News

Achieving sustainable and healthy environments for all: celebrating 30 years of the European Environment and Health Process 11-12-2019

At the First Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health in Frankfurt, Germany, held 7–8 December 1989, Member States of the WHO European Region initiated the first ever process to eliminate the most significant environmental threats to human health. That same European Environment and Health Process (EHP) is now marking 30 years since its establishment, with a birthday celebration during the ninth meeting of the European Environment and Health Task Force (EHTF) on 9–10 December 2019 in Bonn, Germany.

Inaugural Environment and Health School takes place in Bonn 31-10-2019

As the environment and health agenda and related challenges rapidly evolve in Member States of the WHO European Region, there is a permanent need to ensure that technical capacities are nurtured in all countries. Responding to this demand, the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health (ECEH) has developed the Environment and Health School, which is taking place for the first time this week at their premises in the UN Campus in Bonn, Germany.

Protect our environment, protect our health: World Environment Day 2018 05-06-2018

Today is World Environment Day. Each year, at least 1.4 million Europeans die prematurely due to polluted environments, accounting for at least 15% of Europe’s total deaths. Altogether, European citizens lose 50 million years of healthy life annually as a result of environmental risks.

Evidence shows banning asbestos has no negative economic impact 19-04-2018

Sound scientific evidence shows that any exposure to asbestos fibres poses significant health risks. Despite this, the mineral continues to be present, as well as extensively used and traded, both globally and in the WHO European Region. According to WHO recommendations, the most effective way to eliminate asbestos-related diseases is through a ban on the use, production and trade of all forms of the substance.

Environment and Health Task Force meeting kicks off national planning in 7 key areas 22-03-2018

Last year, countries in the WHO European Region adopted the Ostrava Declaration, which commits them to make visible, measurable and equitable progress on environment and health in 7 priority areas. In order to do this, Member States agreed to develop national portfolios of actions on environment and health by the end of 2018, coordinated by country-nominated focal points.

Circular economy meets environment and health – opportunities and risks 09-10-2017

The WHO European Centre for Environment and Health hosted a meeting entitled “Circular Economy meets Environment and Health – Opportunities and Risks” on 4–5 October in Bonn, Germany. One of the objectives of this consultation was to facilitate the involvement and discussion of the health sector, with the main partners and actors dealing with the circular economy, and start the development of a consistent position for the health sector.

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.