interventions (SBI) in trauma settings. This training was developed on the basis of a successful capacity-building workshop held in Moscow in December 2016, where SBI materials were shared with and delivered to Russian experts from primary health care settings.
Nordic and Baltic countries gather to discuss intersectoral action to prevent child maltreatment 07-06-2017
Policy-makers, professionals and activists from the Baltic and Nordic countries came together on 1–2 June 2017 for a workshop in Riga, Latvia, on strengthening intersectoral working to prevent child maltreatment. The workshop, a joint venture of WHO/Europe, the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Government of Latvia, focused on intersectoral collaboration involving the health, welfare, education and justice sectors. A total of 100 participants from these sectors, representing 14 countries, took part in the workshop. Participants were presented with good practices and evidence-based experience about what works for prevention and how this can be implemented at the country level.
World Health Assembly Day 8: progress on addressing noncommunicable diseases in focus 31-05-2017
Delegates endorsed an updated set of policy options and interventions to help countries meet global targets to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). It places a particular focus on measures to reduce people’s exposure to factors that increase the risk of developing NCDs. These include taxing tobacco and sugar-sweetened beverages, banning tobacco advertising and reformulating food products to reduce salt content.
Building health systems capacity in injury and violence prevention in Serbia 23-05-2017
A train the trainer workshop using TEACH VIP was held on 15–16 May in Belgrade, attended by 30 senior public health professionals from 17 of the 23 Serbian regional institutes of public health. The meeting was organized by WHO, the Ministry of Health and the Institute of Public Health Belgrade, a WHO collaborating centre for injury prevention and safety promotion.
Marking the 4th UN Global Road Safety Week in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 19-05-2017
The WHO office in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia supported the organization of activities to mark the 4th UN Global Road Safety Week on 8–14 May 2017.
Engaging policy makers and youth in Malta to slow down and save lives 18-05-2017
On 11 May 2017, a workshop held in St Julian’s, Malta, brought a wide range of stakeholders from government, nongovernmental organizations and civil society together with youth to mark the 4th United Nations Global Road Safety Week. The 140 participants gathered to focus on road safety and managing speed in Malta.
Preparing leaders in the disability rehabilitation sector in Tajikistan 16-05-2017
The Government of Tajikistan adopted the National Programme on Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (2017–2020) in October 2016. Effective leadership and management will help build the foundation for the National Programme’s aim of creating an enabling environment with equal opportunities for all through improvement of health and social protection of people with disabilities, including their social and medical rehabilitation.
High level meeting to stop violence against children in Oslo, Norway 15-05-2017
Around 80 participants attended a high level meeting on the prevention of violence against children on 24 April 2017 in Oslo, Norway. The meeting was organized by Dr Anne Lindboe, the Norwegian Ombudsman for Children, and attended by Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway. Dr Lindboe welcomed participants and spoke about the importance of greater emphasis on the prevention of violence against children. Ms Solveig Horne the Minister of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion explained that the meeting had been called prior to a parliamentary debate that would emphasize the need for greater prevention of violence to children.
High level policy dialogue on child maltreatment prevention in Vilnius, Lithuania 15-05-2017
A high level policy dialogue was convened on 28 April 2017 by the WHO Country Office of Lithuania in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. Professor Aurelijus Veryga, Minister of Health, opened the meeting saying, “stopping violence in children and investing in its prevention is a key priority in Lithuania”. Preventing child maltreatment is high on the policy agenda in Lithuania after a tragic case that captured public attention and which led to historic legislation to ban corporal punishment of children in all settings. Further, there is concern in Lithuania, and throughout the WHO European Region, about alcohol as a risk factor for both interpersonal violence and suicide. The Minister asked participants to propose practical suggestions for the way forward.
United Nations Global Road Safety Week – #SlowDown to save lives 08-05-2017
Speed contributes to around one third of all fatal road traffic crashes in high-income countries, and up to half in low- and middle-income countries. In the WHO European Region, nearly 85 000 people died from road crashes in 2013; of these, 39% were vulnerable road users (pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists). Road traffic injuries are the leading killer among children and young people aged 5–29 years. The United Nations (UN) Global Road Safety Week, on 8–14 May 2017, seeks to increase understanding of the dangers of speed and to spur action on measures to address it, thereby saving lives on the roads. More than half of the countries in the Region have signed on to take part in the initiative.
Stakeholder workshop on provisional results of the adverse childhood experiences survey in the Republic of Moldova 03-05-2017
The WHO Regional Office for Europe conducted a technical mission to the Republic of Moldova on 30–31 March 2017 aimed at supporting the Ministry of Health and national counterparts in analysing the data collected from the adverse childhood experiences (ACE) survey and the development of the survey report.
Preparation meeting for the 3rd Moscow NCD training course 28-03-2017
On 22 March 2017 in Moscow, Russian Federation, WHO held a meeting with experts from the WHO Collaborating Centre on Training and Education of Health Policy-makers in Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases of the Higher School of Health Administration, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University.
Expert group meets to debate key actions for violence and injury prevention in Czech Republic 13-03-2017
Danish parliamentarians go to work with a hearing impairment on World Hearing Day 2017 07-03-2017
On World Hearing Day, 3 March 2017, Dr Jill Farrington, Coordinator, Noncommunicable Conditions at WHO/Europe, addressed members of the Danish Parliament regarding the need for public health action to make listening safe and reduce hearing impairment.
Just published: Handbook on developing national action plans to prevent child maltreatment (2016) 09-02-2017
The key message to policy-makers and members of civil society is that child maltreatment is not inevitable: it can be prevented by taking a multisectoral, multifactorial public health approach to prevention. This handbook sets out the steps that can be taken when developing an action plan to prevent child maltreatment. It is intended for use alongside other resources developed by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and has been developed to assist countries to implement the European child maltreatment prevention action plan 2015–2020.
Tajikistan launches National Programme on Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities 26-01-2017
On 28 October 2016, the Government of Tajikistan approved and adopted the National Programme on Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (2017–2020) through Resolution No. 455. The goal of the multisectoral National Programme is to improve health, rehabilitation and social protection for people with disabilities to create an enabling environment with equal opportunities for all in Tajikistan. It focuses on all individuals with long-term impairments (physical impairments, blindness, speech and/or hearing impairments, intellectual impairments or mental health conditions) as well as individuals who experience functional difficulties due to noncommunicable diseases, infectious diseases, neurological disorders, mental illness, injuries, conditions after surgeries or ageing.
WHO provides evidence to Parliamentary Transport Committee in Ukraine 13-12-2016
The Parliamentary Subcommittee on Road Safety (part of the Parliamentary Transport Committee), Verchovna Rada, organized a roundtable on road safety, which was attended by 40 stakeholders on 24 November in Kiev.
Kyrgyz Minister and Member of Parliament support intersectoral approach to road safety 29-11-2016
Policy dialogue on preventing child maltreatment in Albania 29-11-2016
In Tirana on 18 November 2016, 30 stakeholders representing key sectors attended a policy dialogue to prevent child maltreatment in Albania. Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Ms Bardhylka Kospiri and WHO representative Dr Nazira Artykova opened the meeting, which was organized by WHO/Europe.
Building intersectoral capacity to prevent child injury in Belarus 24-11-2016
15 stakeholders from different sectors gathered in Minsk, Belarus on 15–17 November 2016 to build capacity for preventing child injury. WHO representative Dr Batyr Berdykylchev opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of this work, and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Prevention Specialist Dr Victoria Lozuyk described the ongoing need to prevent injuries in children.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims - 20 November 21-11-2016
In the WHO European Region there are 85000 deaths from road crashes annually. This year's World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims highlights the fact that even after a road traffic crash occurs, there is an enormous opportunity to save lives and reduce disability.
Road safety and Healthy Cities application discussed at the policy dialogue in Almaty 27-10-2016
A policy dialogue on road safety was hosted by the WHO/Europe and the city of Almaty on 20 October 2016. The purpose of the dialogue was to discuss practical measures to reduce the injuries and deaths due to road crashes in Kazakhstan, and in Almaty in particular. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death in children over the age of 5 years in Kazakhstan, which also has the highest death per 100,000 population (24.2) of the 52 European countries that were mentioned in the WHO Global status report on road safety 2015.
Public health successes and missed opportunities - new report on alcohol-attributable deaths 28-09-2016
For the first time, trends in alcohol consumption and related mortality have been examined systematically for all countries in the WHO European Region for an extended period. WHO/Europe’s new report “Public health successes and missed opportunities. Trends in alcohol consumption and attributable mortality in the WHO European Region, 1990–2014” shows that over the past 25 years alcohol-attributable deaths increased by 4%.
New publication: Measuring and monitoring national prevalence of child maltreatment: a practical handbook (2016) 27-09-2016
The WHO Regional Office for Europe developed this handbook to support the creation of a surveillance system to measure and monitor the prevalence of child maltreatment across European countries. The implementation of a surveillance system is an essential factor in realizing the aims of WHO’s European child maltreatment prevention action plan for 2015–2020.
From research to implementation: World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion 22-09-2016
Injuries and violence are a major public health burden across the globe. In the WHO European Region, they cause 550 000 deaths each year and are the leading cause of death in people aged 5–44 years.
Just published: European Country Profile and the Global Status Report on Road Safety 2015 15-09-2016
This publication presents country profiles from the “Global status report on road safety 2015” for 52 of 53 Member States in the WHO European Region.
WHO gives evidence at Turkish parliamentary hearing on child maltreatment 04-07-2016
30 members of Parliament and advisors were present at a hearing on child maltreatment at the Turkish Parliament on 22 June 2016. The Parliamentary Commission on Child Abuse had been called to investigate all forms of child abuse with a focus on sexual abuse and to advise lawmakers on countermeasures.
Stakeholders meet to discuss adverse childhood experiences survey in Warsaw, Poland 07-06-2016
On 31 May 2016, 33 stakeholders from different sectors attended a meeting organized by WHO and the Ministry of Health to discuss implementation of a survey of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in university students in Poland.
New publication - Russian translation of TEACH-VIP 2 on violence and injury prevention 03-06-2016
TEACH-VIP is a comprehensive curriculum on preventing and controlling injuries that WHO developed with a network of global experts.
Closing of the World Health Assembly: WHO Framework for Engagement with Non-State Actors adopted 01-06-2016
The World Health Assembly has adopted the WHO Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors (FENSA), after more than 2 years of intergovernmental negotiations.
Intersectoral meetings on violence prevention in Latvia 26-05-2016
On 19–20 May 2016, Latvia hosted 2 days of intersectoral meetings with WHO to discuss violence and injury prevention, including a capacity-building workshop.
Country profiles on road safety published 23-05-2016
Comparison of data from the countries in the WHO European Region reveals an eight-fold difference in the likelihood of dying on the roads. Of the 53 countries in the Region, 52 took part in a survey for the Global status report on road safety 2015; this monitored progress towards achieving the goals of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011–2020, the importance of which was emphasized in the recent United Nations General Assembly resolution on improving road safety.
Adverse childhood experiences in Republic of Moldova: stakeholders agree to conduct a national survey 06-05-2016
On 19 April 2016, stakeholders from the health and social and child protection sectors, law enforcement bodies, civil society and organizations for victims of violence met to deliberate ending child maltreatment.
Governments call on WHO and partners to support achievement of global road safety targets 26-04-2016
On 15 April 2016, the UN General Assembly and its Member States adopted a resolution to improve global road safety. The resolution, which was tabled by the Government of the Russian Federation, was co-sponsored by 55 governments.
Just published: Situation analysis on the prevention of child maltreatment in Albania: the way forward 14-04-2016
This situation analysis report on prevention of child maltreatment in Albania has been prepared with the cooperation of many stakeholders from different ministries, such as Social Welfare and Youth, Education, Justice, the police as well as nongovernmental organizations. Studies conducted in Albania suggest that many children needlessly suffer from child maltreatment.
WHO assessment of Turkmenistan National Road Safety Programme 17-03-2016
On 25–27 January 2016, at the request of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, WHO experts conducted an assessment of the Turkmenistan National Road Safety Programme 2015–2017 to clarify target indicators and exchange global experience.
Parliamentarians at the Council of Europe debate road safety 29-01-2016
The Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe met on 28 January 2016, with more than 50 parliamentarians debating a position paper on road safety as a public health priority.
Workshop on child injury prevention in Cyprus 19-01-2016
60 stakeholders met to develop a national action plan on child injury prevention at a workshop hosted by the Ministry of Health of Cyprus in Nicosia on 12–13 January 2016.
Better wheelchair service provision in Tajikistan 07-01-2016
Tajikistan's Ministry of Health and Social Protection, in cooperation with the WHO disability rehabilitation team and Mobility India, and with financial support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), conducted basic training in wheelchair services in December 2015. 42 participants from Tajikistan and Kazakhstan learnt how to correctly fit, modify and adapt wheelchairs for various users; to service wheelchairs; and to train users in using their new chairs.
Expert meeting to develop tools for implementing European child maltreatment prevention action plan 15-12-2015
On 8–9 December 2015, 15 experts from 10 European countries met in Copenhagen, Denmark to develop tools to implement "Investing in children: the European child maltreatment prevention action plan 2015–2020".
National policy dialogue on child maltreatment prevention in Albania 12-12-2015
A national policy dialogue on preventing child maltreatment was held in Tirana, Albania on 2 December 2015. About 30 participants attended from the ministries of health, labour and social welfare, and education, as well as from the United Nations Children's Fund, Save the Children and the Terre des Hommes International Federation.
WHO Country Office supports the Government of Turkey in its efforts to increase seatbelt use through local action 30-11-2015
Despite improvements in road safety, some 1.25 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes, according to WHO's "Global status report on road safety 2015" launched on 19 October 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Injury surveillance workshop for south-eastern European countries 30-11-2015
20 participants from 8 south-eastern European countries attended an expert meeting on the surveillance of non-fatal injuries on 12–13 November 2015 in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.
Efforts must be scaled up to halve road traffic deaths by 2020 19-11-2015
The publication 'European facts and the Global status report on road safety 2015' was launched at the 2nd Global High-Level Conference on Road Safety: Time for Results, in Brasilia, Brazil on 18–19 November. Delegates from more than 100 countries met to agree ways to halve road traffic deaths by the end of this decade – a key milestone within the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3.6), as set down in the Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety.
Violence and injury prevention experts meet in the Republic of Moldova 19-11-2015
50 participants from 33 countries attended the Eighth Network Meeting of European Ministry of Health Violence and Injury Prevention focal points on 11–12 November in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.
Policy dialogue on home visitation for child injury and maltreatment prevention in Estonia 29-10-2015
On 27 October 2015 in Tallinn, Estonia, 20 participants from the health, social and justice sectors and civil society took part in a policy dialogue on the potential benefits of using home visitation in the country to prevent childhood injury and violence.
Statement - The challenges of migration require migrant-sensitive health systems for today and for the future 29-10-2015
Statement by Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe
2-day TEACH VIP workshop on child injury prevention conducted in Hungary 26-10-2015
30 participants from different disciplines and sectors attended a workshop to build capacity on child injury and violence prevention on 12–13 October 2015 in Budapest, Hungary.
Good prison health involves empowering prisoners 26-10-2015
"It's given me hope for the future – something I've never had. I can be a good father, parent and member of the community and get a good job. I don't see myself as Eddy the inmate, but as Eddy the Irish Red Cross volunteer". An Irish Red Cross programme in the Irish prison system over a 6-year period, involving 14 prisons and over 700 volunteers, has shown that empowering prisoners to take charge of their own health can yield impressive results.
National policy dialogue and TEACH VIP workshop on child maltreatment prevention 09-10-2015
A national policy dialogue on preventing child maltreatment, followed by a Training, Educating, and Advancing Collaboration in Health on Violence and Injury Prevention (TEACH-VIP) workshop, was held in Bucharest, Romania on 1–2 October 2015.
Refugees and migrants are more prone to foodborne diseases 24-09-2015
Refugees and migrants typically become ill during their journey, especially in overcrowded settlements. Living conditions can lead to unsanitary conditions for obtaining, storing or preparing food, and overcrowding increases the likelihood of outbreaks of food- and waterborne diseases. Examples of such diseases are salmonellosis, shigellosis, campylobacteriosis and norovirus and hepatitis A infections.
Using TEACH-VIP materials to build capacity in injury prevention in the Healthy Cities Association 05-08-2015
The WHO Country Office in the Russian Federation held a roundtable on capacity building for injury prevention in the Healthy Cities Association based on the training, educating, and advancing collaboration in health on violence and injury prevention (TEACH-VIP) course.
National policy dialogue on preventing adverse childhood experiences in Serbia 05-08-2015
A national policy dialogue on preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) was held in Belgrade, Serbia on 14 July 2015, hosted by the City Institute of Public Health of Belgrade, the Ministry of Health and WHO.
Turkey hosts press conference on road safety 23-07-2015
On 15 July 2015, Ankara Intercity Bus Terminal hosted a press conference launching a road safety campaign before Eid al-Fitr festivities in Turkey.
New publication released: the European child maltreatment prevention action plan 2015-2020 16-07-2015
This document contains an action plan for the prevention of child maltreatment in the WHO European Region for the next six years 2015–2020.
National policy dialogue on child maltreatment prevention in Montenegro 09-07-2015
A national policy dialogue on preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACE) was held in Podgorica, Montenegro on 6 July 2015 hosted by WHO, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
Albania joins global action on “10 strategies for keeping children safe on the road” 05-06-2015
The WHO Country Office in Albania supported the Institute of Public Health and the Ministry of Health in a series of activities to celebrate the Third UN Global Road Safety Week and raise awareness about children's safety on the roads. On 4–8 May 2015, health promotion experts of the Institute of Public Health met with school children and discussed practical tips of staying safe on the roads and becoming empowered to join the larger public actions for improved road safety.
Training municipality workers from Latvia in child injury and maltreatment prevention 28-05-2015
A workshop to strengthen capacity in child injury and maltreatment prevention took place on 18–19 May 2015 in Riga, Latvia.
Press conference on the Third UN Global Road Safety Week 28-05-2015
On 15 May 2015, the National Press Center in Belarus hosted a press conference dedicated to the Third UN Global Road Safety Week held on 4–10 May.
Slovakian work shop on prevention of maltreatment, cyberbullying and injury in children 26-05-2015
A workshop to debate the current challenges faced by Slovakian children with respect to child maltreatment, cyberbullying and unintentional injuries took place on 27 April 2015 in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Children from Republic of Moldova signed global Children Declaration for Road Safety 19-05-2015
Children from the Republic of Moldova signed the global Children Declaration for Road Safety during a press conference launching the Third UN Global Road Safety Week (4–10 May 2015). The event took place on 30 April 2015 near a road crossing by Stephen the Great Park in Chisinau, to focus authorities' and road traffic participants' attention on children's safety on roads.
Experts discuss child safety on the eve of the Third UN Global Road Safety Week 15-05-2015
On 29 April 2015, the International Information Agency "Russia Today" hosted a roundtable to promote the Third United Nations (UN) Global Road Safety Week in the Russian Federation. The roundtable brought together key experts and representatives of the Traffic Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Science, the WHO Country Office in the Russian Federation, Road Safety Russia, the media and young traffic inspectors.
Policy dialogue on child maltreatment prevention in the Republic of Moldova 05-05-2015
On 21 April 2015, the Moldovan Ministry of Health and WHO hosted a policy dialogue on preventing child maltreatment in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. On 22–23 April 2015, around 20 participants from 4 Moldovan rayons attended a workshop to strengthen health systems capacity using the WHO Training, Educating and Advancing Collaboration in Health on Violence and Injury Prevention (TEACH VIP) curriculum.
Road traffic crashes – the greatest threat to children’s lives 04-05-2015
In the European Region there is no greater threat to the lives of children aged 5–17 years than a road traffic crash. The Third UN Global Road Safety Week, taking place on 4–10 May 2015, focuses on children and road safety.
Training of trainers in Uzbekistan on child maltreatment prevention 27-04-2015
28 participants attended a workshop to strengthen health systems capacity in child maltreatment prevention held at the Tashkent Pediatric Medical Institute in Uzbekistan on 13–15 April 2015. The workshop was opened by Professor Laziz Tuychiev, Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Asmus Hammerich, WHO Country Representative, and Mr Robert Fuderich, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Country Representative, who all advocated for better capacities in this area. This training workshop was part of the biennial collaborative agreement between WHO and the Ministry of Health, sponsored by UNICEF.
Lithuania hosts policy dialogue on child maltreatment prevention 20-04-2015
The policy dialogue brought 30 stakeholders together to collaborate on a joint revised policy proposal that builds on the current Lithuanian Violence Prevention and Protection Programme for Children 2010-2015.
Lithuania hosts health systems strengthening workshop for violence and injury prevention 20-04-2015
The Lithuania WHO Country Office recently partnered with the Ministry of Health and the Institute of Hygiene to host a capacity building workshop aimed at strengthening health systems capacity to address violence and injury prevention through the program TEACH-VIP 2.
Preventing intimate partner violence and child maltreatment in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 14-04-2015
Three training workshops on preventing intimate partner violence and child maltreatment were held in March–April, 2015 in Skopje, organized by WHO/Europe, and the WHO Country Office and the Ministry of Health of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
Turkey releases Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) survey of university students in Turkey report 23-03-2015
On 27 February 2015 agencies gathered in Ankara for the release of the Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) survey of university students in Turkey report, which incrementally links abuse and other adversity in childhood to higher instances of health harming behaviours in adulthood including smoking, alcohol abuse, street drug use and overall worse physical and mental health. Following several presentations, 90 stakeholders participated in a multisectoral policy dialogue centered on strategies to prevent and address child maltreatment.
New report published - Adverse childhood experiences survey among university students in Turkey 06-01-2015
New report published - Adverse childhood experiences survey among university students in Turkey
Survey on the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences among young people in the Russian Federation - published in English and Russian 06-01-2015
Survey on the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences among young people in the Russian Federation - published in English and Russian
Homicide: men three times more likely to be victims 11-12-2014
Men are three times more likely to be victims of homicide. In 2012, nearly 35 000 people lost their lives due to homicide in 2012, with males aged 30–59 years most at risk. A new WHO European fact sheet, published together with the first “Global status report on violence prevention”, assesses the measures that countries are taking to prevent violence.
New publication on elder maltreatment, a report from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 08-12-2014
WHO Europe recently published the report “Community survey of elder maltreatment”, which presents the results of the first prevalence study on abuse and neglect of people aged 65 years and over in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in Slovenia 01-12-2014
Events to commemorate the victims of road traffic accidents were carried out 10 to 16 November 2014 all over Slovenia to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
Death toll from drowning “intolerable” 18-11-2014
Whether it is a bucket, a bathtub, well, pool or pond, it poses a drowning risk. In the WHO European Region, 37 000 people drown every year, and children are particularly vulnerable. A new global WHO report outlines the current situation, risk factors and effective preventive measures.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims-16 November 2014-statements UNSG and Chair of the UNRSC/WHO 14-11-2014
The statement of the UN Secretary-General is available in the six UN languages.
New global WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: inefficiently burning solid fuels damages health and climate 12-11-2014
WHO’s new guidelines for indoor air quality on household-fuel combustion, published today, set for the first time emission targets to address the serious health risks from burning fuels. They also oppose the use of unprocessed coal and kerosene, which severely pollutes indoor air and creates risks of fire, burns and poisoning. Worldwide, nearly 3 billion people still lack access to clean fuels and technology for cooking. In 2012, according to a WHO report, 4.3 million people died prematurely as a result of household air pollution.
Experts gather to debate child injury prevention 11-11-2014
Injury is the leading cause of childhood death in Kazakhstan. Responding to concern about the high rate of childhood injury, 28 stakeholders debated possible ways to reduce this burden at a meeting called by WHO and the Ministry of Health and Social Development on 30 October 2014 in Astana, Kazakhstan.
South East European injury experts meet to discuss better data for injury prevention on 21-22 October 2014 in Budva, Montenegro 05-11-2014
24 main stakeholders gathered at the second South East European (SEE) sub regional workshop on building capacity for injury surveillance for prevention, hosted by WHO/Europe and the Ministry of Health of Montenegro.
Child injury prevention, WHO holds a capacity-building workshop and a policy dialogue in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 14-10-2014
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 30 September-1 October 2014
WHO Regional Committee for Europe adopts European child maltreatment prevention action plan 2015-2020 23-09-2014
On 17 September 2014 the 64th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe adopted a historic resolution to implement ‘Investing in children: the European child maltreatment prevention action plan 2015–2020’. Health ministers, or their representatives, from 53 countries gave overwhelming support to implementing the Action Plan. The Action Plan raises concern that the prevalence, burden and costs from child maltreatment are very high.
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
Highlights of RC64 day 3 – Adoption of action plans on vaccines and prevention of child maltreatment 17-09-2014
Two far-reaching action plans – on vaccines and prevention of child maltreatment – were adopted, mapping the path for interventions in these areas until 2020.
Now available in Russian: Injuries in WHO European Region: A call for public health action 10-09-2014
TEACH-VIP workshop on child injury prevention in Tajikistan 08-09-2014
The third train- the- trainer workshop based on the TEACH-VIP (training, educating and advancing collaboration in health on violence and injury prevention) curriculum was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on 27–29 August 2014.
Suicide a leading cause of death among young adults in high-income countries 04-09-2014
Suicide accounts for 17.6% of all deaths among people aged 15–29 years in high-income countries. It is thus a leading cause of death among people in this age group. Globally, 8.5% of deaths among young adults are due to suicide.
WHO holds policy dialogue on child injury prevention in Dushanbe on 26 August 2014 03-09-2014
18 stakeholders from different sectors met at the policy dialogue on child injury prevention hosted by WHO/Europe and Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Tajikistan. The meeting was opened by Deputy Minister of Health Dr Navruz Jaffarov and the Head of Country Office Dr Pavel Ursu. Dr Sethi from WHO/Europe presented the burden of childhood injuries in the European region and emphasised the renewed opportunities for prevention by embedding this within the Health 2020 policy framework for Europe.
Final versions of documents for RC64 now available 14-08-2014
Final versions of documents for the 64th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe are now available for download.
World Health Assembly, day 2: newborn health and gender-based violence on the agenda 22-05-2014
Dr Christine Kaseba-Sata, First Lady of Zambia (WHO Goodwill Ambassador against gender-based violence) and Melinda Gates, co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, addressed delegates at the World Health Assembly this afternoon.
WHO and Russian Federation sign country cooperation strategy 20-05-2014
On 18 May 2014, the Russian Federation and WHO signed a country cooperation strategy, providing a medium-term vision for technical cooperation, to support the country’s national health policy, strategy, action plan and related efforts, in line with Health 2020. The strategy will guide cooperation until 2020.
New global report: depression predominant cause of illness and disability among adolescents 14-05-2014
The report reveals that depression is the predominant cause of illness and disability for both boys and girls aged 10 to 19 years, so it recommends key actions to strengthen the ways countries respond to adolescents’ physical and mental health needs.
New publication: European child health services and systems 14-05-2014
The recently published "European child health services and systems. Lessons without borders" takes a purposefully child-centric view, and aims to improve understanding of children's health services across Europe.
United Nations adopts new resolution on improving global road safety 09-05-2014
Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among children and young people aged 5–29 years in the WHO European Region. Last month, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on improving global road safety, sponsored by the Government of the Russian Federation.
Just published: Italian version of European summary report on preventing child maltreatment 04-03-2014
WHO/Europe has recently given permission for the Centro per la salute del Bambino to create the Italian translation of the "European report on preventing child maltreatment. Summary".
Over 5% of the world’s population has disabling hearing loss 03-03-2014
WHO estimates that 360 million people have disabling hearing loss. It assists countries to develop programmes for primary ear and hearing care that raise awareness, provide support and technical guidance to health care workers and promote social inclusion for people with hearing loss.
Expert group meets to develop European child maltreatment prevention action plan 19-02-2014
An expert group was convened in Edinburgh, Scotland on 29-30 January 2014 to develop the World Health Organization’s European child maltreatment prevention action plan and the revised strategy for child and adolescent health.
New publication: South-eastern Europe Health Network injury prevention workshop 12-02-2014
This publication is based on a workshop organized by the WHO Regional Office for Europe on 15–16 October 2013 in Belgrade, Serbia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Serbia and with the support of the Norwegian Directorate of Health.
Q&A – How can I drink alcohol safely? 10-02-2014
There is no safe level for drinking alcohol. The ideal situation is to not drink at all. Dr Lars Møller, Programme Manager, Alcohol and Illicit Drugs at WHO/Europe, dispels some misconceptions about the so-called safe level of drinking in a question and answer (Q&A) session.
European report on preventing child maltreatment: summary now available in several languages 05-02-2014
The "European report on preventing child maltreatment. Summary" is now available in all 4 official languages of the WHO European Region: English, French, German and Russian.
Government-wide action to reduce injury mortality in Estonia 16-01-2014
A multisectoral government task force on prevention of injury mortality in Estonia was set up to address the leading causes of mortality, including fires, drowning and poisoning. The work of the task force was kicked-off at the policy dialogue held in Tallinn, Estonia on 4 October 2013 followed by the meeting of the task-force.
Building capacity in child injury prevention in Belarus 07-01-2014
A 1.5-day course, using TEACH-VIP (Training, Educating, Advancing Collaboration in Health on Violence and Injury Prevention) materials was organized in Minsk, Belarus on 29–30 October 2013 by WHO in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
Adverse childhood experiences survey among young people in the Czech Republic 23-12-2013
The Ministry of Health of Czech Republic held a press conference and policy dialogue on prevention of child maltreatment on 24 October 2013 in Prague. The events were organized in close collaboration with WHO Regional office for Europe.
EU Presidency Conference on mental health and capacity building workshop 23-12-2013
The Ministry of Health of Lithuania held a conference on mental health and suicide prevention on 10-11 October 2013, attended by about 150 stakeholders from around Europe. The conference was organized as part of Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU).
Campaign in Turkey calls on drivers to consider consequences of speedıng 20-12-2013
A new campaign to prevent speeding on Turkey’s roads was launched by WHO and the Government of Turkey on 5 December 2013. By inciting drivers to “Think about the consequences, reduce your speed,” the campaign aims to reduce the number of deaths and injuries due to speeding.
South-eastern European Health Network injury focal points meet in Belgrade 18-12-2013
The South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) sub-regional workshop “Improving capacity for injury prevention through improved injury surveillance” was organized by WHO/Europe in collaboration with the Norwegian Directorate of Health and was held in Belgrade, Serbia, on 15-16 October 2013. Participants met to discuss injury surveillance systems and challenges to improve their capacity.
Conference on Eliminating violence against women in Europe: intersectoral approaches and actions, Vienna, 25 – 26 November 2013 10-12-2013
A quarter of all women in the WHO European Region experience physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner 25-11-2013
Today, on the first day of the 16-day global campaign of Activism Against Gender Violence, the City of Vienna, with the European Institute for Gender Equality and WHO/Europe, will raise the anti-violence flag to draw attention in Europe to this hidden epidemic.
Better services for people with disabilities in Tajikistan 21-11-2013
The WHO Country Office, Tajikistan is working with the Government to improve disability rehabilitation services and increase the numbers of trained rehabilitation professionals in the country. With financial support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), they have started a three-year project to develop a national policy, and improve the system and services for physical rehabilitation, with a focus on community-based services and human resource development. The project will address a wide range of disabling conditions for which rehabilitation can improve the quality of life, including poliomyelitis (polio).
Policy dialogue on road safety in Kazakhstan 30-10-2013
With technical support from WHO/Europe, the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan is working to address various causes of accidental and intentional injury. As part of these efforts a policy dialogue on road safety and a train-the-trainer course on prevention of violence and injuries were held in September 2013.
Injury prevention spotlighted in Tajikistan 30-10-2013
A policy dialogue on road safety and a train-the-trainer course on prevention of violence and injuries in Tajikistan, both conducted in September 2013, brought together experts from various sectors to develop policy recommendations and capacities for injury prevention and response, respectively.
Prevention of child maltreatment - technical discussion at RC63 20-09-2013
The new WHO report "European report on preventing child maltreatment" was presented at a technical briefing at the 63rd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe on 17 September in Turkey. Approximately 50 participants attended the workshop. In the European Region, at least 18 million children under 18 years have suffered abuse. There are far reaching social and health consequences and deprived groups are at increased risk, but interventions to prevent abuse from occurring are cost-effective.
WHO report draws attention to the abuse of 18 million children 17-09-2013
Over 18 million children aged under 18 years suffer from maltreatment in the WHO European Region. Published in a new report from the WHO Regional Office for Europe, European report on preventing child maltreatment , these figures are a concern for any policy-maker implementing Health 2020, the new European health policy framework.
Tajikistan participates in UN Road Safety Week 23-07-2013
A summer camp for school children and TV and radio programmes on road safety were part of the Road Safety Week activities in Tajikistan. July 1-7 is marked as the United Nations Global Road Safety Week.
New survey shows a high prevalence of child maltreatment in Montenegro 22-07-2013
There is a high prevalence of child maltreatment in Montenegro and a strong association between the number of adverse childhood experiences and health risk behaviours, according to the results of a new survey of 1600 university students. The survey results were presented at a policy dialogue recently organized in Podgorica, the national capital, on the prevention of adverse childhood experiences in Montenegro.
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.
Fifth Uzbekistan injury prevention workshop 07-06-2013
A two day TEACH VIP course was organized by WHO in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan. TEACH VIP is a curriculum for injury prevention and control developed by WHO. This course was held in Tashkent with the objective of introducing participants to TEACH-VIP 2 and the train-the-trainer approach. It was attended by some 25 people and well received.
Uzbekistan sets sights on improving pedestrian safety 07-06-2013
A press conference and policy dialogue focusing on pedestrian safety was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 28 May 2013 to celebrate the Second United Nations Global Road Safety Week 2013. Deputy Minister of Health Professor Asamidin Kamilov welcomed 40 participants to the meeting, consisting of the media, officials and practitioners from the Ministries of Health, Interior, Transport and Education as well as from nongovernmental organizations. The deputy minister urged participants to take action on road safety in view of the vulnerability of pedestrians, the loss to the economy and the demands on the health sector.
Bosnia and Herzegovina say: “We are all pedestrians!” 05-06-2013
Road Safety Week was celebrated in the week beginning 6 May in the Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A promotion campaign using the slogan “We are all pedestrians” was launched along with various “Long short walks” and pedestrian safety activities. The campaign was supported by WHO.
Turkish Parliament supports road safety 05-06-2013
More than 300 people gathered in the gardens of the Turkish Parliament on 16 May 2013 to take part in an awareness-raising event on road safety, with a particular focus on using car seat belts.
Azerbaijan makes strides in pedestrian safety 30-05-2013
The Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society in conjunction with local NGOs organized a series of public events in Baku to raise awareness of pedestrian safety. Volunteers and staff marched in the centre of the city using visual materials from the Second United Nations Road Safety Week. They distributed reflectors and WHO posters on pedestrian safety. There was also a flash mob in which the participants used cardboard cut outs of pedestrians to make their point.
Celebrating Pedestrian Safety Week in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova 30-05-2013
Youth in the Republic of Moldova took to the streets in Chisinau on 16 May for a Long Short Walk to promote pedestrian safety. Some 50 people participate in the initiative, which was part of the Second United Nations Global Road Safety Week. It was organized by the Automobile Club of Moldova with the support of the Ministry of Health and Road Traffic Police and was widely covered by the media.
Czech Republic enjoys a lively Road Safety Week 27-05-2013
The Czech Republic’s United Nations Global Road Safety Week kicked off on Monday 6 May 2013 in Central Park in Prague with fun family activities. Visitors to the Park tried out the driving simulator for cars and motorbikes and the city police created a traffic playground for schoolchildren. A car crash simulator demonstrated the importance of seat belts and an exhibition by the nongovernmental organization LitCom offered the opportunity to experience a simulation of drink–driving.
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia makes pedestrian road safety a priority 21-05-2013
Pedestrian safety should be an important component in the efforts to prevent injuries, participants of a national policy dialogue on pedestrian safety recently held in Skopje recommended.
Long Short Walk in Brussels: focus on pedestrian safety 16-05-2013
European Road Safety Day, 6 May 2013, focused on pedestrian safety as part of the Second United Nations Global Road Safety Week. Over 100 people took part in a workshop in Brussels, Belgium to celebrate the event and explore policy recommendations for pedestrian safety in urban areas.
Road safety week 2013 06-05-2013
Pedestrians, people using motorcycles or three-wheeled motorized vehicles, and cyclists account for 43% of road-traffic deaths in the WHO European Region. The United Nations’ road safety week, 6–12 May 2013, focuses on the urgent need to protect pedestrians, the most vulnerable road users.
Decade of Action and road-safety platform launched in Turkey 30-04-2013
The Government of Turkey, WHO and partners launched a road-safety platform on 3 April 2013. This platform will implement Turkey’s road-safety plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011–2020.
Plan to reach 25% reduction in road deaths in the Russian Federation 15-04-2013
An Advisory Board meeting for the Road Safety in 10 Countries Project (RS10) in the Russian Federation was held in Moscow on 27 March 2013. The 38 participants represented the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Interior, RS10 Consortium partners, social marketing and road safety experts and nongovernmental organizations.
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.
Global status report on violence prevention – data collection has commenced 22-03-2013
The first internet-based training –WebEx - in the WHO European Region was held on 5 March 2013 for English speaking National Data Coordinators (NDCs).
Launch of the Global status report on road safety 2013 22-03-2013
The official launch of the Global status report on road safety 2013: supporting a decade of action took place in Geneva on 14 March 2013.
Survey of young adults in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia reveals high prevalence of adverse childhood experiences 19-03-2013
A recent survey conducted among 1277 students aged 18 and older in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia found high rates of various forms of abuse and household dysfunction as well as a strong association between adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and the likelihood of drug abuse, attempting suicide and early pregnancy.
Road traffic deaths down by 25% but 92 000 still die each year in the WHO European Region 14-03-2013
The report “European facts and Global status report on road safety 2013” published today by WHO/Europe reveals significant improvement in overall fatalities but also indicates that only half of European countries have adequate road safety laws.
WHO injury prevention curriculum applied to local context in Azerbaijan 09-03-2013
A training workshop on preventing violence and injuries was held on 26-27 February 2013 in Baku, Azerbaijan, using the TEACH-VIP (Training, Educating and Advancing Collaboration in Health on Violence and Injury Prevention) curriculum developed by WHO and a network of global injury prevention experts.
Applications for the sixth cycle of MENTOR-VIP now open 27-02-2013
MENTOR-VIP is a global mentoring programme for injury and violence prevention developed by WHO and a global network of experts. Mentoring allows for skills development through exchange of experience between a more skilled or experienced person and a person seeking to develop those skills. Applications for mentees to be mentored during 2013-2014 are open on the website until 10 May, 2013.
Adolescence: a unique time requiring a tailored response 25-02-2013
Adolescence is a time of great changes and challenges, often overlooked by health systems and services. Focusing on adolescent health through school health services, health promoting schools and other targeted interventions has the potential to prevent up to two thirds of deaths in young people.
How cold weather affects health 15-02-2013
Severe cold weather spells are common across the WHO European Region. They increase mortality and pose a high health risk to many, particularly vulnerable groups. Knowing the risks and the measures needed to prepare for and respond to cold weather can help prevent its health effects.
National policy dialogue on preventing child maltreatment in Albania 11-01-2013
There were 40 stakeholders present at a policy dialogue on the prevention of child maltreatment at the Ministry of Health in Albania on 13 December 2012.
Child marriage – a threat to health 20-12-2012
Child marriage disproportionately affects girls, with a life-long impact on their physical and psychological health. The effect goes far beyond denying them the basic right to choose their own life partner – complications from early and unwanted pregnancies are among the leading causes of death for girls aged 15–19 years worldwide.
Schools in Tajikistan take action to increase road safety for children 17-12-2012
Five schools in Dushanbe participated on 12 December 2012 in a United-Nations-led campaign to help prevent injuries and deaths of children on the capital city’s roads.
WHO Network meeting for Violence and Injury Prevention focal persons outlines policy priorities 14-11-2012
Participants representing 40 countries at the 7th Network meeting of health ministry focal persons for violence and injury prevention discussed the policy priorities for a regional plan in Antalya, Turkey, on 17-18 October 2012.
Workshop on injury surveillance to improve capacity for prevention calls for better data collection 14-11-2012
Sixty-five participants representing 39 countries took part in workshop aimed at improving injury surveillance to build capacity for prevention. The workshop took place in Antalya,Turkey, on 16 October 2012 and was organized by WHO/Europe in collaboration with the Norwegian Directorate of Health.
National focal persons discuss violence and injury prevention 03-10-2012
The seventh network meeting of the European health ministry focal persons on violence and injury prevention will take place in Antalya, Turkey on 17-18 October 2012 to comprehensively discuss the implementation of policy developments for the prevention of violence and injuries in the European Region and to allow the exchange of country experience.
Strengthening injury surveillance capacity 03-10-2012
In recognition that surveillance is a crucial step to injury prevention, WHO/Europe will hold a workshop on improving capacity for injury prevention through improved injury surveillance in Antalya, Turkey on 16 October 2012.
International conference in Bosnia and Herzegovina reviews progress in injury prevention 28-09-2012
An international conference on trauma and injury prevention hosted in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on 6–7 September 2012 highlighted recent achievements in this field, focusing on programmes and research from around the world as well as the experiences of neighbouring countries.
Expert meeting to develop a European report on preventing child maltreatment 27-09-2012
18 experts came together at a meeting convened to develop a European report on preventing child maltreatmentand an European Action Plan on Preventing Maltreatment and Other Adverse Childhood Experiences on 20 September 2012 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Russian road safety success celebrated at conference on Road Safety in 10 Countries project 03-08-2012
Thanks to a road safety campaign, the use of seat belts has increased from 57% to 78% among drivers and front-seat passengers in the Lipetsk region of the Russian Federation over an 18-month period. The campaign was launched as part of the Road Safety in 10 Countries project, coordinated by WHO.
Road-safety campaign leads to increased seat-belt use in Turkish province 27-07-2012
The use of seat-belts by drivers and front-seat passengers in Afyonkarahisar province of Turkey rose from less than 8% to 50% in the last two-and-a-half years, thanks to a new road-safety campaign. The campaign was launched in 2010 as part of a five-year project, coordinated by WHO, in 10 countries.
Health promotion conference in Estonia focuses on injury prevention 27-06-2012
This year's annual health promotion conference in Estonia, held on 8 June 2012, focused on injury prevalence and harm in Estonia as well as possibilities to prevent unintentional injuries.
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia hosts workshop on preventing alcohol-related violence in south-eastern Europe 26-06-2012
A subregional training workshop on preventing violence and alcohol-related harm was held on 19–20 June 2012 in Skopje. Based on a special module of the TEACH-VIP (Training, Educating and Advancing Collaboration in Health on Violence and Injury Prevention) curriculum developed by WHO and a network of global injury prevention experts, lectures and working groups focused on the harmful use of alcohol as an important risk factor for violence.
Subregional meeting in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on prevention of child maltreatment 26-06-2012
A policy dialogue on preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACE) was held in Skopje on 19 June 2012. About 60 participants, including Ministry of Health focal persons and other experts from Member States in south-eastern Europe attended the meeting to address child maltreatment and ACE, and particularly its impact on health outcomes in later life.
Child safety report cards for 31 countries released 13-06-2012
The European Child Safety Alliance releases child safety report cards for 31 countries and a European summary report developed in collaboration with WHO.
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.
Nordic Baltic subregional workshop on violence prevention and alcohol related harm 31-05-2012
There were 25 participants, consisting of focal persons and experts from the 9 Nordic Baltic countries at the subregional workshop on violence prevention and alcohol related harm which was held on 9-10 May 2012, in Riga, Latvia.
Policy dialogue on preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACE) in Latvia and other Nordic Baltic countries 31-05-2012
The first policy dialogue on preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACE) in Latvia and other Nordic Baltic countries was held in Riga, Latvia on 9 May 2012.
Symposium launches plans to increase road safety in Turkey 23-05-2012
The Third National Symposium for Road Traffic Safety held in Ankara, Turkey on 16-18 May 2012 was opened by Mr İdris Naim Sahin, Minister of Interior and Mr Binali Yıldırım, Minister of Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communication.
Road safety project in Russian Federation targets speeding 13-04-2012
On 9 April 2012, WHO marked the beginning of a new phase in the road safety in 10 countries project, with the launch of a mass-media campaign to reduce speeding in Ivanovo Oblast, Russian Federation.
Progress toward improved road safety in Turkey 12-03-2012
The Road Safety in 10 Countries Project, RS10, met in Ankara, Turkey, on 28 February to discuss the progress achieved in Turkey in 2011 and to establish a workplan for 2012. This 4th Partners Meeting for the RS10 project in Turkey was attended by 55 policy makers and practitioners from Turkey together with the project's international partners.
Turkey launches “World report on disability” 23-02-2012
The report, by WHO and the World Bank, was launched on 9 February 2012 in Turkey, at an event organized jointly by the authors and the Ministry of Family and Social Policy of Turkey.
WHO/Europe draws attention to child maltreatment prevention policy briefs on violence against children 07-02-2012
The United Nations Secretary-General’s report on violence against children has heightened awareness in Member States of the victimization of children worldwide. In this context, the WHO Regional Office for Europe has produced policy briefings on the Public health approach to preventing child maltreatment in the WHO European Region and The cycles of violence: the key facts.
National workshop on preventing interpersonal violence, Nicosia, Cyprus, 17-18 January 2012 07-02-2012
A two day national workshop on the prevention of interpersonal violence was hosted by the Ministry of Health of Cyprus with technical support from the violence and injury prevention teams of the WHO Regional Office of Europe and WHO Headquarters. Multidisciplinary stakeholders attending the meeting represented not only the health sector, but also the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
Exchange programme highlights road-safety developments in Turkey and Russian Federation 17-01-2012
The Road Safety in 10 Countries Project, RS10, focused on seat-belt use and speed control during its first stage. Meeting in Ankara, Turkey on 7–9 December 2011, members of the project teams in Turkey and the Russian Federation discussed progress so far.
Register for webinar: Prevention of child maltreatment and associated impairment: an evidence-based overview 10-01-2012
Registration is open for this WHO webinar which will take place 19 January 2012, with presentations by Dr Harriet MacMillan, Professor, Psychiatry, Behavioural Neurosciences, Pediatrics, McMaster University, Canada and Dr Christoper Mikton, WHO headquarters, Switzerland.
Drink–driving: still a deadly seasonal cocktail 15-12-2011
Road accidents usually increase during the winter holiday season, owing to higher levels of drinking. Although all European countries have national policies on drink–driving, enforcement remains a critical issue.
Albania launches strategy to halve road traffic deaths by 2020 13-12-2011
In the WHO European Region, road traffic injuries are responsible for 120,000 deaths each year, 2.4 million injuries and are the leading killer in young people aged 5-29 years. In Albania, like in other European countries, road traffic deaths follow an increasing trend. The United Nations General Assembly called for an international Decade of Action for Road Safety to respond to this global growing epidemic. The launch of the Decade of Action in Albania was organized by the WHO Country Office in Tirana on 22 November 2011, opened by the Minister of Health, Dr Petrit Vasili and chaired by the Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr Pelumb Pipero.
National seminar calls for better prevention of child self-harm in the Czech Republic 02-12-2011
The Czech Minister of Health, Dr Leos Heger, and the Head of the WHO Country Office, Dr Alena Steflova opened a national seminar on child self-harm and violence prevention in Prague, Czech Republic, on 14 November 2011, which was attended by about 50 stakeholders from various sectors.
Pervasiveness of violence against women should shock us all 25-11-2011
The lives of millions of women continue to be deeply affected by violence, much of which is committed by their intimate partners. Around the world hundreds of groups are marking today's International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a global observance which draws attention to the unacceptably high levels of violence against women in many societies. The Day is also used to highlight strategies to prevent violence against women and improve services for victims. In his statement of support for the Day, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon notes, "Whether in developing or developed countries, the pervasiveness of this violence should shock us all. Violence - and in many cases the mere threat of it - is one of the most significant barriers to women's full equality."
Violence and injuries: next steps in prevention 17-10-2011
The sixth meeting of the network of European health ministry focal persons for violence and injury prevention took place in Oslo, Norway on 11–12 October, attended by 70 participants from 37 countries in the WHO European Region. The plenary sessions focused on services for victims of violence, delivered by staff from the Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, and a WHO expert highlighted the global directions for the violence prevention networks, including the forthcoming survey for the global status report on violence prevention.
WHO/Europe workshops on road safety in Belarus 11-10-2011
The WHO Country Office, Belarus organized and a WHO/Europe expert conducted two workshops on road safety in Minsk.
Reducing death and disability through road safety project in Turkey 29-09-2011
Key national institutions in Turkey and international partners meet in Ankara on 29 September 2011 to discuss progress of the Turkey Road Safety project where speeding and use of seat belts aim to reduce road traffic injuries. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death of 15-29 year olds in the European Region, and kill nearly 1.3 million people every year globally.
Sixth meeting of the European network of national focal persons for violence and injury prevention. Oslo, Norway, 11-12 October 2011 23-08-2011
The main aim of the meeting is to review progress in the implementation of WHO/Europe Resolution EUR/RC55/R9 on prevention of violence and injuries and of the EU Council Recommendation on the prevention of injury and the promotion of safety. The network will also discuss next steps for future collaboration.
Reducing road deaths in Turkey: Ministry of Health and WHO meet to discuss achievements of the Road Safety project 04-08-2011
The Ministry of Health’s primary health care team lead by Dr Seracettin, Com General Director, visited the WHO Country Office, on 29 July 2011. The aim of the visit was to review the progress of the Road Safety project in 10 countries (RS10) funded by the Bloomberg Initiative and also implemented in Turkey.
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.
New world report shows more than 1 billion people with disabilities face substantial barriers in their daily lives 09-06-2011
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank today revealed new global estimates that more than one billion people experience some form of disability. They urged governments to step up efforts to enable access to mainstream services and to invest in specialized programmes to unlock the vast potential of people with disabilities.
Launch of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 in Uzbekistan 06-06-2011
On 11 May, dozens of countries around the world kicked off the first global Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020.
Road safety saves lives and money 25-05-2011
Road-traffic crashes kill over 350 Europeans every day, or over 120 000 per year. Almost half of them are pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists, and 6 out of 10 are aged 5–44 years. This unacceptable toll is particularly high in low- and middle-income countries. At the 2011 summit of the International Transport Forum (ITF) in Leipzig, Germany, WHO/Europe is launching the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011–2020 in the WHO European Region, along with the Global Plan for the Decade, which sets out how countries can save money, as well as lives.
Poland launches Decade for Action on Road Safety 25-05-2011
The road safety campaign, "Decade for Action on Road Safety" was launched on 11 May 2011 in Poland by the United Nations, WHO and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent.
Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 launched in Slovakia 24-05-2011
On 11 May 2011 a working seminar and a press conference were held in Bratislava to mark the launch of the "Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020".
Official Launch of Decade for Action on Road Safety in Tajikistan 24-05-2011
Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death from injury, the eleventh leading cause of all deaths and ranks in ninth place in contribution to the burden of disease worldwide. Each year 1.2 million men, women and children are killed worldwide in road.
Stop discrimination against homosexual men and women 17-05-2011
Despite the clear commitment to non-discrimination based on sexual orientation made by most Member States in the WHO European Region, many problems remain in protecting and promoting the rights of homosexuals. Sex between men is still a crime in some parts of the Region. 17 May is the International Day Against Homophobia.
Launch of Decade of Action on Road Safety 2011–2020 in Hungary 16-05-2011
On 11 May 2011, the WHO Country office, Hungary, along with the Ministry of Development, the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) (and other nongovernmental organizations in Hungary), the national police and the national transport authority launched the campaign, Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020.
The government of the Republic of Moldova launches Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 13-05-2011
In the Republic of Moldova around 500 people lost their life in road crashes last year and many more were injured. More than half of road traffic deaths were among people younger than 25.
Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 launched in Russian Federation 13-05-2011
Today the campaign, "Decade of Action on road safety 2011-2020" was launched in hundreds of places around the world, including in Moscow.
Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 launched in Slovenia 13-05-2011
This week an event was held in Ljubljana to mark the launch of the charter, "Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020".
Road Safety Decade launches today 11-05-2011
Road traffic injuries kill some 127 000 people in the WHO European Region every year. WHO/Europe welcomes the Decade of Action on Road Safety 2011–2020, which aims to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries in the Region and the world.
High-profile event starts the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 in Croatia 11-05-2011
One road death affects thousands: road safety project in Turkey 04-05-2011
The road safety awareness campaign, "One road death affects thousands" was launched at an event on 2 May 2011 in Afyonkarahisar.
Road safety: need for further actions in Uzbekistan 27-04-2011
Uzbekistan recognizes the importance of joining the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020, officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in March 2010.
Workshop on alcohol, violence and injury prevention in the Republic of Moldova 11-03-2011
Earth Hour: use energy wisely 09-03-2011
20.30 to 21.30 on Saturday 26 March 2011 will mark Earth Hour, when lights will be switched off around the globe so people can take a stand against climate change. Reducing overall energy use and encouraging the uptake of renewable energy sources have a dual benefit for health. This year we are being encouraged to “Go beyond the hour!”
Violence against women: an urgent public health priority 08-03-2011
Addressing violence against women is central to the achievement of Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 3 on women's empowerment and gender equality, as well as MDGs 4, 5 and 6. It is also a peace and security issue. In spite of this recognition, investment in prevention and in services for survivors remains woefully inadequate.
Training workshop for European national data coordinators on road safety. Geneva, Switzerland, 6–7 April 2011 16-02-2011
In preparation for the second global and European status report on road safety, WHO will train the national data coordinators for the European Region on the methods to be applied for the collection and validation of country data on road safety.
WHO/Europe holds its first international consultation on elderly maltreatment 16-02-2011
The first WHO international consultation on the prevention of elderly maltreatment closed yesterday in Rome. The two-day meeting was convened by the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health in preparation of a new European report on the prevention of elderly maltreatment, to be released at the Third European Conference of Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion scheduled later this year in Budapest.
Global status report on alcohol and health 2011 11-02-2011
The Global status report on alcohol and health (2011) presents a comprehensive perspective on the global, regional and country consumption of alcohol, patterns of drinking, health consequences and policy responses. In addition to the global perspective, the report contains country profiles for each European Member State.
Call for abstracts: third European conference on injury prevention and safety promotion, Budapest, Hungary, 16-17 June 2011 27-01-2011
Within the theme of how best to transfer and apply of good practice in injury prevention in new settings and environments, the conference will highlight successful safety promotion initiatives and actions.Submissions of poster abstracts are welcome until 15 February 2011.
WHO webinar on violence prevention: the evidence to be held on 2 December 2010 29-11-2010
The second webinar in the series, presented by Karen Hughes on the evidence for violence prevention, is an eight-part series of briefings on the evidence for interventions to prevent interpersonal and self-directed violence.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in the Russian Federation 26-11-2010
On the occasion of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, the Regional Administration of Lipetskaya Oblast, the Regional Police Department and WHO organized an event in Lipetsk on 21 November 2010.
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in Slovenia 20-11-2010
The third Sunday of November each year is designated as the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. This year on 20 November, Slovenia promoted greater road safety.
New rehabilitation guidelines for the disabled launched 09-11-2010
WHO has released new community-based rehabilitation (CBR) guidelines to support the inclusion of people with disabilities in health, education, employment, social, skills-training and other community services and activities.
New series of WHO webinars on violence and injuries starts on 2 November 2010 28-10-2010
WHO is launching a series of webinars, which will begin with several of the superb state of the art presentations given at the 10th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion held in September 2010 in London. The first webinar in the series will be presented by Dr Fred Rivara on the topic of child injuries.
Preventing youth violence 21-09-2010
40 young Europeans are murdered each day, 16 of them with knives. A new WHO report shows how these deaths can be prevented.
Stakeholder workshop for elder abuse prevention in the WHO European Region. London, United Kingdom, 24 September 2010 20-09-2010
WHO/Europe organizes this workshop, taking place during the Safety 2010 world conference in London, for practitioners, scientists and policy makers interested in preventing elder abuse.
Inventory of national policies on prevention of violence and injuries updated with 79 policies for 35 countries 27-07-2010
This European inventory collects policy initiatives undertaken at national level in countries across the Region by different sectors involved in the prevention of violence and injuries.
Developing the European report on youth and knife violence. Editorial meeting in Rome, Italy, 1-2 June 2010 28-05-2010
Youth violence accounts for a significant burden. In most European countries, knives and sharp instruments are the most used common weapons. An international policy dialogue, held in September 2009, focused on the role of health systems in multisectoral response. Based on its conclusions, a European report on youth violence (including knives and other sharp implements) is being developed.
Progress in preventing violence and injuries: over 40 country assessments available 02-05-2010
These two-page summaries include a synthesis country profile and an assessment of the country’s progress in preventing violence and injuries based on the effectiveness of interventions in place. The pillars of the analysis include national policies, the implementation of effective interventions, the impact of resolution EUR/RC55/R9 and next steps.