News

Communicating about noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors: workshop in Malta for journalists from countries participating in the WHO Small Countries Initiative 03-07-2017

The Fourth High-level Meeting of the Small Countries Initiative took place in St Julian’s, Malta, on 26–27 June 2017. All eight small countries participating in the Initiative (Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, and San Marino) were represented.

Public Health Wales publishes an International Health Strategy 2017–2027 30-06-2017

Public Health Wales has developed and published an International Health Strategy 2017–2027 with the vision of building a globally responsible, world leading and inspiring public health agency, achieving a healthier, happier and fairer Wales. The mission of the Strategy is to maximize the impact of international and global health engagement and partnership in order to protect, improve and promote health and well-being and reduce health inequalities within and beyond Welsh borders.

Regions for Health Network (RHN) and Healthy Cities Network together in Ostrava to build environmental and social resilience 22-06-2017

Between 13 and 15 June 2017 an RHN delegation participated in the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, held in Ostrava, Czech Republic. During the conference a side event was organized, whereby some cities and regions presented the joint statement of the WHO Healthy Cities Network and the RHN. The statement affirms the pledge of the networks to bring global environment and health agendas to the subnational level through decisive, transformative joint action, best practice exchange and peer learning, multi-level and multisectoral collaboration, and the co-creation of solutions.

The RHN presented its activities during the Festival of Economics in Trento (Italy) 09-06-2017

On 1–4 June 2017 Trento (Italy) hosted the Festival of Economics, which this year focused mainly on health inequalities.

The Italian WHO Healthy Cities Network met in Cortona 26-05-2017

On 12 May 2017 the Rete Città Sane OMS (Italian WHO Healthy Cities Network) organized a workshop in Cortona, Italy, to welcome the city of Cortona into the Italian Healthy Cities Network. The event was an occasion to highlight the latest experiences of the network’s cities regarding active ageing, combating addictions and pathological gambling, and the importance of working towards job inclusion, healthy diets, and avoiding food waste.

Improving prison health in Trentino (Italy) 04-05-2017

The United Nations Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners state that “prisoners shall have access to the health services available in the country without discrimination on the grounds of their legal situation”. In Italy this principle has been implemented by means of a national law (the Decreto del Presidente del Consiglio dei Ministri of 1 April 2008) that assigns responsibility for prisoners’ health directly to the National Health Service (removing it from the Ministry of Justice), thereby establishing the equal treatment of citizens within and outside of prison walls.

Scandinavian partnership to support public health change agents 10-04-2017

The Norwegian WHO Healthy Cities Network has joined forces with its fellow networks in Denmark and Sweden to contribute to the development of a new course, the aim of which is to build competencies and know-how among those working to improve health and well-being and reduce health inequities at a local level. Their practice requires being able to bridge policies, sectors and people throughout government and in wider society. Competencies and know-how in areas such as agenda-setting, navigating complex systems, and building and sustaining alliances are essential to achieve this and will be focal elements of the course.

“RØRE 6–19”: a health promoting school project in Norway 05-04-2017

Østfold – a member of the Regions for Health Network (RHN) – is a county in south-eastern Norway, bordering Akershus and south-western Sweden. There are 290 000 inhabitants across 18 municipalities within the county. National statistics show that the inhabitants in Østfold are scoring low on several public health measures compared to the rest of Norway; that is, the education level is lower, there are more health problems and, overall, there are social inequalities in health.

What is resilience and why does it matter for small countries? 31-03-2017

Today, resilience has become a sort of buzzword in academia as well as in a wide range of policy contexts. Many people at all levels speak about resilience, often incorrectly and/or without defining it. Despite some differences, there is agreement in the scientific literature that resilience is related to processes and skills that influence good individual and community health outcomes, in spite of negative events, serious threats and hazards.

The new health social model in Durrës (Albania) 30-03-2017

In February 2016 the Durrës Regional Health Directorate (Albania) – in collaboration with the country’s Ministry of Health and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) office, the Institute of Public Health, Durrës Municipality, and Shijak Municipality – presented a joint intervention programme for the improvement of maternal and child health in the former Durrës District (now Durrës County). This new social model of health has become the new health policy framework in the Durrës Regional Health Directorate.

Take care of yourself with the “Girasole” Project (Ticino) 23-03-2017

An unhealthy lifestyle contributes to the individual and population-wide burden of disease. Taking care of ourselves is therefore important to stay healthy and for well-being – to feel good every day. Starting from this viewpoint the Department of Health and Social Welfare of the Ticino Region, Switzerland, initiated the “Girasole” project, a pilot project that promotes healthy behaviours, in particular physical activity for the adult population aged between 40 and 75 years. Collaboration with family physicians is crucial, since they are in the privileged position to raise awareness among patients on what can effectively improve health and increase well-being.

Lower Austria launches a new EU-funded cross-border health care project with South Moravia and South Bohemia 08-03-2017

As part of the project co-founded with the EU – “Gemeinsam Grenzenlos Gesund” (Unlimited Health Together) – Lower Austria cooperates with its Czech border regions South Moravia and South Bohemia. In the last 8 years many pioneering EU projects have been conducted in this border region, with the project Gemeinsam Grenzenlos Gesund making another step for long-term practical cross-border cooperation.

Networks and partnerships: Wales collaborating for global health 21-02-2017

Public Health Wales and the International Health Coordination Centre (IHCC) are delighted to invite you to attend the third Charter for International Health Partnerships in Wales Celebration Conference “Networks and Partnerships: Wales Collaborating for Global Health”, to be held on the 27 March 2017 in the Future Inns, Cardiff Bay (CF10 4AU).

Newly published - “Advocating intersectoral action for health equity and well-being: the importance of adapting communication to concept and audience” 01-02-2017

The publication “Advocating intersectoral action for health equity and well-being: the importance of adapting communication to concept and audience” offers a detailed report of the contents and topics covered during the 2-day summer school. It focuses specifically on how we communicate public health messages and how this plays a pivotal role in making progress towards implementing our guiding policies, Health 2020 and the 2030 Agenda, and in reaching the SDGs of the latter.

First meeting of the Health and SDGs Expert Working Group provides input to roadmap for health and sustainable development in the Region 25-01-2017

In 2016, countries of the WHO European Region recognized that the Health 2020 policy framework and related World Health Assembly and Regional Committee resolutions provide a strong foundation upon which to position health at the centre of initiatives to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The WHO Regional Committee for Europe also endorsed the development of a roadmap to support countries in this endeavour.

The WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development (Venice Office) has inaugurated its new premises 24-01-2017

Many people attended the inauguration of the new premises of the WHO Venice Office, which took place on 19 January in the magnificent location of the Ss Giovanni e Paolo Hospital, Venice, Italy, thanks to fruitful collaboration between the Veneto Region and the ULSS3 Serenissima.

WHO and European Committee of the Regions join forces to improve European dialogue on health policy 22-11-2016

The European Committee of the Regions and WHO/Europe signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), pledging to combine their efforts in several key areas of public health. The agreement was signed by Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Karl-Heinz Lambertz, First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions and President of the Parliament of the German-speaking Community in Belgium, on 21 November 2016.

WHO networks – call for closer collaboration 03-11-2016

The WHO European Regions for Health Network (RHN) and the WHO European Healthy Cities Network are two longstanding WHO networks. They are built on the same health-for-all principles and values of improving health and well-being for all citizens in Europe and are committed to delivering the WHO Health 2020 strategic goals and framework.

RHN annual meeting 2016: reaching the Global Goals and leaving no one behind 29-09-2016

On 22–23 September 2016, Lithuania hosted the 23rd annual meeting of the Regions for Health Network (RHN) at Raudondvaris Castle in Kaunas region. The meeting focused on how regions can implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Developmen with its central role of health in leaving no one behind.

New publication on scaling up projects and initiatives for better health 27-09-2016

This new WHO publication presents useful tools, tips and recommendations to support the public health workforce in the different stages of developing and implementing a scaling-up strategy. Euregion Meuse-Rhine took the lead in creating the publication with support from the Regions for Health Network.

New publication on the participatory process used to develop the Trentino health plan 20-09-2016

In December 2015, the Autonomous Province of Trento in Italy adopted a strategic health plan for 2015−2025, broadening the concept of health and well-being in the Province from being solely cure-related to encompassing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health. This commitment resulted in a publication that will be presented during the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Regions for Health Network (RHN) to take place on 22–23 September 2016 in Kaunas, Lithuania.

Bicycles Against Racism – Trento’s initiative for social inclusion 08-08-2016

Bicycles Against Racism is an initiative to strengthen the relationship between local and foreign born citizens of Trento, Italy, and asylum seekers.

Investing in sustainable health and well-being in Wales 05-08-2016

Prevention remains a priority in Wales, and we are already adopting many of the approaches advocated in this report.

Mindfulness at school: the Østfold’s pilot project 25-07-2016

A small pilot project to include mindfulness classes in Kalnes upper secondary school in 2015 has expanded in the 2015/2016 school year to include more students and teachers. The project is part of Østfold County Council's (Norway) health-promoting schools initiative, one of its priority areas.

Summer School on using evidence to promote health equity and well-being 19-07-2016

On 6–7 July 2016, Pomurje Region (Slovenia), a member of the WHO Regions for Health Network (RHN), hosted a Summer School on advocacy and translation of evidence for different audiences on intersectoral action for health equity and well-being that brought together senior civil servants and public health experts from across the WHO European Region.

Wales hosts study visit on sustainable development approaches to health and equity 18-07-2016

On 27–28 June 2016, Wales hosted a study visit that brought together 21 delegates from 16 countries and participants who shared ideas and practical approaches for linking the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and population health and well-being in strategic and operational contexts. It was organized by the International Health Coordination Centre, Public Health Wales, EuroHealthNet and the European Commission, together with the WHO Regions for Health Network (RHN).

Environment and health for European cities in the 21st century 07-07-2016

With more than 80% of Europeans expected to live in urban areas by 2030, a rapidly ageing population and increasing migration to cities, urban, man-made environments have become the dominant environmental determinant of health and well-being. Cities provide a vital setting where different policies converge and can be integrated and leveraged to reduce inequality, increase the social and physical resilience of communities and promote and protect health and well-being from environmental threats. For the first time, a meeting bringing together representatives of cities and local authorities, intergovernmental organizations, agencies and Member States was convened by the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health in Bonn, Germany, on 27–28 June 2016.

Veneto region: from regional plan of prevention to health districts plans 14-06-2016

For Veneto region (Italy), the key to implementing a better regional prevention plan is by starting with individual health districts. Veneto region created individual health district plans, whose structure is based on the objectives of the national and regional prevention plans. The main idea is to delegate the responsibility of implementing the regional plan to the 21 local health districts in the region, leading to a more precise evaluation of the results.

Reducing inequalities in children’s health care in Østfold County, Norway 13-06-2016

138 families in Fredrikstad, Østfold County (Norway), are participating in a pilot project to enhance the attachment between parents and children, and to strengthen parenting skills by offering new parents extra home visits of a nurse and parenting classes during the first 2 years after birth. This is one of several initiatives involving schools (including kindergartens) and child health care centres to reduce social inequalities in health. Most young children in Norway regularly attend a health care centre during their early years.

The Veneto Institute of Oncology: using health knowledge to transform lifestyles 09-06-2016

A large proportion of cancers could be prevented, for example, if people eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid tobacco products and reduce alcohol consumption. The Veneto Institute of Oncology is at the forefront in this area with 2 pilot projects on nutrition and cancer prevention that provide practical support to help at-risk patients live a healthier life.

How and how much the environment impacts health 25-05-2016

Two WHO/Europe offices, the WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development in Venice, Italy, and the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health (ECEH) in Bonn, Germany, have been recently placed in the Division of Policy and Governance for Health and Well-being. As the Venice Office coordinates the Regions for Health Network, there is a renewed opportunity to make further progress, in participating regions, in key areas such as health equity, noncommunicable diseases, environmental and social determinants of health and public health capacity.

The National Meeting of Italian Healthy Cities Network focuses on migration health 23-05-2016

Palermo, in the region of Sicily, between 12 and 13 May 2016, hosted the 14th National Meeting of the Italian Healthy Cities Network, which in 2016 focused on migration health. The Meeting emphasized that to be a healthy city means, first of all, to reduce inequalities among people including unequal access to health care.

Lower Austria as an example of cross-border cooperation in health care 03-05-2016

Cross-border cooperation is gaining in significance in the health sector. Cooperation arrangements between hospitals can help balance out regional demands and guarantee a better provision of health care to the population to reduce health and social inequalities.

Regions for Health Network Steering Group plans next steps 26-04-2016

The first face-to-face meeting of the Regions for Health Network (RHN) Steering Group took place on 18–19 April 2016 in Venice, Italy. Steering Group members discussed the steps taken since RHN was revitalized in 2012, and identified crucial milestones for the current biennium 2016–2017.

Trento on bike: a health-in-all-policies approach 22-03-2016

In March 2016, Trento, an alpine province in the northern part of Italy, launched "Trentino pedala" ("Trento on bike") a project aimed to make cycling a part of everyday life. The provincial government's Council for Infrastructure and the Environment is coordinating the initiative, which follows a health-in-all-policies approach. All other governmental departments, such as the local health unit, municipalities, the university and several private sector companies are involved in order to encourage the province's 500 000 inhabitants to cycle.

Kosice Self-governing Region: intersectoral cooperation on health and the environment 22-03-2016

Pavol Jozef Safarik University and the Kosice Self-governing Region in Slovakia actively promotes public health and environmental initiatives through intersectoral work. 3 examples are the Kosice Institute for Society and Health (KISH), the Healthcare Department and the Department of Regional Development, Land-use Planning and Environment.

Sustainable development approach to health, well-being and addressing inequalities 14-03-2016

Wales will host a study visit focused on a sustainable development approach to health and well-being on 27–28 June 2016 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. The event will involve EuroHealthNet, the Regions for Health Network (RHN), the Welsh Government, Public Health Wales and the Future Generations Commissioner.

Slovenia hosts summer school on intersectoral action for health equity and well-being 08-03-2016

Pomurje Region (Slovenia), a member of the Regions for Health Network, is hosting a summer school on intersectoral action for health equity and well-being on 6–7 July 2016 in Ljubljana. The Centre for Health and Development Murska Sobota is organizing the summer school, which is open to participants from around the world.

Bulgaria hosts conference on planning and educating a health workforce without borders 04-03-2016

On 18–19 February 2016, the Medical University of Varna (Bulgaria) hosted the 3rd and last Conference of the Joint Action Health Workforce Planning and Forecasting within the Health Programme of the European Commission. The Conference theme was planning and educating a health workforce without borders.

European funding and collaboration for health and well-being in Wales 23-02-2016

On 8–9 February 2016, Wales (United Kingdom) organized an event to provide insights, practical information and a discussion forum on European funding opportunities available for improving health and well-being, and reducing inequalities in the region.

Lithuanian Sports University and Kaunas Region promote physical activity 15-02-2016

Kaunas Region (Lithuania), in collaboration with Lithuanian Sports University, started the project "Physical Activity Promotion among Kaunas Region Communities Using Information Technology".

New WHO publication on participation for better health with case studies from 4 European regions 11-12-2015

Including participatory concepts within the core of health plans and legislations makes it possible to improve health and well-being at different levels and in all groups of society. The recent WHO/Europe publication "Taking a participatory approach to development and better health" proves this with case studies from 4 members of the Regions for Health Network (RHN).

The Sunne Kommuner initiative, Norway 09-12-2015

Sunne Kommuner (Healthy Communities or Healthy Municipalities) is the Norwegian national network that involves 26 members (21 municipalities and 5 regions) whose primary goal is to put health high on the social, economic and political agendas. It was established in 1994, with the creation of a Norwegian network of health and environmental communities. Today it is part of the WHO Healthy Cities Network in order to collaborate with the Government and institutions (locally, nationally and internationally) to create safe and healthy communities.

The Interdepartmental Plan for Public Health (PINSAP) in Catalonia 30-11-2015

In 2014, Catalonia (Spain) implemented PINSAP to strengthen the public health sector. This initiative is aligned with WHO recommendations to foster health in all spheres of government action and society.

Regions for Health Network meeting in Milan: a big step forward 24-11-2015

On 14–15 October 2015, Milan, Italy hosted the 22nd annual meeting of the WHO Regions for Health Network (RHN) that took place within the context of the 8th European Public Health Conference. The meeting was focused on improving health and equity across regions and sectors, and involved 28 European regions.

Lithuania promotes physical activity and heart health in a collaborative community bicycle event 29-09-2015

On World Heart Day, 29 September 2015, WHO recommends increased physical activity and exercise to live longer in good health and to reduce mortality from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart conditions, obesity and diabetes.

Key legislation in Wales to improve health and well-being 09-09-2015

Two important legislative actions were recently taken in Wales with the potential to contribute significantly to public health, well-being and reducing inequalities: the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act became a law in April 2015, and the Public Health (Wales) Bill was introduced for discussion in June.

The life-course approach through the Andorra statement 28-08-2015

At the beginning of July 2015, the 8 Member States of the WHO small countries initiative signed the Andorra Statement to reiterate their commitment to implementing the Health 2020 framework and its principles and approaches into national policies, strategies and plans. The occasion was the Second High-level Meeting of the WHO small countries initiative, which took place in Soldeu, Andorra. The meeting participants were the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, and ministers and delegates of the eight countries in the WHO European Region with a population of less than 1 million people: Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino.

Coming soon: RHN annual meeting, 14 – 15 October 2015. An interview with Dr Piroska Ostlin. 27-08-2015

As the 2015 Regions for Health Network (RHN) annual meeting approaches, we interviewed Dr Piroska Ostlin, Acting Director, Division of Policy and Governance for Health and Well-being, WHO/Europe  She shared with us her comments on RHN's role and on the upcoming annual meeting, happening in October as a pre-conference event to the European Public Health Conference in Milan, Italy.

Health-strengthening activities in Kaunas region, Lithuania 03-08-2015

In Kaunas region, many educational institutions promote children's health and healthy lifestyles. Future plans in the Kaunas region include the creation of a health-strengthening network of educational institutions to implement joint projects that actively promote pupils' health.

A health movement starting in small countries 31-07-2015

On 2–3 July 2015 in Soldeu, Andorra, the second high-level meeting of the small countries initiative took place. During the event, Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino met to share their experience concerning national health plans and their alignment with Health 2020. "The health and welfare of people is one of the pillars of a welfare state," said Antoni Marti Petit, Prime Minister of Andorra.

RHN at EPH Conference in Milan – October 2015 25-06-2015

The annual meeting of Regions for Health Network (RHN) will take place on 14–15 October 2015 in Milan (Italy) as a pre-conference event to the 8th European Public Health (EPH) Conference.

Health promotion strategy and development of health services in Usti Region 2015–2020 24-06-2015

Usti Region (Czech Republic) has recently adopted a strategy document for the development of health and health services for 2015–2020. This document focuses on improving and strengthening public health, as well as providing healthcare and supporting services throughout this region. It is a result of the Czech national strategy, "Health 2020 – National Strategy for Health Protection and Promotion and Disease Prevention", based on the principles of Health 2020.

The Regional Plan for Prevention 2014–2018 of the Veneto Region 22-06-2015

The Veneto Region (Italy) approved the planning documents of the Regional Plan for Prevention (RPP) 2014–2018 to implement the macro objectives defined in the new National Prevention Plan (NPP), and in continuity with its Regional Health Plan 2012–2016.

Swiss Canton of Ticino adopts Health 2020 20-05-2015

Due to their small and flexible structures, local and regional health systems may give rise to interesting and innovative models to promote better health practices. Learning from local experiences is thus a key element within the Regions for Health Network (RHN). The Swiss Canton of Ticino is promoting health by combining national and cantonal plans.

New app and website provide migrants with information on health care services 18-03-2015

Migrants often have unequal access to health care due to linguistic and cultural barriers, and may not realize they are entitled to health services. In addition, irregular immigrants fear the risk of being discovered. In Italy, the Department of Economics at the University of Perugia and the Umbria Region created an app and website to provide information on health care services in the Umbria Region for all migrants.

Bridging the gap between hospital and school: an initiative of Meyer Children’s Hospital 28-01-2015

Meyer Children’s Hospital – one of the flagship institutions in Florence, Tuscany, Italy – is known for providing high-quality health services and educational programmes to its young patients.

Varna develops a regional strategy and action plan on chronic disease prevention 19-01-2015

The regional working group on chronic disease prevention in Varna, Bulgaria met in November 2014 to discuss the national programme for chronic disease prevention 2014–2020 and its potential regional implications. The meeting took place at the Regional Health Institute in Varna and was attended by a diverse range of professionals including political and technical representatives from regional and local health authorities, associations and nongovernmental organizations and academia. 

The Autonomous Province of Trento develops a regional health plan focusing on health promotion and a participatory approach 04-12-2014

The Italian Autonomous Province of Trento is developing its health plan, in line with the WHO Health 2020 policy framework at regional level.

Tackling health inequalities in Europe: the role of the regional and local levels 04-12-2014

Five recommendations on what the European Union (EU) can do to support the work done at local and regional levels were presented at a seminar entitled “Tackling health inequalities in Europe”. The seminar focused on the role of cities and regions to improve health equity, to connect local and regional experiences across Europe, as well as to identify the main challenges and obstacles in this process.

Regions for Health Network renaissance 31-10-2014

Members of the Regions for Health Network (RHN), representing 25 regions from 20 countries across the WHO European Region, met in Florence, Italy on 20–22 October 2014 to discuss cross-cutting public health issues from a subnational perspective.

RHN annual meeting 2014: Improving individual and community health 15-10-2014

Evidence shows that addressing overall health and well-being at the community level is essential to improve the health of the individual. WHO/Europe supports European regions in this work through its Regions for Health Network (RHN).

RHN workshop on scaling public health projects up or down 06-10-2014

9 September 2014, Eupen, Belgium

The San Marino meeting – a big step for small countries 25-08-2014

To help countries achieve health equity, WHO/Europe convened a kick-off meeting in July in San Marino with representatives from 8 small countries in the Region to discuss implementation of the Health 2020 vision. 

Region Västra Götaland develops a new system to monitor health inequalities 22-08-2014

Taking actions against health inequalities requires systematic monitoring of the inequalities within a certain area. The Regional Council in Region Västra Götaland (Sweden) commissioned its Public Health Committee to develop a monitoring system as part of its regional action plan against health inequalities. This development project runs during 2014.    

First smoke-free beach initiative in Italy 23-05-2014

The Italian littoral coast of Bibione, in the Municipality of San Michele al Tagliamento, is a popular destination for both Italian and foreign tourists. Located in the Veneto Region on the Adriatic coast, it is the second largest beach in Italy in terms of tourist presence. The 9 kilometres of shoreline are the main tourist attraction in Bibione and, from May 2014, they will be free of smoke.

Autonomous Community of Andalusia designs new regional health plan 23-05-2014

The Autonomous Community of Andalusia, Spain, has recently launched its fourth health plan, "IV Andalusian Health Plan" (IV AHP). The document aims to protect and improve the health status of the Andalusian population by addressing the determinants and living conditions that affect them, involving all policies in the process.

In Tuscany, health comes first 02-04-2014

The Regional Health Agency of Tuscany has launched a video illustrating the Italian region’s new model for health care. Following its slogan – “In Tuscany, health comes first” – the video describes a health care system that is in line with the new European health policy framework Health 2020.

A socially sustainable Malmö 01-04-2014

In some parts of Malmö, people live nearly seven years longer than in other parts of the city, according to the Commission for a Socially Sustainable Malmö. To address these differences, the Malmö Commission published a report to reduce health inequities by tackling the underlying causes. The report was inspired by the WHO Commission on the Social Determinants of Health and its publication, “Closing the gap in a generation”.

RHN participates in the 6th European Public Health Conference 28-01-2014

“Health in Europe: are we there yet? Learning from the past, building the future” was the topic chosen by the European Public Health Association (EUPHA) and the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER) for the 2013 European Public Health Conference.

FIT-2: addressing the impact of the economic crisis on public health 28-01-2014

The 2nd Florence International Training (FIT-2) Course, held 17–22 November 2013 in Florence, Italy, is one of the main Regions for Health Network (RHN) activities. The theme was the “impact of the economic crisis on the determinants of health and response strategies in Europe”.

The Regions for Health Network meets in Cardiff 29-10-2013

The Regions for Health Network (RHN) held the first meeting of its new phase of development in Cardiff on 10-11 October 2013. The meeting took place in the context of the Welsh Public Health Conference 2013, at the Wales Millennium Centre. The First Minister of Wales, the Right Honourable Carwyn Jones AM, welcomed RHN and opened the floor with a motivating speech on public health.

2nd Florence International Training (FIT) Course 12-07-2013

Applications are invited for the Course, which will address the impact of the economic crisis on the determinants of health and response strategies for health professionals in Europe, and will be held in Florence, Italy on 17–22 November 2013. The deadline for receiving applications is 30 August 2013..

Reducing health inequalities and improving health: what councillors can do to make a difference 15-02-2013

In collaboration with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and other partners, National Health Service (NHS) Scotland has developed a publication for elected members.

Scotland's Health Minister speaks against health inequities 17-01-2013

Public Health Minister Michael Matheson explains that if Scotland is to truly flourish it must succeed in reducing its persistent health inequalities.

New HiT (Health Systems in Transition) health system review for Wales just published 28-11-2012

The new HiT will be officially presented within the King's Fund Annual Conference 2012 in London on 28 November 2012.

Success of the first Florence International Training (FIT) Course 2012 21-11-2012

The 2012 edition of the 'FIT' course supported the three main aims of the new European policy for health and well-being - Health 2020: a)improving health for all; b)reducing health inequities, and c)strengthening governance for health.

New phase for regions for health 07-11-2012

In European countries, regions hold a unique position, translating national policies into services delivered at local level. Active for the past 20 years, the Regions for Health Network is entering a new phase, committed to implementing Health 2020 at subnational level.

The date is set for launching the RHN 2020 work plan 15-08-2012

The RHN community will gather in Gothenburg, Sweden to support RHN member, Västra Götaland, in finalizing its Action Plan against Health Inequity.

Welsh Chief Medical Officer’s 2011 Annual Report recently issued 15-08-2012

The 2011 report has recently been issued to wide acclaim. The main themes are looking at the importance of housing and health and the long term nature of inequalities.

Making cities healthy for everyone: European mayors share experiences 21-06-2012

Over 300 mayors and municipal health leaders met in St Petersburg, Russian Federation on 14-16 June 2012 for the Annual Business and Technical Conference of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks. At the Conference, participants shared solutions for creating urban environments that nurture health and well-being throughout life.

Health in the Veneto Region of Italy 19-04-2012

A new HiT (Health Systems in Transition) health system review for the Veneto Region has just been published and the publication explores the health system of this important region and some of the challenges (an ageing population, the incidence of chronic diseases, as well as the ever-present problem of keeping the regional health budget balanced) the administration currently faces.