European Public Health Alliance

EPHA recruits a Communication Coordinator - Spoke person

Anne Hoel, EPHA — 2012-02-09T12:52:23Z

EPHA is currently recruiting a Communication Coordinator/ Spoke person to join its dynamic team. Please send your CV and motivation letter to jobs@epha.org. Interviews will be held along the process as soon as we receive applications that fit the profile. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

We are looking for a flexible and motivated Communication Coordinator / Spoke person who will contribute to our small and dynamic team. You must be able to work in a multi-national environment with fluent French and English. You will be a team player, supporting the goals and values of the European Public Health Alliance.

Please send your CV and motivation letter to jobs@epha.org. Interviews will be held along the process as soon as we receive applications that fit the profile. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

Job Description and Specification

Place: Brussels

Starting Date: as soon as possible

Contract: Permanent (Part time work could be envisaged).

EPHA Response to the Commission Consultation on Drugs

Doriane Fuchs, EPHA — 2012-02-06T16:16:02Z

EPHA responded to the Consultation on the European Commission Communication "Towards a Stronger European Response to Drugs”.

Drug use constitutes a serious threat. It represents an obstacle to human development and achievement, a public health threat but also a threat to economies and political stability.

In its response to the Consultation, EPHA highlights the following issues of importance when tackling drug use:

acting on the drug supply is crucial, so is acting on the drug demand,
preventive actions should be strengthened and they should specifically target the social determinants of health and vulnerable groups that are more responsive to associated risks.
Early identification and intervention would prevent a number of irreparable damages to happen. Therefore, the future Strategy should further emphasise the importance of such programmes,
High quality treatment facilities should be available, affordable and accessible to all and they should take into account the specific needs of the population they treat,
support services should be made available and accessible to users' circle (families, friends),
people affected with HIV represent a considerable part of drug users, therefore they should be further involved in the discussions on the issue.

EPHA Open Letter to the Ministers for Health of Ireland and Northern Ireland on Alcohol Minimum Pricing

Doriane Fuchs, EPHA — 2012-02-06T16:08:29Z

EPHA wrote to the Ministers of Health for Ireland and Northern Ireland following on from the announcement made at the first North/South Conference on alcohol misuse where both Ministers committed to collaboratively tackle the burden of alcohol abuse, notably through action on its affordability, accessibility and availability.

On 6 February 2012, EPHA wrote to the Ministers of Health for Ireland and Northern Ireland in response to the announcement made at the first North/South Conference on alcohol misuse that took place on 26 January 2012. During this Conference, the New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs was notably presented and a commitment to collaboratively tackle the burden of alcohol abuse was announced.

In its letter, EPHA expressed its support for this move and congratulated both Ministers for their willingness to take a bold step forward in the fight against a considerable public health threat. At a population level, alcohol consumption is driven by price, availability and marketing. Consumers are today, more than ever, confronted with cheap, readily available alcohol and outlets selling beer more cheaply than bottled water. This, combined with sophisticated marketing techniques, has led to a significant increase in consumption.

EPHA has consistently advocated actions, in the area of pricing, availability, access and marketing, to reduce alcohol-related harm. The World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe has produced comprehensive reports documenting the evidence for these actions, pricing interventions being the most effective way to reduce levels of consumption and minimum price per unit being the most effective measure of all.

Alcohol use represents a number of challenges that go beyond borders and make collaborative approaches necessary. In that sense, the European public health community welcomed the Ministers' willingness to jointly tackle one of the most preventable disease burdens and hoped this move will have a positive impact on alcohol policy developments across the European region.

First conference on the EU budget focuses on competitiveness and growth
Minimum pricing for alcohol: EPHA applauds landmark move by leading UK retailer
EPHA Briefing on Minimum Pricing for Alcohol

HEAL recruiting Policy Officer: Climate and Air Quality

Alison Abrahams — 2012-02-06T16:04:26Z

The Health & Environment Alliance (HEAL), of which EPHA is a member, is recruiting a part time Climate and Air Quality policy officer to contribute to their work to promote the better integration of public health benefits and impacts within these policies. The Health & Environment Alliance is Europe's leading organisation working on how the environment affects health in the European Union. They are currently looking to recruit a part time policy officer to work on the policy (...) - 5. Healthy environment / environment, Air Quality and Air Pollution, Civil Society, climate change, air pollution, air quality, recruitment

EPHA Press Release: MEPs unite against misleading nutrition claims on “x% less fat”

Alison Abrahams — 2012-02-02T12:24:17Z

PRESS RELEASE

Date: 02 02 2012 Contact person: Alison Abrahams +32 2 233 38 72

MEPs unite against misleading nutrition claims on “x% less fat”

***For Immediate Release***

On 2 February 2012, the European Parliament voted by an overwhelming majority (393 for, 161 against with 21 abstentions) to ban the nutrition claim “now contains x% less”. This is a positive step for public health and a blow for the food industry who had been lobbying hard to allow the misleading claim on food products.

“At a time when obesity and overweight are causing an unprecedented economic and social burden across the EU, Members of the European Parliament showed that they are willing to join together to combat the main risk factors for overweight, obesity, and diet-related diseases which are well known and modifiable” said Monika Kosinska, EPHA Secretary General.

Where previously the claim of “reduced fat” or “reduced sugar” could only have applied when at least 30% of that nutrient had been removed from the product, the proposed health claim would have allowed the claim "now with x% less calories/fat/saturated fat/sugar/salt" as long as (only) 15% of the nutrient has been removed, representing a clear step backwards.

Monika Kosinska added that “EPHA warmly welcomes the European Parliament's vote, exercising their power of scrutiny against what was clearly a misleading marketing ploy by the food industry.”

***END***

Notes to the Editors :

1. EPHA is is the European Platform bringing together public health organisations representing health professionals, patients groups, health promotion and disease specific NGOs, academic groupings and other health associations. Our vision is of a Europe with universal good health and well-being, where all have access to a sustainable and high quality health system : A Europe whose policies and practices contribute to health, both within and beyond its borders.

2. EPHA asks Members of the European Parliament to support food reformulation efforts

3. EU Regulation on Nutrition and Health Claims made on foods: the DHA case

4. Briefing on Nutrition and Health Claims

EPHA asks Members of the European Parliament to support food reformulation efforts

Doriane Fuchs, EPHA — 2012-01-31T13:11:45Z

EPHA produced a Letter asking Members of the European Parliament ENVI Committee to support a Motion for a Resolution opposing a newly authorised nutrition claim. By authorising this claim, the Commission will give food manufacturers a means with which to decrease their reformulation efforts. The vote will take place on 31st of January 2012.

Update 31 January 2012

Members of the ENVI Committee voted today on the Motion for a Resolution and broadly supported the text, with 45 votes in favour, 15 against and 3 abstentions.

Next step: Members of the European Parliament will vote on the Motion for a Resolution on Thursday 2nd of February 2012, during the Brussels plenary. An absolute majority will be needed to stop the newly authorised claim.

The European Parliament ENVI Committee will vote, on Tuesday the 31th of January 2012, on a Motion for a Resolution on the draft Commission Regulation amending Regulation (EC) 1924/2006 with regards to the list of nutrition claims.

According to a newly authorised nutrition claim, food manufacturers will be able to display the following statement "now with x% less calories/fat/saturated fat/sugar/salt". While EPHA fully supports the moves towards encouraging healthy reformulation of products that are high in fat, sugar or salt, we wanted to express a number of concerns in relation to this specific action.

Up to now, food manufacturers could claim “reduced sugar” or “reduced salt” as long as at least 30% of the nutrient had been removed from the product. If, in the future, it is possible to claim “"now with x% less calories/fat/saturated fat/sugar/salt" as long as (only) 15% of the nutrient has been removed, this represents a clear step backwards. EPHA strongly believes that in order to curb the current burden of overweight, obesity and diet-related diseases, reformulation efforts by food manufacturers must not only be substantial but must be accompanied by unambiguous wording on labels and packaging.

It is our view that by authorising this claim, the Commission will in effect give food manufacturers a means with which to decrease their reformulation efforts.

The body of the Letter is available here

EPHA express its disappointment in an Open Letter to the Polish Government on abandoned proposal to raise VAT on unhealthy food products.

Dorota Sienkiewicz, EPHA — 2012-01-30T16:59:10Z

In response to the news announcing that the Polish Parliament proposal to increase the current value added tax (VAT) from 8 to 23% on a series of unhealthy products, had been abandoned, EPHA has sent an Open Letter to the Polish Government. Having consistently advocated for actions to reduce the level of obesity around Europe, EPHA expressed its sincere disappointment to such a missed opportunity.

EPHA Open Letter to the Polish Prime Minister and Polish Ministers of Health, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Finances.

Background

On 10 January 2012 an article was published in the Polish news portal TVN24, “Wyższego VAT nie będzie. Chipsy zdrową żywnością? SPRZECIW RESORTÓW ZDROWIA I ROLNICTWA (in Polish)” ("No to increased VAT. Are chips healthy food?", announcing that the Polish Parliament's proposal to increase the current value added tax (VAT) from 8 to 23% on a series of unhealthy products (in Polish), had been abandoned. EPHA has sent an Open Letter to the Polish Governement in reaction to this news.

Having consistently advocated for actions to reduce the level of obesity around Europe, the European public health community would like to applaud the Polish government for its willingness to address one of the main consumption drivers - price; however, strongly regrets the lack of support expressed by several Ministries to such a proposal when opportunity arisen. Notably, in a surprising move the Ministry of Health - which should have public health of the society at the heart of all decision making, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development - which is responsible for helping to provide society with the fundamental public goods like food of healthy and nutritious value - have therefore missed the opportunity to have an impact on growing chronic diet-related diseases and obesity levels. EPHA expressed its sincere disappointment to such a back track.

Rationale

Poland, as many European countries, faces overweight, obesity and diet-related diseases that constitute a real burden for society. Beyond the impact on both short- and long-term health outcomes by chronic diet-related diseases and obesity (cardiovascular diseases, cancers, type II diabetes); there is also an economic perspective that should be considered. It is estimated that cardiovascular diseases cost the EU economy in excess of €192 billion every year [1], whilst 75% of them can be avoided [2].

The main risk factors for overweight, obesity, and diet-related diseases are well known and modifiable. Poor diet and a lack of sufficient physical activity result in a situation whereby the energy intake exceeds the amount being expended in our daily lives.

At a population level, food consumption is driven by price, availability and marketing, to which certain social groups are particularly vulnerable – children and adolescents, young families, low socio economic groups notably. Over the last few years, we have witnessed an increase in the consumption of products high in fat, sugar or salt, products that are available at a cheap price and this clearly contributes to the worsening of the situation.

Fiscal measures applied to food policy

EPHA Briefing on Fiscal measures applied to food policy.

While implemented in certain countries since more than 70 years, fiscal measures have been increasingly debated in European Union Member States over the past months. Denmark, Hungary and France notably, adopted law introducing taxation of unhealthy products. Pricing interventions have been shown to produce meaningful changes in patterns of food consumption and a reduction in diet-related diseases, particularly when applied on a multi-nutrient basis. Combined with health promotion measures designed to increase awareness of the health issues associated with a poor diet, the impact of fiscal measures applied to food policy can be significant. EPHA strongly encourages governments to consider using other pricing mechanisms, i.e subsidies to make the healthy options of fruit, vegetables, wholegrain cereals and pulses more widely available and affordable.

If current trends persist, it is estimated that the global burden of non-communicable diseases (CVD, cancer, respiratory diseases and mental health disorders) will cost a total lost output of US $47 trillion over the two coming decades [3]. In order to combat such a burden, it is crucial to obtain support and involvement from all ministries. Health is not only a matter to concern health-related actors. In fact, health – as a public good – is a domain for which all government agencies share their responsibility. Every policy that is implemented has a direct or indirect impact on the population's health. Fiscal policies can play a crucial role in the fight against overweight, obesity and diet-related diseases but for this, the support of multiple Ministries is needed.

The European public health community strongly encourages the Polish Government to reconsider its initiative and take it forwards as the governments of Denmark, Hungary and recently France have done. In times of austerity, food taxation offers governments a two pronged arrow to deal with two of the most pertinent issues they face: not only offering important action to tackle the obesity epidemic by encouraging the consumption of healthy option whilst reducing unhealthy options on the market, but the revenues produced can also boost government budgets – contrained by the ongoing economic crisis.

[1] European Heart Network - European cardiovascular disease statistics (2008)

[2] O'Flaherty & Capewell S. Recent levelling of CHD mortality rates among young adults in Scotland may reflect major social inequalities. BMJ 2009; 339: b2613

[3] The Global Economic Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases, World Economic Forum and Harvard School of Public Health, September 2011

EPHA related articles

Food taxation in Europe: Evolution of the legislation

EPHA news release: 'Fat taxes': answer to obesity and austerity?

EPHA briefing on food taxation and other fiscal measures

EPHA Open Letter on the French 'sweet drinks tax'

EPHA Open Letter to welcome the Hungarian tax on unhealthy products

"Obesity and the Economics of Prevention: Fit not Fat" the new OECD report on obesity

Unveiling the Danish Presidency health priorities

Anne Hoel, EPHA — 2012-01-27T11:55:00Z

From the 1st January to the 30 June 2012, Denmark will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU, with four overarching priorities: a responsible Europe; a dynamic Europe; A green Europe; a safe Europe. In the health field, the Danish presidency will prioritise six main issues.

1 Action Programme in the Field of Health

In 2011, the European Commission presented its proposal for a new Framework Programme in the field of Health called Health For Growth. The Danish Presidency plans to debate the proposal with Member States during its presidency.

2 The EU's Health Strategy

In 2013, the current EU Health Strategy will come to an end. As the health programme expires in 2013, the future of the strategy and the programme will be on the agenda during the Danish Presidency of the Council.

3 Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

The Danish Presidency aims to build on the results of previous presidencies, with a focus on promoting a more rational use of antibiotics and on strengthening and improving the surveillance of the use of and resistance to antibiotics. Denmark is also keen to reduce the use of antibiotics in humans and animals. They will also follow up on theCommission's strategy on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

4 Amendment of the Directive on Tobacco

The European Commission plans to release a proposal to revise the 2001 Tobacco Product Directive. Once released, the draft will be on the agenda of the Danish presidency for assessment with Member States.
EPHA position on the revision of Tobacco Products Directive

5 Amendment of the Transparency Directive

In May 2011, the Commission completed a broad public consultation on the need for an amendment of the Transparency Directive. This is related to the pricing and reimbursement of medical products. When the European Commission publishes its revised proposal, this will be on the agenda of the Danish Presidency.

6 The Health Threats Package

The European Commission recently published its health security package that aims to ensure better coordination of crisis response of major cross border health threats. This will be discussed under the Danish presidency.

Navigating the Danish presidency

Danish presidency portal
Who is who
Health priorities
Calendar

February 2012 Newsletter

Anne Hoel, EPHA — 2012-01-27T11:31:00Z

Welcome to the February 2012 Newsletter!

New Year - Same Challenges

As we move into 2012 we pass a milestone. At the half way point of the European Parliament's mandate and nearing that of Barroso II, 2012 marks a new phase in the Brussels calendar.

Now firmly established in their positions, the European Commissioners have yet to prove that they have are willing to take the bold ambitious steps needed if we are to achieve Europe's vision of a sustainable and promising future. All too often in recent years we have still seen 'jobs and growth' as the dominant mantra - and public health is all too often missing from discussions, or worse being reframed as a tool to drive consumption (of health services and products). The pitiful reference to health in the Multi Annual Financial Framework was within the framework of the Health for Growth programme, and even here the principle theme is innovation rather than public health as a public good, right and value. It could be argued that in Barroso II, the Commission, guardian of European public interests and the values enshrined in the Treaty, needs to 'hook' social and health issues to economic interests first and foremost. The evidence base showing that putting social protection, health and human development at the heart of government decision leads to economic progress and social wealth. The shadow of the failure that was the Lisbon Strategy - the economic crisis was born on the watch of Barroso I and the neo-conservative strategy of the 00s - still falls long into EU2020.

That's not to say the goals it sets are wrong - having a job is crucial to a person's mental and physical health, and not only to GDP, but what if that job is temporary? Or without prospects? Or inadequately paid? Are these quality, sustainable jobs currently being created? Are we pursuing sustainable employment strategies or waiting for the 'markets to sort themselves out'? It is already clear that countries who reduced the burden on business through fiscal incentives, in order for these business to start creating jobs saw these business pocketing the profits and making 'efficiency' cuts. Who will really benefit (and suffer) from these policies?

Speaking of sustainability, plans abound for the seventh Environmental Action Programme (7EAP). At the same time Jo Leinen MEP is the rapporteur of the EP own initiative report on the evaluation of the sixth Environmental Action Programme (6EAP) representing an opportunity to improve the priorities of the 7EAP. Although there is a section dedicated to the Environment and health, there is much room for improvement before the 6EAP expires in July 2012. This is another example of when integrating health into other policies can improve wellbeing.

In the European Parliament changes are underway. The half way point of the 2009 - 2014 mandate means a change in the President of the Parliament and in Committee chairs. On behalf of all at EPHA, I congratulate Matthias Groote MEP (Germany, S&D) on his election as ENVI committee chair. We look forward to working with Mr Groote MEP and his newly elected vice chairs on their work to improve the health of people of in Europe.

Monika Kosinska, EPHA Secretary General

Read all the online articles from our February 2012 Newsletter.

EPHA members can find the following new information in the Members Only section :

Danish Presidency EPHA Member Briefing
Policy Coordination Meetings (PCMs) 2012
Social Platform: 2012 dates/topics of SGI Working Group

The expected release date of EPHA's March 2012 newsletter is the end of February. If an EPHA member would like to highlight their activities in the following newsletter, the submission deadline is 20 February 2012. Please send any relevant items to the EPHA Secretariat.

EPHA priorities for the 7th Environment Action Programme

Dorota Sienkiewicz, EPHA — 2012-01-27T11:27:37Z

EPHA sent comments to the European Parliament draft own initiative report on the 7th Environment Action Programme to ensure that the European Parliament position will take into account fostering a health-promoting physical and social environment as part of the future Environment Action Programme of the EU.

Fostering a health-promoting physical (and social-) environment as one of the core determinants of health and well-being at population level, remains one of the key policy and advocacy aims of EPHA.

At the moment, the EU evaluates the 6th EAP and sets up the priorities of the 7th Environment Action Programme (EAP). The current EAP comes to an end in July 2012 and a new programme is still to be developed, negotiated on and budget's allocated. Being drafted by Jo Leinen MEP (S&D, Germany), the own-initiative report on the matter was therefore a great opportunity for EPHA to express its concerns related to this vital health-environment link.

DRAFT OWN-INITIATIVE REPORT Of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety On the Review of the 6th Environment Action Programme and the setting of priorities for the 7th Environment Action Programme – A better environment for a better life (2011/2194(INI))

Rapporteur: Jo Leinen MEP (S&D, Germany)

Although aimed at reviewing of the 6th EAP and using the review results to identify un-addressed issues and gaps to be included whilst setting of priorities for the 7th EAP, titled "A better environment for a better life", EPHA felt the proposed draft report covered the environment-health-equity issue to an only meager and unsatisfactory extent.

EPHA main messages to MEPs

recognise environment as a contributing factor to many public health persistent and emerging problems such as chronic diet-related diseases, indoor and outdoor air quality (incl. second hand smoke, noise);

highlight significant environmental burden of disease from inadequate housing, fuel and energy poverty, climate change, global warming, biodiversity, food and agricultural practices;

acknowledge environment as one of key determinants of health inequalities where a strong social gradient in distribution of health-aversive environmental factors exists; in particular, vulnerable groups such as children, youth, the poor, the elderly, the Roma and migrants are exposed to poor quality environmental conditions of living and working; moreover, a gender equity dimension should be considered;

in order to achieve a "health in all policies" principle, coherent cross-sector collaboration at all levels of policy making, implementing, monitoring and evaluating should be employed;

efficient and sustainable use of resources should consider impacts on human health, food security and safety, agricultural production and consumption patterns, equal opportunities along with the need to protect the most vulnerable groups;

along with considerations related to agriculture and the Common Agricultural Policy, the issues of food waste, over-reliance on fossil fuels, red meat and dairy production, chemicals and pesticides, and antibiotic resistance were included.

The draft report has been considered at the last meeting (23-25 January 2012) meeting of the ENVI Committee. The amendments were to be tabled by 26 January 2012, to be voted on in the Committee at its next meeting (probably 29 February). EPHA will monitor these proceedings and will present an update upon more information come available.

EPHA related articles

EPHA Briefing Paper on Health Inequalities

EPHA position on the Social Determinants of Health and the Health Divide in the WHO European Region

Bold actions are necessary to make the CAP healthier - agree two Commissioners

EPHA position on the reform of the Common Agriculture Policy

EPHA Briefing on Children's Health

European Charter for Health Equity - open for signatures through 2012

EPHA speaks at Polish Presidency conference on Childhood Chronic Respiratory Diseases

New report on Diet, Physical Activity and Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD) Prevention in Europe

Air pollution in the EU - European Environment Agency assesses the costs

Worldwide burden of disease from second-hand smoke put into numbers

Noise pollution a critical public health problem, new WHO report says