Diabetes

EPHA calls on the Danish government to maintain its leadership in public health in Europe

EPHA reacted in an open letter to an article published last July 1 in the Belingske Tiderne, a Danish Newspaper. The story reported on discussions and negotiations on the Danish tax reform, and in particular, about a possible withdrawal of the Danish tax on saturated fat. The statement, addressed to Möger Thor Pedersen, Minister of taxation and Astrid Krag Kristensen, Minister of health and prevention, emphasises the importance of maintaining the tax and thus the country leadership in (...)

WHO releases the World health statistics 2012 report

What is the World Health Statistics report? The World Health Statistics report, published every year, contains a WHO’s annual compilation of data from 194 countries on a range of mortality, disease and health system indicators as well as risk factors and behaviours that affect health directly. The report also includes a progress summary on health-related Millennium Development Goals and targets. This year’s report provides evidence of the dramatic increase in the conditions (...)

"Living longer, better" - European Conference on Chronic Diseases - 11 May 2012.

On the 11 May, the European COPD Coalition organises a Conference on the EU reflection process on chronic diseases, entitled ’Living Longer, better’ - in parternship with EHN, ECCO, ERS and IDF Europe - EPHA members. Venue: Mundo B building, Rue d’Edimbourg 26, 1040 Brussels When: Friday 11 May (following the EU Health Policy Forum), from 10.00 to 16.00 including a lunch break (sandwich lunch is provided) Objective of the Conference: This will be a unique opportunity (...)

EPHA highlights advantages of EU engagement at German Dietitian Association annual congress

EPHA was invited to provide a welcome speech at the 54th annual national congress of the German Dietitian Association (VDD) in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony (Germany). On it, EPHA highlighted the benefits of networking at a national and European level, and the expertise that dietitians can bring to the policy table. VDD is a member of the European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD), which in turn is a member of EPHA. In her opening speech, VDD President Doris Steinkamp called (...)

EPHA Media Coverage - Food taxes

EPHA has been leading work at the EU level to advocate for taxes to be applied to foods high in sugar, salt and fat, and for subsidies to be given to fruit, vegetables and wholegrains. The following is a summary of the press coverage which we have received for the work. Euractiv (march 2012) Health.in.gr - Δεν «χαλιναγωγείται» η παχυσαρκία (...)

***Update October 2012*** Food taxation in Europe: Evolution of the legislation

More and more countries adopt stricter food taxation and food fiscal measures, as a response to the obesity epidemics and the financial crisis. This article will be updated regularly with the evolution of the legislation in EU Member States. Overview of the discussions and/or implementation of such measures in European countries In January 2010, the Romanian Government announced the possible introduction of a tax that would impact on foods that are high in fats, salt, sugars and (...)

EPHA briefing on food taxation and other fiscal measures

An increasing number of European countries consider introducing ’fat’ or ’sugar’ taxes as a combined response to both the economic crisis and the fight against obesity. EPHA has developed a briefing to assess how such taxes could be implemented and which fiscal measures would make healthier options more affordable and the unhealthy more expensive. Because the price of a product is one of the elements that strongly influences its purchase, an increasing number of (...)

EPHA Open Letter to the Irish Minister for Health on the proposed sugar tax

Dr James Reilly, Minister for Health of Ireland, announced in last September considering introducing a sugar tax on sugar-sweetened drinks. The European Public Health Alliance welcomes the initiative and strongly encourages the Government to take its initiative forward. In September 2011, Dr James Reilly, Minister for Health of Ireland, announced he is considering introducing a sugar tax on sugar-sweetened drinks. Ireland is, as many European countries, seriously affected by overweight, (...)

EPHA Summary of the EU Platform for action on Diet, Physical activity and Health

A meeting of the EU Platform for action on Diet, Physical activity and Health took place on 6th of October 2011. Participants exchanged on the issues of education and communication, notably on the establishment of a framework to communicate on the Platform achievements. Further information about the Platform meeting are available below. On Thursday 6th of October 2011, members of the EU Platform for action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health met and discussed the issues of education and (...)

Current front-of-package labelling of children’s food products confuse and mislead parents

A new study from the Prevention Institute examined the front-of-pack labelling of children’s food products in the US and concluded that 84% of the studied products failed to meet basic nutritional standards and 95% contained added sugar. In addition, the study found that front-of-package labels confuse and mislead parents. Over the past few months, the Prevention Institute - based in the US - worked on a study entitled "Claiming Health: Front-of-Package Labeling of Children’s (...)