News

Promoting cycling can save lives and advance health across Europe through improved air quality and increased physical activity 03-06-2021

On World Bicycle Day, celebrated on 3 June, WHO highlights a new master plan that calls countries to acknowledge cycling as an equal mode of transport and to double the level of cycling by 2030.

Nature and biodiversity play a vital role in protecting human health 20-05-2021

Urbanization, land use, global trade and industrialization have led to profound and negative impacts on nature, biodiversity and ecosystems across the world. The ongoing depletion of natural resources not only affects environmental conditions but also has an enormous impact on the health, well-being and security of societies. Exploring this complex relationship and the vital role that nature plays for promoting and protecting human health, and in recognition of the International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May, WHO/Europe has published its first report on nature, biodiversity and health together with the WHO Collaborating Centre on Natural Environments and Health at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

European countries adopt Vienna Declaration on clean, safe and healthy transport and first-ever Pan-European Master Plan for Cycling Promotion 18-05-2021

Today, European countries adopted the Vienna Declaration to spur the transformation towards clean, safe, healthy and inclusive transport and mobility, with a strong focus on promoting cycling across the pan-European region .

Designing cities for health: how to change urban environments for the better? 16-04-2021

Living in cities has been linked to higher exposure to pollution, lack of physical exercise, and a resulting increase in noncommunicable diseases. However, innovations in urban design can reverse this trend and show how cities can make people’s health better. Experts gathered at the WHO Urban Design for Health online symposium 14–16 April to share success stories that are already having an impact across the WHO European Region.

Can sustainable transport and mobility become a reality? 12-11-2020

Emergency situations can, unexpectedly, be powerful accelerators of change in that they often stimulate rethinking about the ways in which things are being done. This is the case regarding sustainable transport and mobility in the year 2020 where several vulnerabilities have been exposed in the way land use and urban and transport planning have evolved. There is an emerging need to look at this nexus through the lens of systems’ resilience.

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.

PedalAlzheimer Fest: 140 km on a bike to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease 01-11-2019

Two days on a bicycle across the stunning landscapes of the Trentino and Veneto regions to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease – these are the ingredients of PedalAlzheimer Fest 2019, an initiative organized by the nursing home in Levico Terme, in Trentino region, and supported by the Autonomous Province of Trento. Its goal is to reflect on the health, social and cultural issues that families are called to face when a loved one encounters Alzheimer’s disease.

Västra Götaland Region: implementing climate changes at the subnational level 08-10-2019

The Västra Götaland Region (VGR) in Sweden is implementing some key changes that will have a positive effect on climate. These address both individual behaviour and the structural policy. Thanks to the commitment of local leadership to health and sustainable development, the subnational level is the best equipped to take this kind of action.

Day 2 highlights: strengthening health systems to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 18-09-2018

“For us, the goal of universal health coverage is the lodestar of our health policy,” said His Excellency Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania. From improving vaccine coverage to ensuring financial protection, strengthening health systems was a key theme on Day 2 of the 68th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.

Annual meeting of ministers to set health priorities in Europe 14-08-2018

On 17 September 2018 in Rome, Italy, health ministers and high-level representatives of the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region will gather for the annual WHO Regional Committee for Europe. At this year’s 68th session, participants will consider topics including a new strategy on men’s health, financial protection and an action plan to improve public health preparedness and response.

Making the link between transport, health, environment and achieving the SDGs 11-07-2018

Everyone has a role to play in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including governments, intergovernmental organizations, civil society, the private sector and people everywhere.

European network for the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity: 8th conference and 13th annual meeting 28-11-2017

This year’s conference of the European network for the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA Europe) saw the highest number of participants to date. Over 355 attendees from 37 countries representing a broad range of disciplines and professional backgrounds gathered in Zagreb, Croatia, on 15–17 November 2017 to discuss approaches to promoting and measuring physical activity.

Cycling: a vital link between transport, health, environment and economy 02-10-2017

On 19–21 September 2017, Mannheim, Germany, celebrated the 200th anniversary of the country’s invention of the bicycle by hosting the International Cycling Conference (ICC). The event brought together approximately 300 researchers, practitioners and politicians from across the globe to discuss the role of active mobility in the modern world, creating an intersection of academic, political and practical thinking strategies.

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.

Day 3 of Environment and Health Conference: Commitments to advance the agenda in Europe 16-06-2017

After 3 days of discussions and deliberations, the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health drew to a close. The participants took stock of the progress made on environment and health in the WHO European Region, as well as committing the Region to further action, culminating in the signing of the Ostrava Declaration.

Day 2 of Environment and Health Conference: Addressing inequalities, good governance, rights and resilience 15-06-2017

On the second day of the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, participants explored the role of communities and national and regional authorities in strengthening resilience. Discussions focused on the global relevance of environment and health policy in Europe and how to stimulate changing patterns of consumption towards sustainable development.

Day 1 of Environment and Health Conference: Taking stock of the past to transform the future 14-06-2017

Opening the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, drew parallels between the host city’s industrial past and modern regeneration, and the “transformative spirit of the Agenda for Sustainable Development”. Health and environment experts are gathered in Ostrava, Czech Republic to track progress and prioritize future action on environmental risks to health.

United Nations agencies urge Europe’s action on 1.4 million annual deaths from polluted environments 13-06-2017

The World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) call on European leaders to scale up action to prevent environment-related deaths and diseases affecting their populations. Each year, at least 1.4 million Europeans die prematurely due to polluted environments; this corresponds to at least 15% of Europe’s total deaths. Around half of these deaths are due to outdoor and indoor air pollution. Altogether, European citizens lose annually 50 million years of healthy life from environmental risks.

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.

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.

Transport and health communities share experience on cycling plans 10-03-2017

Representatives from ministries and international organizations, with practitioners of sustainable mobility in tourism, met in Belgrade, Serbia, on 1–2 March 2017 to address mobility challenges across Europe.

Health and well-being depend on action at city level 01-03-2017

The city of Pécs is hosting the 2017 WHO European Healthy Cities Network Annual Business and Technical Conference, which opens today. This year’s theme is “Building Healthy Cities: inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”.

Kyrgyz Minister and Member of Parliament support intersectoral approach to road safety 29-11-2016

WHO report shows urban green spaces deliver multiple health benefits 02-11-2016

A new WHO report summarizing evidence on the health effects of green space in urban areas shows that green spaces offer numerous public health benefits, including psychological relaxation and stress reduction, enhanced physical activity and a potential reduction in exposure to – among other harmful urban factors – air pollution, noise and excessive heat. The report concludes that there is a need for both small, local green spaces situated very close to where people live and spend their day, and large green spaces that provide formal recreational facilities (such as playing fields) and opportunities to interact with nature.

Decarbonisation – Zero emission mobility starts now! 19-07-2016

Taking stock of climate change challenges and the priorities set out in the Paris Agreement, the international Klimaaktiv Mobil conference “Decarbonisation – Zero emission mobility starts now!” took place in Vienna, Austria, on 13–15 July 2016.

Trento on bike: a health-in-all-policies approach 22-03-2016

In March 2016, Trento, an alpine province in the northern part of Italy, launched "Trentino pedala" ("Trento on bike") a project aimed to make cycling a part of everyday life. The provincial government's Council for Infrastructure and the Environment is coordinating the initiative, which follows a health-in-all-policies approach. All other governmental departments, such as the local health unit, municipalities, the university and several private sector companies are involved in order to encourage the province's 500 000 inhabitants to cycle.

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.

EU transport ministers promote cycling to prevent 100 000 premature deaths per year 13-10-2015

A landmark declaration on cycling as a climate friendly transport mode was unanimously adopted by European Union (EU) transport ministers and secretaries of state gathering at the Informal Transport Council in Luxembourg on 7 October 2015.

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.

European countries to meet in April to review progress on environment and health 05-03-2015

On 28–30 April 2015 in Haifa, Israel, countries in the WHO European Region will evaluate the status of environment and health in the WHO European Region at the mid-term review of the European environment and health process. 

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.

Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa: travel and transport recommendations 13-11-2014

Leading international organizations and associations from the transport, trade and tourism sector stand firmly with WHO against general bans on travel and trade, as well as restrictions that include general quarantine of travellers from Ebola-affected countries.

Welcome to the newsletter of the European Environment and Health Process (EHP) 27-10-2014

The introduction of a European Environment and Health Process Newsletter will keep stakeholders up-to-date on the EHP’s continually-expanding body of work. Particularly during preparations for mid-term review of the Parma Commitments in March 2015, the need became evident for a means of sharing news and information on activities.

Aligning the agendas of Sustainable Development Goals and the European Environment and Health Process 09-10-2014

30 September 2014 (Bonn, Germany)

Kaunas, Lithuania: working towards green and healthy sustainable mobility 26-09-2014

The Kaunas City Municipality and the Ministries of Health, Environment and Transport of the Republic of Lithuania hosted a Transport, Health and Environment Pan-European Programme (THE PEP) workshop, Improvement of Sustainable Urban Mobility for Better Health and Environment: Move to improve, on 24-25 September 2014.

2014 update of the Health economic assessment tools (HEAT) for walking and cycling 19-08-2014

WHO/Europe launched the 2014 update of the Health economic assessment tools (HEAT) for walking and cycling and the methodology and user guide. The main new features and changes include updated relative risk functions for walking and cycling; updated and more detailed mortality rates; new Values of Statistical Life (VSL) (averages and country-specific values based on methodology developed by OECD); addition of frequently asked questions (FAQ); and several bug fixes.

Acting together to improve road safety in Turkey 03-06-2014

More than 200 stakeholders attended a Road Safety Platform strategy planning and coordination meeting in Istanbul, Turkey on 29 April 2014 organized by the Security Directorate General with support from WHO and the health, transportation and education ministries. Presentations described the comprehensive activities being undertaken in Turkey line with the national Road Safety Decade of Action, which aims to reduce road crash deaths by 50% by 2020.

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.

Paris declaration on green and healthy mobility and transport signed 16-04-2014

On 15 April 2014, European ministers attending the Fourth High-level Meeting on Transport, Health and Environment, hosted by the Government of France, adopted the Paris Declaration: City in Motion – People First!. The Declaration sets priorities and calls for action to ensure green and healthy mobility and transport to secure sustainable livelihoods for all.

Cycling can create at least 76 600 jobs and save 10 000 lives every year in major European cities 14-04-2014

Over 76 600 people would be employed in green and healthy transport every year and 10 000 lives would be saved if major European cities reached the cycling modal share of Copenhagen. This is the conclusion of a new publication released today by UNECE and the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

Just published: Environmental health inequalities in Malta. Assessment report 17-02-2014

This report presents the first national assessment of the magnitude and distribution of environmental health inequalities in the Maltese Islands, and responds to the commitments made at the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health in Parma, Italy in 2010.

Countries urged to reduce health risks from asbestos, second-hand smoke and toxic chemicals by 2015 16-12-2013

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).

9th annual meeting and 4th conference of HEPA Europe 01-11-2013

The European network for the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA Europe) held its 4th conference and 9th annual meeting in Helsinki, Finland, on 22-24 October 2013.

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.

Visualizing the economic and health benefits of environmental measures: a winning combination 23-10-2013

“Visualizing” both the health and economic gains can help persuade policy-makers to improve environmental health and obtain government support, according to participants at the Second Symposium on Environmental Health and Economics, held on 14–15 October 2013 in Bonn, Germany.

New guidance on promoting physical activity in socially disadvantaged groups 16-07-2013

Today, WHO/Europe launches a policy summary and full report on this topic. Scientific evidence shows that physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for ill health, and that socially disadvantaged groups tend to have low levels of activity.

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.

Lithuania gets road safety in the picture 04-06-2013

Lithuania celebrated the second United Nations Road Safety Week with a photographic competition organized by the Centre for Health Education and Disease Prevention.

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. 

Applications welcome for observership at WHO/Europe 18-04-2013

The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) is sponsoring a three-day observership for five people in WHO/Europe’s Division of Communicable Diseases, Health Security and Environment.

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.

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.

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.

Regional Director attends Environment and Health Ministerial Board (EHMB) meeting in Azerbaijan 21-11-2012

At its third meeting, EHMB agreed that an environment and health gateway, an on-line knowledge repository and information portal, will be developed. The meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Environment of Azerbaijan, concluded on 16 November 2012.

What challenges our big European cities to make their transport sustainable and healthy? 12-06-2012

The International Transport, Health and Environment Pan-European Programme (THE PEP) Workshop closed on 8 June in Moscow, Russian Federation after 2 days of intense work.

New report gives preliminary dose estimation from Fukushima nuclear accident 23-05-2012

The report describes a preliminary estimate of radiation doses to the public resulting from the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear site in Japan in March 2011.

WHO launches expanded European Centre for Environment and Health in Bonn, Germany: new report on environmental health inequalities published 14-02-2012

One citizen out of five dies from environment-associated diseases in the WHO European Region. The environmental burden of ill health varies significantly across the Region, however, ranging from 14% to 54%. Within countries, the poor can be exposed to environmental risks five times more often than their wealthier peers, a new WHO report concludes.

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.

WHO Rome office closes at the end of 2011 20-12-2011

The Rome office of the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health is due to close at the end of December 2011. WHO’s work on environment and health in Europe remains a priority and is being consolidated in Bonn, Germany and Copenhagen, Denmark. This will allow the WHO Regional Office for Europe to maintain and strengthen its technical capacities in this area for the benefit of the 53 Member States of the European Region.

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.

WHO highlights the co-benefits for health of transport policies that mitigate climate change 06-12-2011

A new WHO report, part of the Health in the Green Economy series, considers the evidence regarding health co-benefits, and risks, of climate change mitigation strategies for transport, as reviewed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2007. In the European Region, WHO is promoting climate change mitigation strategies for transport within the Framework for Action on climate change and the pan-European programme on transport, health and environment (THE PEP).

THE PEP Symposium 2011 to discuss inclusive and innovative urban mobility 14-11-2011

European challenges and successes towards sustainable urban mobility and improved individual health will be showcased at the second Symposium organized under the Transport, Health and Environment Pan-European Programme (THE PEP).

Joint action on environmental health threats discussed 02-11-2011

Meeting for the first time in Bled, Slovenia, on 26–28 October 2011, the European Environment and Health Task Force discussed proposed areas of joint action to implement the commitments agreed by European countries in the Parma Declaration on Environment and Health.

WHO's Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) 'Highly Commended' at the UK National Transport Awards 24-10-2011

HEAT was praised for its contribution to sustainable transport at a ceremony held in London on 7 October 2011. By providing a methodology and a user-friendly tool that calculates in economic terms the health benefits of cycling or walking as a means of transport, HEAT supports policies to reduce the transport impact on health and the environment. HEAT also helps make the case for promoting physical activity as a means of transport, demonstrating that shifting the balance from motorized transport to cycling and walking brings additional benefits to health associated with increased physical activity.

WHO/Europe highlights the health dimension at the ‘Environment for Europe’ Conference 21-09-2011

With side events and exhibitions, WHO will keep the spotlight on health at the forthcoming Seventh "Environment for Europe" Ministerial Conference, organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in Astana, Kazakhstan, on 21-23 September 2011. The Conference main themes are sustainable management of water and water-related ecosystems, and greening the economy: mainstreaming the environment into economic development. Both themes belong to long-standing areas of collaboration between WHO/Europe and UNECE, as part of the European Environment and Health Process and of the implementation of the Parma Ministerial Declaration on environment and health.

WHO's Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) helps assessing the health benefits of public bicycle sharing scheme in Barcelona, Spain 06-09-2011

Bicing is a public bicycle sharing scheme in Barcelona, Spain, with about 182,000 subscribers. A health impact assessment study estimated the risks and benefits to health of travel by bicycle compared with travel by car in an urban environment. Results show that the public bicycle scheme brings benefits to health by increasing the levels of physical activity, and also through reducing carbon dioxide emission. The study used WHO guidance and HEAT, the Health Economic Assessment Tool, to estimate the health benefits of cycling.

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.

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.

“Sport for all” policies encourage physical activity 10-05-2011

WHO/Europe is leading a project to encourage greater synergy between different sectors working to increase sport and health-enhancing physical activity. 10 May is Move for Health Day.

Ministers push environment and health commitments forward 05-05-2011

Environment and health ministers, meeting in Paris this week, have agreed on how to monitor progress in reducing the adverse health impact of environmental threats across the European Region. The first meeting of the European Ministerial Board on Environment and Health took place on 4-5 May 2011.

New evidence from WHO on health effects of traffic-related noise in Europe 30-03-2011

Traffic-related noise accounts for over 1 million healthy years of life lost annually to ill health, disability or early death in the western countries in the WHO European Region. This is the main conclusion of the first report assessing the burden of disease from environmental noise in Europe, released today by WHO/Europe. Noise causes or contributes to not only annoyance and sleep disturbance but also heart attacks, learning disabilities and tinnitus.

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!”  

Being physically active helps prevent cancer 04-02-2011

On World Cancer Day on 4 February, WHO/Europe points at physical activity as an effective means to prevent cancer, together with avoiding tobacco and following a healthy diet, and invites policy-makers to strengthen efforts to encourage active transport.

Green transport benefits health, creates jobs and combats climate change 17-12-2010

Towards sustainable transport patterns: THE PEP symposium and meeting of THE PEP Steering Committee. Geneva, Switzerland, 8-10 December 2010 05-12-2010

The Steering Committee of the Transport, Health and Environment Pan-European Programme (THE PEP) reviews progress made, decides on activities and adopts workplans. This year, for the first time, the meeting will be preceded by a symposium on “Green and health-friendly investment and jobs in transport” with speakers from governments, civil society and the private sector.

Annual meeting and second conference of HEPA Europe. Olomouc, Czech Republic, 24-26 November 2010 30-09-2010

Safe and healthy walking and cycling in urban areas workshop. Batumi, Georgia, 30 September-1 October 17-09-2010

In this workshop, organized within the Pan-European Programme on Transport, Health and Environment (THE PEP), participants will identify challenges and needs regarding the promotion of innovative policies to support walking and cycling as increasingly viable and attractive modes of urban mobility. Policy areas under discussion include planning, financing, infrastructure development and regulations.  

Travel smarter, live better: European Mobility Week starts today 17-09-2010

The European Mobility Week is a European Union campaign aiming at raising citizens’ awareness on the use of public transport, cycling, walking and at encouraging European cities to promote these modes of transport and to invest in the new necessary infrastructures. A healthier and more sustainable mobility is also the ultimate goal of WHO/Europe’s activities in the area of transport and health. To reach this goal, WHO develops tools to support transport choices which benefit health and the environment, and works in collaboration with Member States through the Pan-European Programme on Transport, Health and Environment (THE PEP).

Developing guidance and a practical tool for economic assessment of health effects from walking: expert meeting in Oxford, United Kingdom, 1-2 July 2010 24-06-2010

The development of a Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) for walking is led by a core group of experts and supported by an international advisory group. Reviews of the epidemiological and economic literature are underway as a basis for the development of the guidance and the tool. The final products are planned to be available in early 2011.

10 May: Move for Health Day 22-05-2010

National initiatives to promote physical activity.

Health in All Policies in practice: guidance and tools to quantifying the health effects of cycling and walking 27-04-2010

A project to quantify the positive health effects of cycling and walking has resulted in guidance and tools described in a recent article in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health. It concludes that substantial savings can be expected from increased cycling and walking.