WHO

EPHA co-signs letter in support of WHO Europe Food and Nutrition Action Plan 2014-2020

On June EPHA, together with other 18 public health organisations, sent a letter to the director of the WHO Regional Office for Europe Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab in support of the WHO Europe Food and Nutrition Action Plan 2014-2020 currently under preparation. The organisations welcome a strategic approach towards comprehensive food and nutrition policies, whilst outlining the principles considered fundamental for the Plan. On behalf of the public health community, the signatories to this letter (...)

66th World Health Assembly approves Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020

The Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020, aiming at promoting mental well-being, preventing mental disorders and reducing their burden, was approved during the annual Health Assembly that took place in Geneva between 20-28 May 2013. Health systems are failing worldwide in satisfactorily dealing with the burden of mental disorders. In low and middle-income countries, between 76% and 85% of people with severe conditions receive no treatment; for high-income countries, that range is reduced to (...)

Health systems in times of global economic crisis: an update of the situation in the WHO European Region

WHO has worked with many Member States on various areas of policy to assist them in navigating through the crisis. This work, as well as an in-depth examination of selected countries and the results of a survey on how countries have responded to the crisis by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and WHO, was presented at a recent conference on health systems and the economic crisis (17–18 April Oslo). During the conference in Oslo, the negative impact that the (...)

[EPT] Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) – EP report: EU-wide plan to tackle the proliferation of AMR (22 March 2013)

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) – EP report - EU-wide plan to tackle the proliferation of AMR Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been described as one of the biggest threats to public health - a worrisome development since resistance to drugs designed to treat severe diseases is becoming more widespread. In 2001 the WHO published its Global Strategy for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance, describing what AMR is and what strategies should be (...)

Preventing global non-communicable diseases through low carbon development

Both non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and climate change are enormous threats to global health - synergies attempting to tackle these major health threats have received limited attention to date. The increasing burden of NCDs poses an enormous threat to populations and health systems across the globe. At the same time, the impacts of climate change are predicted to have profound public health effects and there is an urgent need for transition to low-carbon economies. Although important (...)

How to Put Non-Communicable diseases at the Heart of the Global Development Agenda?

The Lancet (the world’s leading medical journal), together with a number of international organisations (e.g.WHO, UNDP, World Bank), national governments and civil society, examined UN progress on the global development agenda. The discussions explored solutions for better accountability for global action on non-communicable disease (NCDs). EPHA, which closely followed the discussion, developed a number of key messages relevant to the public health community. The Lancet (...)

[Joint Press Release] Beyond disappointment – European lawmakers on the side of automobile industry on traffic noise vote

Brussels, February 6 - The European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) (1) and the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) (2) regret the outcome of today’s plenary vote at the European Parliament (EP) on the regulation on the sound level of motor vehicles. The majority of European Parliamentarians – the elected representatives of the citizens - have turned a blind eye to people’s concerns, and prioritised the automobile industry over everyone’s health and well-being. (...)

Circular migration: Silver bullet or placebo solution?

Debates over circular migration to fill employment gaps in industrialised economies are of particular relevance to the health sector, where demographic change and concurrant increases in chronic diseases and multiple morbidities are driving an ever-greater need for qualified health professionals. However, a fine balance needs to be struck between migrants’ individual aspirations and the impact of their migration decision on health systems already hit by the effects of the crisis and (...)

WHO agrees on 25% decrease target in non-communicable diseases-related premature mortality by 2025

On 9 November 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) Member States agreed on a list of global targets to be achieved by 2025. The goals have the general objective of decreasing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 25%, the so-called "25 by 25". The framework consists of nine global targets and 25 indicators. Initiated by recommendations from a WHO Working Group on non-communicable diseases targets back in July 2011, and after a series of open consultations, WHO Member (...)

EPHA service

[Update] Audiovisual Media Service Directive Implementation report adopted by the European Parliament 7th EAP- General Action Programme - THE 7TH ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME (EAP) (updated on 18 March 2013) Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) – EP report - EU-wide plan to tackle the proliferation of AMR (updated on 22 March 2013) CAP reform – new regulations - Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) revision for 2014-2020 (updated on 5 April 2013) Car noise pollution - new EU regulation (...)