News

Women at the forefront of the COVID-19 response in Albania: “We will keep fighting until this virus is defeated” 09-03-2021

On International Women’s Day, 8 March, WHO/Europe recognizes the huge contribution made by female health workers to the COVID-19 response. As Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said in a recent statement, “The face of that frontline health worker we so often talk about is mostly the face of a woman.”

Better than screening: with WHO’s help Ukraine chose a cost-efficient policy to prevent breast cancer 08-03-2021

International Women’s Day (IWD), 8 March is an opportunity to highlight a health issue that affects up to 1 out of 10 women in many countries of the European Region - an inspiring story of Ukraine’s search for the best tool to fight breast cancer. The country’s authorities used WHO/Europe’s expertise and advice to change their initial plans for nationwide mammography screening and started developing a more promising early diagnosis programme. The move will save Ukraine thousands of lives and millions of euros in loans.

International Women’s Day: the need to build back better, with women in the lead 04-03-2021

This is not only about rectifying long-standing gender inequalities. This is about women as health leaders and gendered responses to crises. This is about equality and women’s protection needs at the heart of every response. This is about righting wrongs – outside and inside of hospital walls – for a greater good.

Inspiring change: women’s leadership in health care is vital during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond 04-03-2021

COVID-19 continues to exacerbate existing inequalities and place a disproportionate burden on women, including in health-care settings. Women health workers are faced with increased workloads, a gender pay gap, shortages of personal protective equipment that fits them, and harassment and violence as they respond to the pandemic on the frontlines.

New WHO report reveals urgency of confronting tobacco use among women 12-02-2021

A new report by WHO/Europe about women and the tobacco epidemic has been launched. The report, “Through a gender lens: women and tobacco in the WHO European Region”, has revealed that, although tobacco use among women is decreasing overall, the rate is going down at a much slower pace than in men, and in some countries it is increasing.

New data from WHO/Europe shows links between gender and noncommunicable diseases 09-12-2020

Men and women have different biological and behavioural risk factors for contracting noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), as shown by a new series of WHO reports released today. The reports analyse gender-specific data on NCDs from 8 different countries providing interesting insights on the links between gender and certain NCDs.

When silence is not a virtue: how traditional masculinities keep men from seeking mental health advice 09-10-2020

When Giancarlo Gaglione’s brother, Lanfranco, died by suicide at the age of 26, it came like a lightning bolt out of the blue. None of his family or friends had noticed anything different about him leading up to the moment he took his own life, and he only confided briefly, a week before, in two people: his best friend and his girlfriend.

Where do we stand on women’s health in 2020? 06-03-2020

This year marks 25 years since countries committed to intensify their efforts towards women’s empowerment and gender equality through the Beijing Platform for Action. Today, we mark International Women’s Day 2020 and focus attention on the impact of gender equality on women’s health in the WHO European Region throughout their lives.

Half of all women with HIV are diagnosed late in Europe 28-11-2019

Many women in the WHO European Region, particularly those in their 40s, are diagnosed at a late stage of HIV infection when their immune system is already starting to fail. They are three to four times more likely to be diagnosed late than younger women. According to data for 2018 released today by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the WHO Regional Office for Europe, women accounted for one-third of the 141 000 new HIV diagnoses in the Region, indicating that this population needs more attention in Europe's prevention and testing efforts.

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.

Stories from the field – helping migrants to help themselves through health literacy 19-09-2019

After working as an assistant nurse and social worker in Sweden for more than 10 years, Noorihe Halimi now teaches recently arrived migrants how to make their way through the intricacies of the state health-care system.

On World Humanitarian Day, WHO recognizes women at the forefront of humanitarian work 16-08-2019

Lack of access to essential health services is one of the biggest challenges for people living in emergency settings. Limited freedom of movement due to insecurity, disrupted medical supplies and shortages of medical personnel make humanitarian response in such areas especially challenging. Despite this, humanitarian workers keep providing life-saving services, taking care of the sick, preventing diseases and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Measuring the gender pay gap for action in the Autonomous Province of Trento, Italy 04-07-2019

According to the Global Gender Gap Index, in 2018, Italy ranked 70th among 149 countries in terms of participation in economic and political activity, access to education and health. The Health Observatory of the Autonomous Province of Trento, Italy, has taken measures to establish a baseline for monitoring the gender pay gap among employees working in its public health system over time, and propose coherent, wide-ranging action to tackle it effectively.

Country representatives emphasize the importance of evidence-based decisions in long-term care 27-05-2019

Experts, government officials and representatives of professional associations from over 35 countries united for a workshop on integrated delivery of health and social services for older people. There, experts called for more evidence on healthy ageing to move forward with the long-term agenda, and pointed to the crucial role of an integrated approach.

Moving one step closer to better health and rights for transgender people 17-05-2019

On 17 May, International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia commemorates the day in 1990 when the World Health Assembly stopped classifying homosexuality as a mental disorder. At the time, the classification was changed in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD), a standard guide used the world over as the basis for health statistics with implications for funding for health services and health insurance. Now, a new edition of the ICD, known as ICD-11, has made changes to reflect a modern understanding of sexual health and gender identity – notably, by replacing “transsexualism” with a new concept of “gender incongruence”, defined as a condition relating to sexual health rather than a mental and behavioural disorder.

WHO urges stronger action to reduce deaths from noncommunicable diseases in Europe by one third 09-04-2019

WHO “best buys” – targeted policy interventions aimed at reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) – can be a game-changer for achieving target 3.4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), through which governments have committed to reducing premature deaths from NCDs by one third by 2030. The interventions range from policies that promote physical activity and curb tobacco and alcohol consumption, to reducing salt and sugar and eliminating trans-fats in food. The actions countries can take to achieve the target will be in focus at the WHO European High-level Conference on Noncommunicable Diseases taking place in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on 9–10 April 2019.

International Women’s Day: women in health innovating for change 07-03-2019

The theme for International Women’s Day 2019 – “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change” – underscores the important role that women and girls have in building more inclusive systems, efficient services and sustainable infrastructure to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

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.

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

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

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.

Day 1 highlights: RC68 opens 17-09-2018

“Health investment is the smartest investment – it pays off,” said WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab in her opening address on the first day of the 68th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe. This was a common theme also raised by the WHO Director-General and delegates alike.

Too many European men die young from preventable causes – WHO report reveals 17-09-2018

The first ever WHO report on men’s health and well-being in the 53 countries of the WHO European Region reveals men are living healthier and longer lives than ever before. But despite progress, many of them die far too young from preventable causes, and the reasons behind this go beyond biology.

Europe tops rankings on life satisfaction index, but findings expose not for all and not everywhere, WHO says 14-09-2018

WHO Regional Committee for Europe annual meeting in Rome will discuss new findings on health and well-being of people in Europe and track progress against key health targets

Ireland builds capacity to improve men’s health 12-09-2018

In 2008, the Irish Government released the National Men’s Health Policy 2008–2013, which included strategies for engaging men in self-care. Within this framework, the Government recently rolled out a new training programme called ENGAGE to improve the capacity of health providers and improve men’s access to and use of health services.

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.

Call for more women in public health leadership roles 07-03-2018

On International Women’s Day, WHO/Europe highlights the need to ensure women have a place at the centre of public health. Women make up the majority of health professionals in the WHO European Region and throughout the world, and yet, generally, this is not reflected in leadership roles within public health. For example, in the Region only 30% of ministers of health are women. Much work is still needed to address the ongoing gender divide and achieve gender equality, in the health sector and beyond.

Gender transformative health promotion: Friuli Venezia Giulia Region confronts gender stereotypes 13-12-2017

The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Italy, a member of the WHO Regions for Health Network (RHN), confronts gender-related prejudice by adopting an integrated approach to educating people through a life-course perspective, starting in childhood. The implementation of the approach was presented at the 10th European Public Health Conference, which took place in Stockholm, Sweden on 1–4 November, 2017. The presentation was part of the RHN-organized workshop entitled, “Gender stereotypes, women’s and men’s health strategies”, which took place during the Conference.

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.

Breakthrough for men’s health: WHO and experts kick off development of strategy and report 08-09-2017

For the first time, WHO is undertaking a strategy entirely focused on the health and well-being of men and boys. A group of experts from a range of fields and disciplines related to men’s health came together on 5 September 2017 at UN City in Copenhagen, Denmark, to launch the development of the strategy for the WHO European Region.

Kazakhstan intensifies policy actions to respond to noncommunicable diseases 09-08-2017

Health officials from regional health institutions and public health councils in Kazakhstan met with senior managers from arm’s-length institutions in a 1-day workshop in Astana. The workshop took place in the context of policy and institutional reforms working to instil a population health management approach for public health services. Led by the Minister of Health, Dr Yelzhan Birtanov, the workshop drew upon results of a health system assessment conducted by WHO/Europe in 2016, focusing on strengthening the system’s response to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

Strengthening women’s leadership in public health in Ukraine 23-05-2017

In order to empower and support the development of current and future female leaders who drive public health reform, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine held a seminar entitled “Women’s Leadership in Public Health” in Kyiv on 16–18 May 2017. It organized the seminar with technical support from WHO, contributions from the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER) and Maastricht University, the Netherlands, and support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

Promoting sports, physical activity and healthy diets in Turkmenistan in preparation for the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games 24-04-2017

The conference “Asian Games 2017: Sports, Nutrition and Physical Activity – Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle” took place on 6 April 2017 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Representatives from the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the United Nations Population Fund, WHO and other international and national participants discussed the role of sports and high profile sporting events such as the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in promoting healthy diets, physical activity and gender equality. They also focused on the benefits of sports for health.

WHO European Healthy Cities Network adopts the Pécs Declaration 14-03-2017

The WHO European Healthy Cities Network Annual Conference drew to a close on Friday 3 March, with mayors and political leaders adopting the 2017 Healthy Cities Pécs Declaration. This reconfirms their commitment to creating inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable societies.

International Women’s Day: unlocking the full potential of women at work in the European Region 08-03-2017

Each year on 8 March the global community recognizes International Women’s Day as a time to reflect on and celebrate progress made towards women’s rights, as well as to build momentum and support for further action. This year, the United Nations theme for the day is “Women in the changing world of work: Planet 50-50 by 2030”, referring to achieving true gender equity by the year 2030.

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”.

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

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

WHO/Europe launches new report on women’s health and well-being in Europe 14-09-2016

Women are in focus as the 66th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe considers the Strategy on women’s health and well-being in the WHO European Region. The new report “Women’s health and well-being in Europe: beyond the mortality advantage” supports the Strategy with key facts. It shows the impact of gender-based inequalities interacting with social, economic and environmental determinants, and looks at how people-centred health systems can respond to women’s needs throughout the life-course.

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

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

High-level delegation from Sweden visits WHO/Europe 02-09-2016

Health 2020 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development were in focus during a visit to WHO/Europe by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare and the Public Health Agency of Sweden on 1 September 2016. The visit provided Swedish counterparts with insights into WHO’s work at regional, national and subnational levels, as well as an opportunity to discuss how WHO/Europe can work with, in and for the country.

Day 2 of the World Health Assembly: Highlights for the European Region 26-05-2016

Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, addressed the World Health Assembly on 24 May 2016. She stressed the links between climate change and health, including those related to the spread of vector-borne diseases. Her address was followed by a technical briefing that underscored the need for multisectoral action for achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and agreement on a new resolution on meeting those goals.

Women Deliver Conference – European Region challenged as best place for women and girls 20-05-2016

"We all share a common conviction – that girls and women are the key to building healthy, prosperous and sustainable societies and communities," said Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess of Denmark, Patron of the Women Deliver Conference 2016 and Patron of WHO/Europe, at the Conference's opening ceremony. "And the evidence is sound – when we invest in girls and women, society as a whole benefits."

WHO strategy highlights challenges and way forward for women’s health 18-05-2016

Although women in the WHO European Region generally have longer life expectancy than men, they also spend more years in ill health. The quality of life and well-being they experience is often unsatisfactory and there are also health inequities within and between countries in the Region. To unlock enormous gains, reduce inequalities and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), women and girls must be able to fully realize their right to health with a focus on gender-specific needs.

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

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

WHO Europe concludes two-day technical consultation on a European strategy for women's health 06-01-2016

On 16–17 December 2015, technical experts gathered in Copenhagen, Denmark to discuss strategic directions and key areas for action of a European strategy for women's health 2017–2021. This is the first consultation in the strategy development process, aiming to conclude in September 2016 with a resolution by the 66th session of the Regional Committee for Europe.

Development of a European regional strategy on women’s health 30-09-2015

Women in the WHO European Region have better health than those in most countries of the world, but inequities are increasing both between and within countries in the Region.

Day 1 highlights: RC65 opens with emphasis on intersectoral action 14-09-2015

HRH The Crown Princess of Denmark and the WHO Regional Director for Europe opened the 65th session of the Regional Committee (RC65), recognizing intersectoral action as its overarching theme. The President of the Republic of Lithuania welcomed over 300 delegates to Vilnius.

Global strategy for women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health 08-05-2015

Launched in September 2010 by the UN Secretary-General, the Global strategy for women's and children's health has contributed to significant improvement worldwide in women's and children's survival and health.

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.

High cancer burden due to overweight and obesity in most European countries 28-11-2014

A new study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), WHO’s specialized cancer agency, shows that overweight and obesity are a major risk factor for cancer: responsible for an estimated 3.6% (481 000) of all new cancer cases globally in 2012. In most countries in the WHO European Region, the percentage of new cases that can be attributed to overweight and obesity is higher than this global rate.

Round table discussion on increasing access to cervical cancer screening among Roma women in Serbia 27-11-2014

A round table discussion on strengthening national capacity and intersectorial collaboration for achieving equity in national strategies, programmes and activities for health, using the example of the national programme for the early detection of cervical cancer was held in Belgrade, on 24 September 2014.  Organized by the WHO Country Office in Serbia, in collaboration with the National Health Authorities of the Republic of Serbia, the discussion took place at the Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut Institute of Public Health of Serbia.

Development of a new child and adolescent health strategy in the Republic of Moldova 14-07-2014

To help improve noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevention and control, the Republic of Moldova is developing a new strategy for child and adolescent health and development (CAHD). A policy dialogue on integrating gender, equity and rights in the new strategy, in line with the principles of the European policy framework Health 2020, was organized on 27 May 2014 by the Ministry of Health with WHO/Europe support. The event brought together representatives from the ministries of health, social affairs, education, youth and sports, as well as the youth-friendly health services network, youth and gender equality organizations, inter-agency partners and development agencies.

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.

International Women’s Day – ‘Equality for women is progress for all’ 07-03-2014

Globally, over 800 women die every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Even though these deaths have fallen by half over the last 20 years, the rate of decline is less than half of what is needed to achieve the 2015 target of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

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.

WHO Collaborating Centre on Social Inclusion and Health celebrates first anniversary 15-10-2013

The University of Alicante recently celebrated the first anniversary of the designation of the Interuniversity Institute of Social Development and Peace (IUDESP) as WHO Collaborating Centre on Social Inclusion and Health.

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.

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.

Slovenian Journal of Public Health releases issue on health inequalities among women 06-03-2013

The Slovenian Journal of Public Health ("Zdravstveno varstvo") has dedicated a special issue to health inequalities among women. The printed version of the thematic issue is scheduled for publication in June 2013, however, recognizing that the important evidence presented in the articles could contribute to evidence-based policies in Slovenia and beyond, the Editorial Board moved to publish the online version right away.

First step to stronger collaboration with UNFPA 05-12-2012

WHO/Europe works closely with the United Nations Population Fund Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (UNFPA EECARO) in a broad range of health areas. On 3 December 2012, Werner Haug, Regional Director of UNFPA EECARO, met Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, to discuss strengthening strategic collaboration between the two agencies.

Entre Nous focusing on child marriage 04-12-2012

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

WHO opens new collaborating centre on social inclusion and health 04-10-2012

WHO has designated a WHO Collaborating Centre on Social Inclusion and Health at the University of Alicante, Spain. Dr Daniel La Parra, of the University, will lead the Centre.

New Gender and Health publication is available in Eurohealth series 13-08-2012

The Eurohealth Observer commemorates the life and work of Dr Concepción (Concha) Colomer Revuelta, Director of the Women’s Health Observatory of the Spanish Ministry of Health, who passed away in 2011. Her life-long work and dedication not only profoundly shaped gender mainstreaming in health policy within her native Spain, but also made a significant contribution to strategies and actions at the international level through the work of WHO, both within Europe and the Americas…

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

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

Kills when used as prescribed – tobacco industry successfully targets girls with new marketing tactics 30-05-2012

A lethal combination of new media and a new market is threatening public health, with creative marketing tactics leading to a striking rise in smoking prevalence among women and girls in the WHO European Region. Tobacco-industry interference is the theme for World No Tobacco Day 2012.

Adolescent girls’ health 07-03-2012

Girls are more vulnerable than boys to certain health risks and conditions, such as depression and some sexually transmitted infections. WHO/Europe underlines the importance of targeted, gender-responsive policies, for International Women’s Day, 8 March.

The series of “Young people’s health as a whole-of-society response” 21-02-2012

The series of “Young people’s health as a whole-of-society response” shows that gender differences and inequalities affect various aspects of illness, health and wellbeing in girls and boys in the European Region.

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

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

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

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

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

Gender mainstreaming in WHO: what is next? 02-11-2011

WHO presents the main findings and conclusions of the mid-term review of the WHO Strategy for integrating gender analysis and actions into the work of WHO. The document also explains the review methodology used and proposes key recommendations as to how to more effectively mainstream gender across the Organization in 2012 and 2013.

Cervical cancer prevention – programme managers meet in Istanbul to strengthen decision-making and share experiences and best practice 05-10-2011

More than 40 Member States will meet in Istanbul to review progress and share experience, best practices and lessons learned within cervical cancer prevention. The meeting will take place 11-12 October 2011.

Women’s health in prison 04-10-2011

Women are paying a higher price in prison than men. WHO/Europe and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime have developed three checklists to ensure greater safety and better quality health care for these women.

Imprisonment and women’s health: concerns about gender sensitivity, human rights and public health 01-09-2011

Imprisoned women have more and different health-care needs compared with male prisoners. Their needs are related to reproductive health issues, mental health problems, drug dependencies and histories of violence and abuse, and often their status as a mother and usually the primary carer for her children.

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.

Integrating gender, equity and other social determinants in the Turkmen state health programme 26-04-2011

In cooperation with the Turkmenistan Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, the WHO Country Office in Turkmenistan held a workshop 6-7 April 2011 on integrating gender, social determinants and equity in the state health programme.

Turkey focuses on combating women’s cancer 05-04-2011

Despite Turkey having one of the lowest incidences of registered cancer cases in the European region, both cervical and breast cancer have increased over the past 5 years. On 3 April 2011, the Cancer Department of the Ministry of Health in Turkey organized an International Symposium to launch “Cancer week 1-7 April 2011”. The Minister of Health of Turkey launched the event emphasizing that 2011 will be dedicated to women’s cancer.

International Women’s Day celebrates a centenary of achievements 08-03-2011

International Women’s Day on 8 March 2011 celebrates a centenary of achievements in women’s health, education and rights. This year’s focus is “Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathways for decent work for women”.

Gender equality key to Millennium Development Goals 28-02-2011

Gender equality and empowerment of women – Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 3 – contribute to progress on all other MDGs, especially MDG 4 on reducing childhood mortality and MDG 5 on improving maternal health.

Are we on track? Progress towards MDG 3, 4 and 5 in Europe. Entre Nous 71, 2011 10-02-2011

How health systems can accelerate progress towards Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 on child and maternal health by promoting gender equity 07-02-2011

This briefing highlights the implications that gender inequity has for the achievement of MDG 4 and 5 on maternal and child health. It is a follow-up to World Health Assembly resolution 63.15, which urges Member States to renew their commitment to prevent and eliminate maternal, newborn and child mortality and morbidity and to World Health Assembly resolution 60.25 that urges WHO and Member States to integrate gender analysis into their work. The briefing focuses on the actions that health systems can take to address gender inequity within and beyond the health sector.

Violence against women: an urgent public health priority 12-01-2011

Violence against women has been described as “perhaps the most shameful human rights violation, and the most pervasive.”1 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.

Empower women – Combating tobacco industry marketing in the WHO European Region 20-12-2010

Over the last two decades, smoking by women and girls in many parts of the WHO European Region has increased, largely owing to skilful and successful marketing by the tobacco industry. It has tailored campaigns to target women and girls, and the tobacco control community needs to do the same. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) expresses alarm at the increase in women and girls’ use of tobacco. This monograph uses examples of action taken in the Region to provide countries with a guide and ideas about what action could and should be taken, in the context of the WHO FCTC’s articles and guidelines.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 25-11-2010

25 November is the official international day for the elimination of violence against women where governments, international organizations and NGOs are organizing activities designated to raise public awareness of the problem. It has been observed on November 25 each year since 2000.

WHO organizes policy dialogue for better evidence to improve women's health through gender and health statistics. Washington, USA, 25–27 October, 2010 14-10-2010

The WHO Department of Gender, Women and Health (GWH) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the Americas (AMRO) will hold a meeting A policy dialogue for better evidence to improve women's health through gender and health statistics.

Progress regarding MDGs 3, 4 and 5. Draft conclusions from WHO meeting of national focal points for family and community health in Durres, Albania. 06-10-2010

Government officials, UN agencies and other partners from more than 25 countries met in Durres, Albania last week to take stock of the progress in achieving MDGs 3 (Promote gender equality and empower women), 4 (Reduce child mortality) and 5 (To improve maternal health) in the WHO European Region.

Achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on improving Child and Maternal Health and Gender Equality in the WHO European Region 28-09-2010

Government officials, UN agencies and other partners from more than 25 countries are convening in Durres, Albania these days to review the progress in achieving MDGs 3, 4 and 5 in the WHO European Region.

Achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on improving Child and Maternal Health and Gender Equality in the WHO European Region - Upcoming meeting of focal points in Albania, Durres, 28-30 September 28-08-2010

WHO/Europe is organizing a meeting for Government officials, UN agencies and other partners with the overall aim to review the progress in achieving MDGs 3, 4 and 5 in the WHO European Region, and identify immediate and long term actions for the reduction of child mortality and improvement of maternal health in the region. The meeting will emphasize how gender inequalities impact on the achievement of MDG 4 and 5.

Red Alert on Women's Hearts 07-06-2010

Report by the European Heart Network on Women and Cardiovascular Research in Europe, November 2009

Heart disease leading cause of death in women 27-05-2010

Globally, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in high-income countries, and the second most importance cause in low- and middle-income countries.

World No Tobacco Day 2010 focuses on gender 22-05-2010

The theme for World Tobacco Day 2010 – Gender and tobacco with an emphasis on marketing to women responds to the increasing number of women smokers worldwide. 

New WHO report on environment and health risks 15-04-2010

The document Environment and health risks: a review of the influence and effects of social inequalities was prepared as a background document to the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and health held in Parma, 10-12 March 2010.  Chapter 10 Gender inequities in environment and health reviews the existing evidence on how gender influences the four regional priorities indentified by the Children's Environment and health Action Plan for Europe: water and sanitation, physical activity, indoor and outdoor pollution and chemical free environments.

National advocacy campaign “16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence” 18-11-2009

The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Joint United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the WHO Regional Office for Europe call for better protection of women from violence and empowerment of women to have a leading role in society.