European Public Health Alliance

EPHA joins the NGO Liaison Group of the Economic and Social Committee

Jessica Imbert — 2009-07-02T14:28:26Z

On 17 June 2009, EPHA officially became a member of the NGO Liaison Group of the European Economic and Social Committee. This new status will enable EPHA to present its members' key concerns and recommendations to another EU institution.

What is the NGO Liaison Group of the European Economic and Social Committee ?

In 2004, the EESC established a Liaison Group to interact with European civil society organisations and networks. The group was designed to be both a liaison body and a structure for political dialogue.

The Liaison Group ensures that the EESC has a coordinated approach towards these organisations and networks, as well as monitoring joint initiatives.

Out of 19 members, EPHA is the only public health representative in the Liaison Group.

Meeting on 17 June 2009

The meeting of the Liaison Group on 17 June was the first under the mandate of EESC President Mario Sepi.

The Secretariat was given the opportunity to present EPHA to the representatives of the EESC and to the members of the Liaison Group. EPHA was then officially accepted as a member of the Liaison Group. Strict membership criteria must be respected, such as having a permanent structure and having members in more than half of the EU Member States.

This new status recognises the key role of the public health community in the dialogue between EU institutions and the civil society. As a member of the Liaison Group, EPHA will increase its visibility and its network and will take every opportunity to raise EPHA's member's concerns and recommendations to the members of the EESC.

Afterwards, a session on the Commission's register of interest representatives took place. Olivier Hoedeman from Corporate Europe Observatory and Gérard Legris from DG Secretariat General expressed their different views on the issue. Mr Hoedeman pointed out the weaknesses of the current voluntary register.

At the next session, EPHA learnt that the EESC is currently drafting an own-initiative opinion on Article 11 of the Lisbon Treaty which will be published in March/April 2010. EPHA will continue to monitor developments related to this dossier.

For further information

EESC NGO Liaison Group Website

Composition of the Liaison Group

Mandate of the Liaison Group

EPHA related articles

**Update** EU lobbying transparency a step closer but still some way to go

*Update with the outcome* The Commission's Register of Interest Representatives

CAP Transparency : Commission to start infringement procedure against Germany

Jo Jewell, EPHA — 2009-07-02T14:14:13Z

On 16 June 2009, the European Commission expressed its 'extreme' disappointment that details of all beneficiaries of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) have not been fully published in Germany. Under EU law, the deadline for publishing details of all recipients of EU funding was 30 April 2009.

The German Federal Government finally published its data on 16 June, but the state of Bavaria has decided not to publish. In these circumstances, the European Commission has no choice but to start an infringement procedure against Germany.

The Common Agriculture Policy was initially established to guarantee stable supplies of food to European citizens at a reasonable price, and a fair standard of living for its farmers. Successive reforms have shifted its focus somewhat, and today there is an enormous emphasis on meeting the needs and concerns of consumers and citizens in relation to food quality and safety, animal welfare and the environment.

Council Regulation 1290/2005 requires the relevant department of agriculture to publish, on its website, details of beneficiaries of schemes funded or co-funded by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) or the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

It is hoped that increased transparency of CAP funding will help the preparations for an informed debate on the future of the CAP after 2013. Transparency should also improve the management of the funds by "reinforcing public control" over how the money is spent. Commission for Agriculture and Rural Development Mariann Fischer Boel stressed the fact that this is taxpayers' money, and it is therefore very important that people know where it is being spent.

In the run-up to the CAP review in 2013, Member States are already positioning themselves, yet concrete conclusions from the Council are still to be issued. The Czech Presidency failed to adopt Council Conclusions on the future of the CAP on 22 June 2009, and the French Presidency found it similarly hard to reach an agreement with all the Member States. The negotiations on the European budget and the CAP post-2013 appear to be particularly difficult, with both the 'liberals' (UK, Sweden, Denmark) and the new Member States standing their ground. The new Member States in particular want to see more emphasis put on making the CAP more equitable across the EU.

For more information

DG Agriculture and Rural Development CAP Beneficiaries site

EPHA related articles

*Update with the Agriculture Council - November 2008* School Fruit Scheme - A step forward in the CAP reform

Parliament Report on the CAP Health Check and Agriculture Council Compromise on EU's agricultural future

NGOCAP meeting, 9 September 2008

CAP Health Check goes a step further towards modernisation and simplification

Agriculture Commissioner speaks to the AGRI Committee on CAP

The ongoing CAP reform

Health agencies join forces to fight chronic non-communicable diseases

Jo Jewell, EPHA — 2009-07-02T13:49:29Z

In a press release on their new website, six of the world's leading health agencies, who collectively manage an estimated 80% of all public health research funding, have announced the formation of a landmark alliance to collaborate in the battle against chronic, non-communicable diseases.

The health impact and socio-economic cost of these largely preventable diseases is enormous. Unless action is strengthened, experts estimate that up to 388 million people will die of one or more non-communicable diseases within the next decade (these include cardiovascular diseases, several cancers, chronic respiratory conditions and type 2 diabetes).

The work of the Alliance will have a particular focus on the needs of low and middle income countries and low income populations in more developed countries.

The founding members of the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases include :

Australia National Health and Medical Research Council
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
The Medical Research Council
The National Institutes of Health, specifically its National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), and the Fogarty Institute.

The World Health Organization is to join the Alliance as an observer to facilitate support for the implementation of the World Health Assembly-approved "Action Plan for the Global Strategy for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases."

The following research priorities for the Alliance have been proposed by some of the founding members. They will be discussed at their inaugural scientific meeting in November 2009 :

Test ways to prevent cardiovascular diseases and complications of diabetes
Identify and promote public health measures for controlling obesity
Characterise and quantify the major risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (both tobacco and environmental pollution) and the development of control measures
Advance research into the problem of tobacco consumption and its relationship to cancer, cardiovascular disease and disorders
Develop interventions to address the above priorities.

For more information

Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases

Dr Margaret Chan : Greater equity in health should be a progress indicator

Jo Jewell, EPHA — 2009-07-02T13:46:43Z

In a powerful address to the United Nations Secretary-General's Forum on Advancing Global Health in the Face of Crisis, 15 June 2009, the Director General of the WHO called for "transformational change" in the policies that govern international relations. Blind faith in economic growth and gain has been misplaced and now, in light of the financial crisis, global leaders should recognise health as a worthy pursuit in its own right.

Many of the points made in the speech, Dr Margaret Chan conceded, were self-evident to health professionals who have been calling for such change for decades, if not longer. However, as a result of multiple crises (including a fuel crisis, a food crisis, and a financial crisis) some of the arguments are now being voiced by experts and leaders in other sectors, including sectors with far more political clout than health.

Radical policy changes, she said, could address the global health imbalances that are today greater that at any time in recent history. Differences within and between countries, in income levels, opportunities and health status bear testament to the existence of hugely vulnerable populations and health systems that exclude the poor. Dr Chan stressed the fact that a health system is a social institution that, if properly managed, can contribute to social cohesion and stability.

The public health argument has powerful support in the findings of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health, and leaders at the G20 summit in London spoke of a fundamental re-engineering of the international systems in order to respond to social values and concerns. Now is the time, therefore, to see greater equity in the health status of populations integrated as a key indicator of how civilised society is making progress. Public health, when supported by the right policies in other sectors can solve social problems in a "sustainable, efficient, evidence-based and equitable way."

The financial crisis has prompted a whole host of questions to discover what went wrong and why, and this period of self-reflection must be seized as an opportunity and not squandered. In Europe and beyond, health inequalities have been widening for decades, and the public health community has been pointing to the existence of vulnerable populations and a strong social gradient in health for just as long. However, in light of the financial crisis that has brought the issue to the headlines, and has put more groups at risk of ill health and social exclusion, there is now an opportunity for a change of paradigm.

For more information

World Health Organisation

WHO Social Determinants of Health

FEANTSA Toolkit and Briefing on Alcohol and Homelessness

Jo Jewell, EPHA — 2009-07-02T10:23:13Z

As part of its commitment in the framework of the European Alcohol and Health Forum, FEANTSA has gathered information relating to homelessness and alcohol addiction. This briefing paper gives an overview of the main issues, which should be taken into account when addressing alcohol addiction and homelessness.

Based on the input from FEANTSA's working group on health and social protection, the briefing paper reveals that there are generally high levels of substance misuse among homeless people and alcoholism appears to be a chronic problem among people experiencing homelessness. A great proportion of the rough sleeper population is alcohol reliant or has alcohol abuse problems, and they are more likely to die from unnatural causes, such as drugs or alcohol poisoning, than the general population.

Aside from the problem of dependency itself, alcohol abuse brings a range of serious secondary illnesses, such as hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis, pancreatitis or diabetes. Long-term abuse carries a significant risk of developing mental health problems, while existing mental health problems may be aggravated.

For more information

FEANTSA


FEANTSA Alcohol and Homelessness Toolkit

Health and Europe Centre to host 'WASTED : An International Conference on Alcohol and Young People'

Jo Jewell, EPHA — 2009-06-23T13:53:01Z

The Health and Europe Centre has announced that registration is now open for WASTED : An International Conference on Alcohol and Young People, which will take place at The Ashford International Hotel, Ashford, Kent on 20th November 2009.

The conference will provide examples of interventions trialled in a range of settings in the UK, Europe and North America, which have shown promising results in reducing alcohol consumption amongst children and young people. Speakers will include Tony Goodall, Alcohol and Substance Misuse Lead for NHS Leeds and Dr Lars Møller, European Regional Advisor for the World Health Organization. Case studies will include the Strengthening Families Programme (UK), Örebro Prevention Programme (Sweden) and the ‘Be Under Your Own Influence' social marketing campaign from the USA.

Delegates will contribute to a lively discussion about how the showcased examples could be adapted to enhance local service delivery and the steps necessary to achieve this.

The cost of attending this conference is £75.00 + VAT. The working language of the conference is English.

The conference will run from 9am until 4.30pm. For further information about the speakers, case studies and to register, please go to the conference website.

Updated Call for registrations : European Conference on Healthy Stadia

Tina Blain, EPHA — 2009-06-23T10:46:00Z

This article is updated with information on the 'early bird' discount rate of the conference.

As part of the work to tackle men's health, the European Healthy Stadia Conference will take place on Monday 21 September 2009 in Liverpool, UK. The Conference will present work undertaken by sports clubs and stadia across Europe in improving health outcomes, and for men in particular as the main users of these facilities.

The European Healthy Stadia Programme is part funded through the European Public Health Programme and aims to tackle stadia as a setting to address men's health.

The European Healthy Stadia Conference will take place on Monday 21 September 2009 in Liverpool, UK.

The target audience of the conference is public health agencies, sporting stadia and club representatives concerned with health promotion, facilities management, corporate and social responsibility and community engagement and sustainability across Europe.

The conference will include presentations from representatives from DG SANCO, UEFA, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and representatives from sporting stadia across Europe in an attempt to highlight examples of best practice areas such as healthy food & drink options, racism and organized violence and community engagement. The Italian and Polish Minister for Sport will also be present at the conference.

Registration for the conference is available on-line at http://healthystadia.eventbrite.com/

The ‘early bird' discount rate of £230 runs out on 1 July 2009.

Job Opportunity at FEANTSA

Jo Jewell, EPHA — 2009-06-19T13:08:13Z

FEANTSA is currently looking for a part-time Finance and Administration Assistant– 20 hours per week to start on 1 September 2009.

For more information

Please go to FEANTSA's website

3rd Romanian Tobacco Control Conference

Jessica Imbert — 2009-06-19T12:35:43Z

Betweeen 25-27 June 2009, the European Network for Smoking Prevention (ENSP) will participate in the 3rd Romanian Tobacco Control Conference organised by the Romanian Society of Pneumology, in cooperation with Iasi Hospital of Pneumology and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa“ Iasi.

Florence Berteletti Kemp (Smokefree Partnership) and Cornel Radu-Loghin (European Network for Smoking Prevention) will chair the plenary session and will inform the participants about the latest issues related to tobacco control at the European level.

This Conference will be an reference point for the tobacco control community in Romania and an important opportunity for the health promotion sector to consider the latest research in tobacco control and to share strategies that aim to reduce smoking prevalence and extend smokefree environments in Romania.

For further information

Conference website

EPHA Open letter on Pharmaceutical Policy in the European Commission

Ralph Hughes, EPHA — 2009-06-17T15:36:48Z

As part of a sustained and long-lasting campaign, EPHA, BEUC and AIM have called for a European Commission that deals with pharmaceutical policy as part of health policy and not industry policy. This move follows on from a press release sent out by a coalition of stakeholders on 16 June 2009 that congratulated Ministers on their work on the Information to Patients part of the Pharmaceutical Package and calls for a policy transfer.

The process defining the composition of the new European Commission will be a long and difficult one. Negotiations between the Member States on the different Commissioners' portfolios have started informally and discussions will most probably last until late Autumn.

One of the key issues for the public health community is the question of pharmaceutical policy. Although pharmaceuticals form an integral part of health policy, this dossier is dealt with at the European Commission level within the Enterprise Directorate General. Actors from the public health community, consumer organisations, health insurers, etc, have been pointing out this anomaly for a long time. These organisations are now advocating for a switch of competency in pharmaceutical policy, which should be the responsibility of the European Commissioner dealing with health policy and managed within a health focused Directorate General.

The negotiations about the shape of the European Commission and the allocation of posts among Commissioners will take place over several months. Therefore, we need to maintain a campaign to keep the issue of a transfer of competence on pharmaceuticals high on the political agenda.

Further to a number of letters submitted by various health, consumers and health insurers organisations and to a press release on pharmaceutical policy (which includes a statement on the need to switch competency on this file), EPHA, BEUC and AIM have written a joint open letter to Mr. Barroso and to the Heads of European States, calling for pharmaceutical policy to be dealt with by a health-focused directorate.

We encourage you to join the campaign, using the open letter as a basis and contact MEPs, your ministry of health and the prime minister. It is worth noting that at national level, pharmaceuticals are managed by ministries of health, so a transfer of competence would bring the European level much closer in line with the way that national governments view and manage pharmaceutical policy

In order to sustain this campaign, we bring this letter to your attention and encourage you to use its text if needed, adapt it to the position of your organisation, add further arguments that you find relevant and circulate it to the relevant actors on the European arena. A cascade of such letters from various relevant actors in the field would ensure that the topic is visible to policy makers and remains on the political agenda.

This is a campaign with many facets, to read the press release submitted on 16 June 2009 please click here

To read and use the letter that was sent out to President Barroso and Heads of state, please click here

European Public Health Alliance

EPHA joins the NGO Liaison Group of the Economic and Social Committee

What is the NGO Liaison Group of the European Economic and Social Committee ?

Meeting on 17 June 2009

For further information

EPHA related articles

CAP Transparency : Commission to start infringement procedure against Germany

Health agencies join forces to fight chronic non-communicable diseases

Dr Margaret Chan : Greater equity in health should be a progress indicator

FEANTSA Toolkit and Briefing on Alcohol and Homelessness

Health and Europe Centre to host 'WASTED : An International Conference on Alcohol and Young People'

**Updated** Call for registrations : European Conference on Healthy Stadia

Job Opportunity at FEANTSA

3rd Romanian Tobacco Control Conference

EPHA Open letter on Pharmaceutical Policy in the European Commission

Updated Call for registrations : European Conference on Healthy Stadia