News

New guidelines stress increasing key populations’ access to HIV services 24-07-2014

Countries need to remove legal and social barriers that prevent many people from accessing services for HIV testing, treatment and care, according to new WHO guidelines. 

Country profiles on noncommunicable diseases published 15-07-2014

WHO has published profiles on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) for all Member States, including the 53 countries in the WHO European Region. Where data are available, the profiles estimate for each country the current burden of and recent trends in NCD mortality, the prevalence of selected major risk factors and the national health system’s capacity to respond. They update the profiles produced in 2011.

Tackling air pollution, climate change and chemicals: European environmental priorities to protect health 09-07-2014

Air pollution, climate change and chemicals pose key environmental risks to people’s health that require political action in the European Region, according to members of the European Environment and Health Ministerial Board (EHMB). EHMB held its fifth meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania on 1 July 2014. 

Contributions invited to develop global action plan on antimicrobial resistance 09-07-2014

WHO is leading the development of a global action plan to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR), as requested by the Sixty-seventh World Health Assembly in May 2014.

Four countries to benefit from Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework 08-07-2014

Armenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan will be the first countries in the WHO European Region to benefit from the PIP Framework, a unique partnership between industry, civil society and governments to improve pandemic preparedness and access to antiviral medicines and vaccines. Member States are responsible for sharing with WHO influenza viruses with pandemic potential through their national influenza centres, and industry’s responsibilities include making annual donations to the partnership contribution mechanism.

Eight small countries in Europe join forces to improve health 03-07-2014

Eight European countries with populations of under 1 million have committed to collaborate on a new project to improve the health and well-being of their citizens, and implement the Health 2020 policy framework. For the first time, health ministers and high level officials of Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino will meet in San Marino on 3-4 July 2014, to mobilize these plans.

HIV/AIDS epidemic in Europe: mother-to-child transmission 02-07-2014

Mother-to-child transmission accounted for just 1% of new cases of HIV infection reported in 2012. In September 2014, WHO/Europe will report on progress in implementing the European Action Plan for HIV/AIDS 2012–2015. Each month until then, we highlight a specific area of the Action Plan, focusing in July on mother-to-child transmission.

Health, environment and agriculture sectors must tackle antibiotic resistance together 30-06-2014

Health ministers and senior officials from 20 countries around the world called for intensified political action to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which threatens the prevention and treatment of more and more infections.

Blood donation low among young people 25-06-2014

Over 70% of people aged 18–24 years in the WHO European Region have never given blood; the corresponding figure for the biggest donor group (those aged 40–54) is 54%. Magda, a 17-year-old student from Poland, organized an event on World Blood Donor Day to raise awareness at her high school.

Making the European Region free of asbestos-related diseases 19-06-2014

Asbestos is one of the most severe and widespread environmental health hazards in the WHO European Region, and is responsible for half of fatal cancers linked to exposure at work. To discuss activities to put an end to asbestos-related diseases, representatives from 16 Member States in the WHO European Region and experts in occupational health and cancer registries met in Bonn, Germany, on 10–11 June 2014.

HIV/AIDS epidemic in Europe: sexual transmission of HIV 18-06-2014

Sexual transmission of HIV occurs through heterosexual contact and among men who have sex with men. Unprotected anal or vaginal sex puts people at greater risk of HIV.

Balkans floods: clean-up underway 18-06-2014

Following the severe flooding in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia in May, the weather has improved and water levels have fallen. The removal of debris and the cleaning and disinfection of soil, roads and buildings are underway in all three affected countries. Municipalities are still trying to re-establish services (including those providing electricity, water and transportation) in large parts of the affected areas. 

Implementing the Health 2020 vision in the Nordic and Baltic countries: high-level meeting in Helsinki, Finland 16-06-2014

What policies reduce health inequities? Policy-makers and politicians will identify and share effective policies and interventions at a subregional policy dialogue organized by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and Finland’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Health on 16–17 June 2014.

Balkans floods: emergency supplies arrive 05-06-2014

Following the severe flooding in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia in May, water levels have been falling in most areas, but stagnating in some. The transition from the response phase to the recovery phase is underway: families are returning to their homes to begin to clean and repair them.

Realizing our vision: Regional Director’s report 04-06-2014

The adoption of Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being, is one of many recent achievements enabling WHO/Europe and the 53 countries it serves to respond to the changing health environment. This report documents WHO’s work in 2012–2013 to secure better health in Europe.

WHO/Europe responds to Balkan floods 27-05-2014

Since 13 May 2014, communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia have been severely affected by floods.

World Health Assembly closes: resolution on antimicrobial resistance approved 27-05-2014

The Sixty-seventh World Health Assembly closed on Saturday 24 May 2014, after adopting more than 20 resolutions on public health issues of global importance.

Tobacco taxes save lives 27-05-2014

Increasing tobacco prices through taxation is the single most effective policy to reduce tobacco use and save lives. Tobacco use is the leading cause of death, killing around 6 million people globally and 1.6 million in the WHO European Region alone. It is a major contributor to noncommunicable diseases such as lung cancer and heart disease.

World Health Assembly, day 4: proposals on coordination of noncommunicable disease response 26-05-2014

The World Health Assembly approved proposals to improve global coordination of efforts to address noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, cancers, heart disease and stroke. It also approved a resolution to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis.

World Health Assembly, day 3: monitoring framework for maternal and child nutrition approved 23-05-2014

At the World Health Assembly on Wednesday, Member States approved a global monitoring framework on maternal, infant and young child nutrition. The WHO Secretariat was asked to develop recommendations for Member States on how to address the inappropriate marketing of complementary foods – foods for infants and young children who are still breastfed. The Secretariat was also asked to facilitate further development of the indicators described in this framework, and to convene informal consultations with Member States on tools to manage undue industry influence.

Prisons and health 23-05-2014

Prisons are not healthy places. WHO/Europe works with countries and partners to improve the health of prisoners. Good prison health reduces reoffending, the social costs of imprisonment, and public health expenditure.

World Health Assembly, day 2: newborn health and gender-based violence on the agenda 22-05-2014

Dr Christine Kaseba-Sata, First Lady of Zambia (WHO Goodwill Ambassador against gender-based violence) and Melinda Gates, co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, addressed delegates at the World Health Assembly this afternoon.

Kazakhstan to host new WHO office on primary health care 22-05-2014

Kazakhstan today signed an agreement with WHO to host a new geographically dispersed office of WHO on primary health care in Almaty.

Statement – Floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia 22-05-2014

Statement by Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe - Floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia

Childhood obesity and tuberculosis on agenda on first day of World Health Assembly 21-05-2014

The Sixty-seventh World Health Assembly, WHO’s annual global meeting of ministers and senior health officials, opened on 19 May 2014.

HIV/AIDS epidemic in Europe: HIV transmission through injecting drug use 21-05-2014

WHO and Russian Federation sign country cooperation strategy 20-05-2014

On 18 May 2014, the Russian Federation and WHO signed a country cooperation strategy, providing a medium-term vision for technical cooperation, to support the country’s national health policy, strategy, action plan and related efforts, in line with Health 2020. The strategy will guide cooperation until 2020.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV): situation update and cases reported in the Netherlands 16-05-2014

Since April 2012, and as of 16 May 2014, 614 laboratory‐confirmed cases of human infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) have been reported to WHO, including 181 deaths. In the European Region, since April 2012, in total 12 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported by France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Public health advice on flooding 16-05-2014

Heavy rains have caused severe flooding in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia. WHO/Europe has information on how flooding affects health, guidance on water supply and sanitation, and advice on preventive measures.

Applications invited for Health 2020 policy consultants 16-05-2014

WHO/Europe is seeking public health professionals, health academics and others with wide health policy development expertise to join a pool of accredited policy consultants to support its European Member States as they implement the European policy framework for health and well-being, Health 2020.

Applications now welcome for observership at WHO/Europe 16-05-2014

Members of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) can apply now to spend 3 days as observers at WHO/Europe.

New global report: depression predominant cause of illness and disability among adolescents 14-05-2014

A new WHO report, “Health for the world’s adolescents”, brings together, for the first time, all the WHO guidance on the full spectrum of health issues affecting adolescents.

Alcohol consumption in Europe decreasing but still the highest in the world 12-05-2014

People in the WHO European Region drink almost twice the world average amount of alcohol, the latest WHO figures show. According to a new report, Global status report on alcohol and health 2014, consumption in Europe fell by 10%, from 12.2 L pure alcohol per capita in 2003–2005 to 10.9 L in 2008–2010. Nevertheless, Europe still has the highest alcohol consumption in the world. In response, some Member States are implementing effective policy measures identified by WHO, such as restricting access to retailed alcohol, raising taxes on alcohol and enforcing bans on alcohol advertising.

United Nations adopts new resolution on improving global road safety 09-05-2014

Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among children and young people aged 5–29 years in the WHO European Region. Last month, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on improving global road safety, sponsored by the Government of the Russian Federation.

New report: antibiotic resistance a global health threat 30-04-2014

A new WHO report, “Antimicrobial resistance: global report on surveillance”, launched today, provides the most comprehensive picture of antibiotic resistance across the world to date, with data from 114 countries. The findings document resistance to antibiotics, especially so-called last resort antibiotics, in all regions of the world. It also shows the gaps in surveillance systems and the need for a standardized approach to tracking and monitoring the issue.

HIV/AIDS epidemic in Europe: progress on testing and counselling 30-04-2014

In September, WHO/Europe will report on progress in implementing the European Action Plan for HIV/AIDS 2012–2015. Each month until then, we highlight a specific area of the Action Plan – beginning with HIV testing and counselling.

New websites on migration and Roma health 25-04-2014

An estimated 73 million migrants and 10–12 million Roma live in the WHO European Region. WHO/Europe works to establish supportive environments and resilient communities to improve these people’ health and well-being, and reduce health inequalities.

Malaria: great progress towards elimination, but persistent threat of imported cases and reintroduction 25-04-2014

The WHO European Region aims to interrupt the transmission of malaria and eliminate the disease by 2015.

Paris declaration on green and healthy mobility and transport signed 16-04-2014

On 15 April 2014, European ministers attending the Fourth High-level Meeting on Transport, Health and Environment, hosted by the Government of France, adopted the Paris Declaration: City in Motion – People First!. The Declaration sets priorities and calls for action to ensure green and healthy mobility and transport to secure sustainable livelihoods for all.

Cycling can create at least 76 600 jobs and save 10 000 lives every year in major European cities 14-04-2014

Over 76 600 people would be employed in green and healthy transport every year and 10 000 lives would be saved if major European cities reached the cycling modal share of Copenhagen. This is the conclusion of a new publication released today by UNECE and the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

Third European Roma Summit calls for integration at local level 11-04-2014

Around 500 representatives of European Union (EU) institutions, national governments and parliaments, international organizations, civil society (including Roma organizations), local and regional authorities and mayors gathered in Brussels on 4 April 2014

Hepatitis C treatment guidelines issued 09-04-2014

WHO has issued its first guidance for the treatment of hepatitis C, a chronic infection that affects an estimated 130 million to 150 million people and results in 350 000 to 500 000 deaths a year worldwide. An estimated 1 in 50 people is infected with hepatitis C in the WHO European Region.

First-hand experience: vector-borne diseases 07-04-2014

People in the European Region are at risk from diseases carried by vectors – both within the Region, and when travelling abroad. Individuals whose lives have been touched by these diseases, having caught them or through working with them, tell their stories.

New resources support quality management in laboratories 03-04-2014

To help laboratories implement systems to manage quality control, WHO recently launched a suite of resources in several languages.

How to protect yourself from vector-borne diseases: World Health Day 2014 03-04-2014

Whether travelling to or living in an area with diseases spread by mosquitoes, sandflies, ticks or other vectors, take steps to protect yourself. Check out these top tips and fact sheets on 7 vector-borne diseases affecting the WHO European Region.

77 000 Europeans fall sick every year with vector-borne diseases 02-04-2014

People living in the WHO European Region do not escape diseases carried by vectors. On World Health Day, 7 April 2014, WHO calls on everyone to protect themselves from vector-borne diseases.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report: negative health effects outweigh benefits 01-04-2014

Climate change will mainly exacerbate existing health problems, at least until the middle of this century, and the risks will be largest for populations already most affected by climate-related diseases.

Health financing course on universal health coverage delivers 28-03-2014

The fourth Barcelona Course on Health Financing took place on 10–14 March 2014 in Barcelona, Spain. Built on the theme of universal health coverage, the Course reviewed ways to improve health systems’ performance through better policy on health financing.

Almost 600 000 deaths due to air pollution in Europe: new WHO global report 25-03-2014

Exposure to air pollution accounted for 7 million deaths worldwide in 2012, including almost 600 000 in the WHO European Region. This is the main finding of a new WHO report, released today, on the burden of disease related to ambient (outdoor) and household (indoor) air pollution. Specifically, 482 000 deaths are attributable to ambient air pollution and 117 200 deaths to household air pollution in the WHO European Region. While deaths from ambient air pollution occur in all European countries regardless of their income, those from household air pollution are over 5 times greater in low- and middle-income countries than wealthier ones.

Election of Regional Director 2014: candidates’ curricula vitae, documents now available 24-03-2014

Nomination process for WHO Regional Director for Europe

New data on antibiotic use in European Region 20-03-2014

WHO/Europe and the University of Antwerp, Belgium have made the first collection and analysis of data on antibiotic use in 13 countries and areas in eastern Europe and central Asia. This research is vital to address the challenge of antibiotic resistance.

Four-fold difference in antibiotic consumption across the European Region – new WHO report 20-03-2014

A new report published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases on 20 March 2014, is the first to release data on total antibiotic consumption for countries outside the European Union (EU). The data (from 2011) indicate an almost fourfold difference between the lowest and the highest antibiotic users among 42 countries and regions in the WHO European Region (within and outside the EU), and provide a clear picture of the use of different groups of antibiotics.

Tuberculosis cases down by 5% each year but Europe failing to cure majority of multidrug-resistant patients 18-03-2014

Across the 53 countries of the WHO European Region, an estimated 353 000 patients fell sick with tuberculosis (TB) in 2012, according to new data published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the WHO Regional Office for Europe. The data show an average annual 5% decline in TB incidence across the Region over the last decade.

Estonian First Lady becomes champion of health 18-03-2014

Visiting WHO/Europe on 27 February 2014, Mrs Evelin Ilves, spouse of the President of Estonia, accepted the invitation of Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, to become the Champion of Health for Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) in the WHO European Region.

International Women’s Day – ‘Equality for women is progress for all’ 07-03-2014

WHO revising sugar guidelines 06-03-2014

WHO is opening a public consultation on draft guidelines on sugar intake. They will provide countries with recommendations on limiting the consumption of sugars to reduce public health problems such as obesity and dental caries.

Over 5% of the world’s population has disabling hearing loss 03-03-2014

WHO estimates that 360 million people have disabling hearing loss. It assists countries to develop programmes for primary ear and hearing care that raise awareness, provide support and technical guidance to health care workers and promote social inclusion for people with hearing loss.

Joint position paper on United Nations support for Roma inclusion 26-02-2014

“The role of the United Nations in advancing Roma inclusion” identifies a number of crucial areas where United Nations (UN) agencies can add significant value to work to achieve Roma inclusion and development.

New WHO analysis shows alarming rates of overweight children 25-02-2014

According to a new report published by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, being overweight is so common that it risks becoming a new norm in the WHO European Region. For example, up to 27% of 13-year-olds and 33% of 11-year olds are overweight. The country profiles made by the Regional Office give a bleak picture of nutrition, obesity and physical inactivity in the European Region’s 53 Member States. The profiles were launched at a conference  in Athens, Greece at the opening event for the Greek Presidency of the European Union (EU).

Photo story – How can the obesity epidemic in children be stopped? 24-02-2014

Across the WHO European Region, more and more children are now overweight and obese. What can be done, and who needs to take action to stop overweight becoming the new norm?

Global health security: all sectors and countries needed 12-02-2014

Until all countries are fully prepared to respond to disease outbreaks and emergencies, no country is safe. While countries have developed their capacities to implement the International Health Regulations (IHR) to a large extent, these can only have their full effects if different ministries and neighbour countries coordinate their efforts.

European Forum of National Nursing and Midwifery Associations (EFNNMA), WHO to collaborate on strategic directions 11-02-2014

EFNNMA and WHO/Europe have agreed on a two-year work plan to collaborate on the strategic directions for strengthening nursing and midwifery services in the WHO European Region. EFNNMA will also contribute to the European compendium of good nursing and midwifery practices that WHO/Europe is developing.

Q&A – How can I drink alcohol safely? 10-02-2014

There is no safe level for drinking alcohol. The ideal situation is to not drink at all. Dr Lars Møller, Programme Manager, Alcohol and Illicit Drugs at WHO/Europe, dispels some misconceptions about the so-called safe level of drinking in a question and answer (Q&A) session.

Greece launches new primary health care law 07-02-2014

Greece has launched a primary health care law, based on the core values of the Declaration of Alma-Ata, to ensure better health of the Greek people.‬‪ The new law, which was recently passed by the Greek parliament, is part of the health system reform Greece is undertaking to build a comprehensive and strong nation-wide primary health care service.

Prevention is key to curb cancer burden, says new report 05-02-2014

The “World cancer report 2014”, released in the run-up to World Cancer Day, 5 February, confirms the truth of an old saying: prevention is better than cure. Based on the latest statistics on trends in cancer incidence and mortality worldwide, this new report reveals how the cancer burden is growing at an alarming pace, and emphasizes the importance of political commitment and urgent implementation of efficient prevention strategies to curb the disease.

Developing countries’ capacity to implement Health 2020 10-01-2014

Public health policy experts from across the WHO European Region, including several former health ministers, assembled on 8–9 January 2014 at WHO/Europe in Copenhagen, Denmark for the first training of consultants on Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being.

Healthy ageing is a life-long project – experts discuss how to implement healthy-ageing policies 20-12-2013

Thirty-four Member States participated in the first European meeting of national experts on ageing policies held in Utrecht, the Netherlands, on 16−17 December 2013.

Lampedusa, the southern door to Europe 20-12-2013

In 2013, WHO/Europe conducted missions to Italy, Malta and Portugal to assess health-sector capacity to address migrant health. A photo story explains this work and interviews with a doctor and migrant who met on Lampedusa examine the challenges they face.

European Conference puts spotlight on Greek health system reform 18-12-2013

Countries urged to reduce health risks from asbestos, second-hand smoke and toxic chemicals by 2015 16-12-2013

European Conference puts spotlight on Greek health system as it faces the challenges of reform 12-12-2013

Key stakeholders from the Greek and international communities are meeting to discuss how to boost the country’s health sector as part of the Greek health reform. The High-level Conference on the Greek Reforms in the Health Sector: Improving Citizens’ Health will take place in Athens on 12–13 December 2013, and will be attended by high-level officials from the Greek Government and regional authorities, and experts from the public and private sectors, the academic community and civil society. The Conference is organized by the Ministry of Health of Greece in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

WHO statement on the death of Nelson Mandela 06-12-2013

Statement by WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan, 6 December 2013.

Ashgabat Declaration signed: day 2 of Ashgabat conference on noncommunicable diseases 04-12-2013

Member States in the WHO European Region committed to the Ashgabat Declaration, “a landmark that will go down in the history of public health in Europe,” said Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

Aspiring to a tobacco-free future in Europe 04-12-2013

Encouraged by the benefits of reduced tobacco consumption, the 53 Member States in the WHO European Region pledged to accelerate their efforts to fully implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) by signing the Ashgabat Declaration during the WHO Ministerial Conference on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases in the Context of Health 2020, held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on 3–4 December 2013.

Tobacco-free Europe achievable: day 1 of Ashgabat conference on noncommunicable diseases 03-12-2013

Participants from across the WHO European Region explained the measures they are taking to combat noncommunicable diseases and expressed widespread commitment to making the Region tobacco free.

Tackling cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in 53 countries: health ministers meet in Ashgabat,Turkmenistan 02-12-2013

Tobacco and alcohol use, obesity and physical inactivity are among the principal causes of death in the WHO European Region. Despite progress in tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), more needs to be done, so WHO is bringing together 35 European Member States at the WHO European Ministerial Conference on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases in the Context of Health 2020, to be held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on 3–4 December to find opportunities for regional action and cooperation.

HIV/AIDS in the European Region 27-11-2013

HIV infections in Europe continue to increase. Scaling up HIV prevention measures and antiretroviral treatment is of key importance to effectively address the epidemic.

HIV infections up by 8% across Europe. More testing and better treatment coverage recommended 27-11-2013

According to new data issued today by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and WHO/Europe, more than 131 000 new HIV infections were reported in the WHO European Region in 2012: 10 000 (8%) more than in 2011. This confirms a steady increase across the Region over that year: a 9% rise in countries in eastern Europe and central Asia (EECA) and a less than 1%  rise in countries in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA).

Correction to HIV case study in Greece featured in WHO/Europe report on social determinants of health 26-11-2013

In September 2013, WHO/Europe published “Review of social determinants and the health divide in the WHO European Region”. The report incorrectly states that, in Greece: “HIV rates and heroin use have risen significantly, with about half of new HIV infections being self-inflicted to enable people to receive benefits of €700 per month and faster admission on to drug substitution programmes”.

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and WHO/Europe launch first analytical tool to measure disparities in access to water and sanitation 25-11-2013

In the WHO European Region, access to water and sanitation varies widely between countries, provinces and even people in the same communities, regardless of countries’ level of development. A major difficulty in addressing these inequities is the lack of both a detailed picture of the level of access for all population groups and a clear understanding of the main factors in the origin of the inequities. This is especially relevant at times of financial crisis.

A quarter of all women in the WHO European Region experience physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner 25-11-2013

Today, on the first day of the 16-day global campaign of Activism Against Gender Violence, the City of Vienna, with the European Institute for Gender Equality and WHO/Europe, will raise the anti-violence flag to draw attention in Europe to this hidden epidemic.

Health on agenda at COP19 climate change conference 21-11-2013

Held on 11–22 November in Warsaw, Poland, the nineteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP19) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has brought together people from all over the world to negotiate the details of the next global agreement on climate change.

European Antibiotic Awareness Day 2013: everyone is responsible 18-11-2013

Mapping both the consumption of antibiotics and the resistance patterns of infectious agents is important to spot and tackle a growing public health problem.

Twitter chat: ask experts questions on antibiotic resistance 08-11-2013

To mark European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD), WHO/Europe and its partners are holding a live Twitter chat on antibiotic resistance. Experts from WHO/Europe, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Commission directorates-general for research and for health and consumers will answer your questions. The chat will take place on Monday, 18 November 2013, from 12:00 to 13:30 UTC/GMT (13:00 to 14:30 CET).

New European Union legislation improves health security in Europe 06-11-2013

Decision No 1082/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2013 on serious cross-border threats to health and repealing Decision No 2119/98/EC entered into force on 6 November 2013.

Health care workers: protect yourselves and patients from influenza 06-11-2013

Making sure to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza is an important part of a health care worker’s job.

Un- or under-immunized travellers from polio-infected areas to receive polio vaccine boost 05-11-2013

The current poliomyelitis (polio) outbreak in the Syrian Arab Republic and remaining polio-endemic countries (Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan), as well as frequent population movements and vaccination gaps in some European countries, increases the risk of the international spread of wild poliovirus. As long as the virus is circulating in the world and vaccination coverage is not optimal, polio threatens to return to the WHO European Region.

How to avert a public health emergency. New review provides solutions to bridge the health divide across Europe 30-10-2013

Based on over three years of research by a cross-disciplinary consortium of Europe’s leading scientists, WHO/Europe today launches the "Review of social determinants and the health divide in the WHO European Region", coordinated by University College London’s Institute of Health Equity. The launch is supported by the United Kingdom’s Department of Health.

Make health systems people centred 28-10-2013

Five years on from the signing of the Tallinn Charter: Health Systems for Health and Wealth, which called for greater investment in health systems, ministers and high-level officials met again in Tallinn, Estonia on 17–18 October 2013, at a follow-up meeting called “Health systems for health and wealth in the context of Health 2020”. The current economic crisis has underscored the need to invest in health, and focus more on addressing health inequities, ensuring universal health coverage and protecting health among the most vulnerable populations.

WHO/Europe supports Turkish polio operations from a new field presence in Gaziantep 24-10-2013

As part of the cross-regional response to a suspected poliomyelitis (polio) outbreak in the Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey is scaling up surveillance of suspected cases and vaccination of Syrian citizens under temporary protection in Turkey. A newly established WHO presence in Gaziantep, Turkey, near the border of the Syrian Arab Republic, is serving as an important centre of operations. 24 October is World Polio Day.

Expert advisory group calls for urgent action to close gaps in measles and rubella immunity 23-10-2013

In light of continuing measles and rubella outbreaks in the WHO European Region and inadequate responses to them, the European Technical Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (ETAGE), during its annual meeting on 9–11 October 2013, encouraged Member States to make or revisit action plans for measles and rubella elimination and urgently to address immunity gaps in their populations. Lack of immediate action would threaten the achievement of the Region’s target of eliminating measles and rubella by 2015.

Visualizing the economic and health benefits of environmental measures: a winning combination 23-10-2013

“Visualizing” both the health and economic gains can help persuade policy-makers to improve environmental health and obtain government support, according to participants at the Second Symposium on Environmental Health and Economics, held on 14–15 October 2013 in Bonn, Germany.

Framework for Action towards Coordinated/Integrated Health Services Delivery (CIHSD) launched 22-10-2013

WHO/Europe is developing the Framework for the European Region, and launched the work plan for it at the conference “Health systems for health and wealth in the context of Health 2020”, held on the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Tallinn Charter in Estonia.

Submission of demonstration projects on health research and development: deadline extended 21-10-2013

The closing date for submission of demonstration projects has been extended to 31 October 2013.

Improving and coordinating the public health response to migration 18-10-2013

Since 2011, WHO/Europe has worked to strengthen the capacity of countries’ public health services to deal with large influxes of migrants, and ensure a coordinated response. It has made several assessments of health needs, and countries have welcomed WHO’s support. Nevertheless, greater effort is needed to address the endless tragedies related to migration.

Outdoor air pollution a leading environmental cause of cancer deaths 17-10-2013

WHO’s specialized cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), announced today that it has classified outdoor air pollution and one of its major components, particulate matter (PM), as carcinogenic to human beings. After thoroughly reviewing the latest available scientific literature, the world’s leading experts, convened by IARC, concluded that sufficient evidence shows that exposure to outdoor air pollution and PM causes lung cancer. They also noted a positive association between such pollution and an increased risk of bladder cancer.

WHO, partners release new guidance on disability and emergency risk management 14-10-2013

WHO and its partners jointly released new guidance to help countries meet the special needs of people living with disabilities during all phases of emergencies.

Mental health and older adults 11-10-2013

Mental disorders affect more than a third of the population in the WHO European Region every year.

Translating evidence into effective public health policy 07-10-2013

WHO/Europe is taking steps to improve Member States’ ability to use health information to create an evidence base for crucial public health questions. The Autumn School on Health Information and Evidence for Policy-making, a joint venture between WHO/Europe and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) of the Netherlands, is taking place on 7–11 October 2013 in Izmir, Turkey. Alongside it, the first workshop will be held of the multicountry Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet), Europe. Today, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, and the Minister of Health of Turkey, Dr Mehmet Müezzinoğlu, officially opened the Autumn School.

Healthy children learn best 07-10-2013

Studies have repeatedly shown that healthy children perform better in school. Researchers have known this for years, yet health and well-being are still not a top priority in most schools.

Consultation on health research and development demonstration projects – now live 26-09-2013

WHO/Europe invites submissions on possible demonstration projects on health research and development. In 2010, the World Health Assembly established the Consultative Expert Working Group (CEWG), in response to concerns that insufficient resources were being devoted to target diseases that disproportionately affect people in developing countries. 

WHO report on health behaviour in children receives prestigious award 23-09-2013

The new WHO report on health behaviour in school-aged children was highly commended in the 2013 British Medical Association (BMA) Medical Book Competition.

Regional Committee: Highlights of Day 4 20-09-2013

On the final day of the sixty-third session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, Member States adopted the European Action Plan on Mental Health. A total of 11 resolutions and 2 decisions were adopted at this year’s session.

Intensive, productive Regional Committee closes: countries focused on implementation of new health policy framework 20-09-2013

The WHO Regional Committee for Europe, the decision-making body for the WHO European Region, wrapped up its sixty-third session today. Led by ministers and high-level representatives, European countries reached important agreements on a number of key public health issues and the technical and administrative work of the WHO Regional Office for Europe. More than 300 people from 51 Member States in the WHO European Region, international partners and nongovernmental organizations, along with observers, attended the session, which took place on 16–19 September 2013 in Çeşme Izmir, Turkey.

Regional Committee: Highlights of Day 3 19-09-2013

Today the Regional Committee agreed on a regional framework for the surveillance and control of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya fever, and welcomed the signing of a Joint Framework Agreement between WHO, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Psychiatric services not meeting demand – reform needed 19-09-2013

Across the WHO European Region, about 30% of years lived with disability can be attributed to mental disorders, but fewer than 50% of people with a mental disorder have ever received any kind of treatment and even fewer (10%) receive adequate care. This massive unmet need for treatment – the treatment gap – is the result of a combination of the stigma of mental health and mental health services, lack of accessibility and, when services are available, poor quality. Many people are reluctant to go for help owing to the fear associated with mental disorders and a lack of trust in the quality and effectiveness of treatment and care offered by mental health services.

Regional Committee: Highlights of Day 2 17-09-2013

Today the Regional Committee adopted 20 core indicators to measure Health 2020 targets, as well as reporting on national developments towards its implementation.

WHO report draws attention to the abuse of 18 million children 17-09-2013

Over 18 million children aged under 18 years suffer from maltreatment in the WHO European Region. Published in a new report from the WHO Regional Office for Europe, European report on preventing child maltreatment , these figures are a concern for any policy-maker implementing Health 2020, the new European health policy framework.

Health 2020 becoming reality 17-09-2013

Many Member States are now taking up the Health 2020 challenge, reflecting a clear and growing interest in implementing the Health 2020 policy framework in the WHO European Region. At the sixty-third session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, some 300 assembled ministers and stakeholders renewed their commitment to Health 2020. In addition to this, a high-level panel of ministers and delegates shared their plans and experience of implementing the Health 2020 vision within their own countries.

Regional Committee: Highlights of Day 1 16-09-2013

The sixty-third session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe was opened by the outgoing Executive President of the Regional Committee, Dr Lars-Erik Holm, and began with Dr Mehmet Müezzinoğlu, Minister of Health of Turkey welcoming ministers and delegates from 51 Member States in the WHO European Region.

Report card for health in Europe: significant progress made, more work needed 16-09-2013

The health of people living in the WHO European Region today is better than ever before. Significant advances have been made recently in specific health areas. Yet despite being a Region rich in knowledge and innovation, and with a long history of public health, not every one of the 900 million people in the Region enjoys the highest possible level of health, and health inequalities threaten further progress.

Regional Committee opens in Turkey 16-09-2013

Health ministers and senior officials from 51 Member States in the WHO European Region are in Çeşme Izmir, Turkey, on 16–19 September 2013 for the sixty-third session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.

Twice as many years lost due to ill health or premature death in low- and middle-income countries in Europe 12-09-2013

Despite significant progress in life expectancy in recent decades (an overall increase of 5 years over the past 30 years to 76 years on average), WHO data on disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) show a more complex picture of health, with inequalities across the 53 countries in the WHO European Region. According to the 2012 European health report, on average, low- and middle-income countries lose twice as many years to ill health or premature death as high-income countries in the Region.

Identifying targets and indicators for monitoring Health 2020: results of regional consultation published 03-09-2013

A new WHO/Europe report, “Regional consultation on targets and indicators for Health 2020 monitoring: report of results”, outlines the work done by WHO-convened groups of technical experts to develop core and additional sets of indicators to measure progress in reaching the six Health 2020 targets.

Retired WHO expert honoured with environmental epidemiology award 22-08-2013

Michal Krzyzanowski, former Head of the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health in Bonn, Germany, was honoured today with the John Goldsmith Award for his outstanding contribution to environmental epidemiology.

Post-emergency situations offer opportunity to transform mental health care 20-08-2013

On World Humanitarian Day, 19 August, WHO launches a report on improving mental health services long term in the aftermath of emergencies. The report “Building back better. Sustainable mental health care after emergencies” notes that despite their tragic nature and adverse effects on mental health, emergencies also provide an opportunity to transform mental health care and thereby improve the lives of many people.

Mental health on agenda at World Health Assembly simulation 16-08-2013

Neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s should be in greater focus, according to students and young professionals from around the globe taking part in the Nordic World Health Organization (NorWHO) simulation on 7–10 August in Copenhagen, Denmark. The conference aimed to give participants the experience of being WHO delegates in a World Health Assembly set up, with mental health on the agenda.

The world health report 2013: research vital to universal health coverage 15-08-2013

WHO calls on all countries to invest in and produce research to develop universal health coverage tailored to their country needs. “The world health report 2013: research for universal health coverage” is launched today.

Applications invited for 10th Flagship Course on Health Systems Strengthening 25-07-2013

The Course’s special theme is how to strengthen health systems to address the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer. The application deadline is 10 September 2013.

MERS-CoV not yet a public health emergency, advises emergency committee 18-07-2013

The emergency committee convened by the WHO Director-General under the International Health Regulations (IHR) to assess the situation of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) met on 17 July 2013. The members unanimously decided that the situation does not yet meet the conditions for a public health emergency of international concern. The Director-General agreed with the committee that the situation nevertheless causes great concern

Pharmaceutical innovation must align with patient needs, says new report 16-07-2013

For the first time, more people in European Union countries are aged over 65 years than under 15 years. Much of the rest of the world, including low-and middle-income countries, is moving in a similar direction. A new WHO report calls for pharmaceutical researchers to adjust their research and development work to take account of this shift. 

New guidance on promoting physical activity in socially disadvantaged groups 16-07-2013

Today, WHO/Europe launches a policy summary and full report on this topic. Scientific evidence shows that physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for ill health, and that socially disadvantaged groups tend to have low levels of activity.

Significant progress in implementing activities for Roma health 12-07-2013

On 25–26 June 2013, with WHO/Europe, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) organized the second meeting of the Roma civil-society group on the right to health. 

Applications open for 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.

WHO to convene emergency committee on MERS-CoV 08-07-2013

On 5 July 2013, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan called for the establishment of an emergency committee on Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) under the International Health Regulations (IHR). On the same day, WHO experts on influenza and other respiratory pathogens presented an update on the epidemiological situation and outlined global measures being taken to detect and control the disease to ministers and other participants at the WHO European Ministerial Conference on Nutrition and Noncommunicable Diseases in the Context of Health 2020.

Queen Margrethe of Denmark, UN Secretary-General visit WHO emergency operations centre 05-07-2013

Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited the WHO emergency operations centre in Copenhagen yesterday. They were accompanied by other dignitaries who participated in the official opening of UN City. 

European health ministers pledge to fight obesity 05-07-2013

In the WHO European Region, over 50% of people are overweight or obese and noncommunicable diseases cause 77% of the disease burden. At the WHO European Ministerial Conference on Nutrition and Noncommunicable Diseases in the Context of Health 2020, held in Vienna, Austria, ministers of health have renewed their commitment to turning this alarming tide by adopting a declaration calling for evidence-based solutions from across the Region. WHO Regional Director for Europe Zsuzsanna Jakab said: “Putting this declaration into practice will mean that Europe embarks on a new wave of policy innovation to reduce obesity and promote health.”

Health ministers call for action to combat diet-related noncommunicable diseases 04-07-2013

More than 25 ministers of health have come together in Vienna, Austria to address the role of nutrition in combating noncommunicable diseases in the WHO European Region.

WHO sends mission to Israel following detection of wild poliovirus in sewage 01-07-2013

As requested by Israeli health authorities, a team of international poliomyelitis (polio) experts, coordinated by WHO, completed a five-day mission to Israel on 26 June 2013. The team assessed the risks and recommended action following the detection of wild poliovirus type 1 in sewage in the Southern District of the country. No cases of paralytic polio have been detected.

Wider access to antiretroviral therapy, but greater scale-up urgently needed 01-07-2013

A new WHO report reveals that 199 000 people in the 22 low- and middle-income countries in the WHO European Region received antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2012: 45% more than in 2011. Nevertheless, this number is rising more slowly than the annual increases in the number of people acquiring HIV infection. On 30 June 2013, WHO released the “Global update on HIV treatment 2013” and new consolidated guidelines on the use of ART.

MERS-CoV update: new cases bring global total to 64 21-06-2013

As of 17 June 2013, 64 laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been reported to WHO, including 38 deaths. The WHO/Europe update of 19 June 2013 provides a summary of available information, and WHO guidance and recommendations on human infections with MERS-CoV for Member States in the WHO European Region.

27% of women in Europe experience intimate partner violence and or non-partner violence 20-06-2013

A new report released today, “Global and regional estimates of violence against women”, reveals that 27.2% of women in the WHO European Region have experienced either physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence by someone other than a partner, or both, at some point in their lives.

Lax marketing regulations contribute to obesity crisis in children 18-06-2013

WHO calls for tighter controls on the marketing to children of foods high in saturated and trans fats, free sugars and salt, in order to fight childhood obesity. Tightening restrictions on marketing is central to this fight, according to a new report from WHO/Europe: “Marketing of foods high in fat, salt and sugar to children”.

Progress in bringing health into all policies 14-06-2013

On the final day of the 8th Global Conference on Health Promotion, participants recognized the need for the health-in-all-policies approach to be central to the development agenda of countries, regions and cities. For the European Region, this approach is an integral part of developing Health 2020 plans in countries.

Floods in Europe – what people can do to protect themselves 14-06-2013

The floods in central and western Europe since early June are the worst for over a decade. WHO/Europe has published advice for those affected during and after flooding, as well as preventive measures to limit the future impact on health.

Living on the margins drives HIV epidemic in Europe and central Asia. Conclusion of new report 07-06-2013

Social and structural factors – such as poverty, marginalization and stigma – and not just individual behaviours are shaping the HIV epidemic in Europe and central Asia. This is the main conclusion of a new report released today by the World Bank Group, WHO/Europe and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. The study systematically reviews evidence on HIV vulnerability and response in all countries of the WHO European Region.

WHO launches new tool to estimate health costs of climate change 06-06-2013

WHO/Europe developed the tool to help Member States protect health from damage due to climate change.

Polio commission calls on Europe to improve surveillance and reporting 06-06-2013

The European Regional Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication (RCC) reaffirmed the Region’s polio-free status at its 27th annual meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 30–31 May 2013, but called for significantly greater engagement in the Region to maintain this status until global eradication is achieved.

Hepatitis B and C infect one in fifty adults in European Region 05-06-2013

Over 13 million adults are living with hepatitis B and 15 million with hepatitis C in the WHO European Region – indicating a huge burden of treatment and care. New estimates published in an article on 30 May 2013 by WHO/Europe, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Public Health England suggest that almost one in fifty adults is infected with hepatitis B and a similar proportion of people have chronic hepatitis C.

MERS-CoV update: 2 more cases reported in Italy, total in Europe rises to 11 02-06-2013

The Ministry of Health in Italy, through the European Union’s Early Warning Response System, has notified WHO of 2 more laboratory-confirmed cases with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the country.

MERS-CoV update: Italy reports first case, total in Europe rises to 9 01-06-2013

The Ministry of Health in Italy, through the European Union’s Early Warning Response System, has notified WHO of a laboratory-confirmed case with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in a resident in the country.

Launch event for “HIV in the European Region: vulnerability and response” 31-05-2013

The World Bank Group, WHO/Europe and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine will release findings and recommendations from a new assessment of HIV epidemics and vulnerability in Europe at a launch event on 7 June 2013 in London, United Kingdom. 

World Health Assembly closes 29-05-2013

Resolutions on a global action plan for noncommunicable diseases, health in the post-2015 development agenda, neglected tropical diseases, and standardization and interoperability of e-health were approved on the final day of the Sixty-sixth World Health Assembly.

World Health Assembly, days 5–7: International Health Regulations and research and development for health on agenda 28-05-2013

The International Health Regulations and research and development for health were in focus at the World Health Assembly on 24–26 May 2013. Resolutions on the global mental health action plan and on disability were also adopted.

Human infections with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in China – update 5 27-05-2013

WHO/Europe’s fifth update on the outbreak of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus reports that no new confirmed cases of the virus have been reported to WHO since 8 May 2013. Sporadic cases should still be expected and WHO and partners continue to track the virus closely and provide key information to the public and public health authorities.

World Health Assembly, day 4: disability, development and universal health coverage on agenda 27-05-2013

On 23 May 2013, World Health Assembly discussions covered the health sector’s contribution to the upcoming high-level meeting of the General Assembly on disability and development, to be held on 23 September 2013 in New York.

World Health Assembly, day 3: progress on health-related Millennium Development Goals and Global Fund’s new funding model 24-05-2013

At a technical briefing on 22 May 2013, Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, applauded the contribution made by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to turning back the epidemic of these diseases. Health in the post-2015 development agenda and an action plan on mental health were also on the agenda on day 3 of the World Health Assembly.

World Health Assembly, day 2: General Programme of Work for next 6 years approved 23-05-2013

The World Health Assembly approved a resolution on the General Programme of Work and changes to the financial regulations and rules on 21 May 2013.

Post-2015 development agenda in focus on first day of World Health Assembly 21-05-2013

The Sixty-fifth World Health Assembly, WHO’s annual global meeting of ministers and senior health officials, opened on 20 May. It will discuss a draft global action plan for noncommunicable diseases, as well as action plans on mental health and the prevention of avoidable blindness and visual impairment. 

Third Barcelona Course on Health Financing held 17-05-2013

Held on 13–17 May 2013, the Course brought together 42 participants from 27 countries for a week-long, intensive training programme on improving health system performance through better health financing policy. It was organized by WHO/Europe’s Barcelona Office for Health Systems Strengthening. 

Human infections with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in China – update 4 17-05-2013

WHO/Europe’s fourth update on the outbreak of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus summarizes the latest information relevant to the WHO European Region, including an updated risk assessment on human infections with the virus.

Novel coronavirus update – new virus to be called MERS-CoV 16-05-2013

As of 15 May 2013, WHO had been informed of a global total of 40 laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with novel coronavirus, including 20 deaths, in 6 countries: France, Germany, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. To provide uniformity and facilitate communication about the disease, the Coronavirus Study Group (CSG) of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses decided to call the new virus Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Communication central to health response in crises 16-05-2013

Responding quickly and effectively to health emergencies challenges health authorities. Crisis communication must be an integral part of any early warning and response system at both the national and local levels. On 7–9 May 2013, 40 people took part in a national exercise in Ankara, Turkey, to ensure that crisis communication is an integral part of public health authorities’ response to threats to health and safety.

Human infections with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in China – update 3 10-05-2013

As of 9 May 2013, 130 laboratory confirmed human cases with A(H7N9) virus including 32 fatalities  in China have been reported from eight provinces (Anhui, Fujian, Henan, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shandong and Zhejiang) and two municipalities (Beijing  and Shanghai). In addition, one case has been reported from Taipei Centers for Disease Control.

Greater focus needed on research on disease prevention 10-05-2013

This was the recommendation of the European Advisory Committee on Health Research (EACHR), meeting on 2–3 May.

Regional decline in measles with large rubella outbreaks in two countries: epidemiological overview for 2012 02-05-2013

The “WHO EpiBrief” released today provides an epidemiological assessment based on surveillance data for selected vaccine-preventable diseases in the WHO European Region for 2012. The report reveals that measles declined by over a third in the European Region last year (with 23 871 cases) compared with the total number of reported cases in 2011. Despite gains in controlling rubella in most countries of the Region, however, outbreaks in Poland and Romania contributed to a more than 200% increase in the total number of rubella cases in the Region in 2012 (with 29 361 cases) compared with 2011, when 9461 cases were reported.

Human infections with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in China – update 2 02-05-2013

As of 29 April 2013, 125 laboratory-confirmed human cases with A(H7N9) virus infection, including 24 fatalities, have been reported in China from eight provinces (Anhui, Fujian, Henan, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shandong and Zhejiang) and two municipalities (Beijing and Shanghai). In addition, one case has been reported from the Taipei Centers for Disease Control.

Reigniting economic growth and reducing unemployment are good health policy 29-04-2013

Senior government officials reached broad agreement on the policy responses needed to address the health impact of the economic crisis, during discussions at a high-level meeting in Oslo, Norway on 17–18 April 2013. Participants said that the focus should be on areas and services that encourage economic growth and that reinforce solidarity and equity (such as health, unemployment, social benefits and education). Countries can reignite economic growth and improve health outcomes at the same time. 

WHO evidence underpins new EU strategy on adapting to climate change 29-04-2013

The main findings of the WHO/Europe project on climate, environment and health action plan and information system (CEHAPIS) underpin the health component of the new European Union (EU) policy on climate change, launched today.

Guide to tailoring immunization programmes launched 26-04-2013

Launched during European Immunization Week 2013, the guide helps national immunization programmes design targeted strategies to improve vaccination levels among babies and young children. It provides tools to identify susceptible populations, determine barriers to vaccination and implement evidence-based interventions.

New app will help parents keep track of their children’s vaccinations 25-04-2013

Parents often cite being too busy or simply forgetting as reasons for not getting their children vaccinated fully and at the right time. WHO/Europe has developed a generic app code that countries can tailor quickly and cheaply into a simple telephone-based tool to remind parents when their children’s vaccinations are due.

Greater effort needed to eliminate malaria from Europe by 2015 25-04-2013

Malaria remains a health challenge in the WHO European Region, where 253 cases of locally acquired Plasmodium vivax malaria were reported in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Greece, Tajikistan and Turkey in 2012, an increase from 2011. On World Malaria Day 2013, WHO calls on affected countries to sustain malaria interventions even in times of economic austerity. The theme for 2013 and coming years is: “Invest in the future; defeat malaria”.

European ministers call for urgent action on environmental threats 24-04-2013

Urgent action is needed in Europe to tackle environmental health hazards: air pollution, asbestos, mercury, unsafe water and poor sanitation. This is the main conclusion of the fourth meeting of the European Environment and Health Ministerial Board, on 19 April 2013 in Belgrade, Serbia.

Human infections with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in China – update and recommendations 24-04-2013

As of 23 April 2013, the health authorities of China had notified WHO of 108 laboratory-confirmed human cases of A(H7N9) virus and 22 deaths. So far, there is no evidence of ongoing human-to-human transmission. WHO/Europe has produced a situation report – including a risk assessment, recommendations and key references and guidance – for countries in the WHO European Region, which it will regularly revise.

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark: Elimination of preventable diseases at heart of human development 22-04-2013

In her address to mark European Immunization Week 2013, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Patron of WHO/Europe, commends all 53 countries in the WHO European Region for their commitment to maintaining high vaccination coverage and raising awareness about immunization.

Measles costs 22-04-2013

As European Immunization Week 2013 kicks off, WHO urges all 53 participating Member States in the European Region to consider the economic impact of measles and to restore or maintain effective national vaccination programmes, despite the difficulties of the economic downturn.

All countries take part in European Immunization Week 18-04-2013

The eighth European Immunization Week (EIW), 22–27 April 2013, will be celebrated in all 53 Member States through an unprecedented range of activities including workshops and radio shows. In addition to the local and national events taking place across the Region, WHO/Europe will launch a series of new resources for promoting immunization, and guest bloggers will contribute from varying perspectives on the EIW campaign site.

WHO high-level mission to Greece on health systems reform 18-04-2013

Mr Andreas Lykourentzos, Minister for Health of Greece, hosted a high-level meeting on 10 April 2013 to discuss an expanded role for WHO/Europe in the health care reform process in Greece and the governance and financing arrangements for technical assistance funded by the European Union.

European experts meet to discuss impact of economic crisis on health 16-04-2013

Senior government officials representing the 53 Member States in the WHO European Region will meet in Oslo, Norway on 17–18 April 2013 to review the impact of the economic crisis on health and health systems in the Region, discuss the various policy responses, share lessons learned and agree on ways in which countries can better prepare for the future.

WHO and UNICEF launch new plan to cut deaths from diarrhoea and pneumonia 12-04-2013

A new global action plan, launched today by WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has the potential to save up to 2 million children every year from death caused by pneumonia and diarrhoea, some of the leading killers of children under 5 globally.

WHO/Europe in Copenhagen moving to new premises 05-04-2013

WHO/Europe’s head office, based in Copenhagen, Denmark, is moving to new premises during 22 March to 1 April 2013. All United Nations organizations in the Danish capital will come together in new premises known as UN City.

Human infections with influenza A(H7N9) in China – update 05-04-2013

As of 5 April 2013, the China Health and Family Planning Commission has notified WHO of a total 14 confirmed cases of human infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus in China. At present, the source of infection is unknown. There is no evidence of continuing human-to-human transmission.

Third session of Twentieth Standing Committee 05-04-2013

Discussions at the third session of the Twentieth Standing Committee of the Regional Committee for Europe focused on preparations for the sixty-third session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, to be held in Cesme, Izmir, Turkey on 16–19 September 2013.

World Health Day 2013 – Reducing salt intake is key to reducing high blood pressure and stroke 04-04-2013

Reducing salt intake is one of the easiest ways to reduce high blood pressure and therefore the risks of stroke, and cardiac and kidney disease. Reducing salt intake to less than 5 g per day (the equivalent of about 1 teaspoon) reduces the risk of stroke by 23% and reduces the general rates of cardiovascular disease by 17%. The daily intake of most people in the WHO European Region is about 8–11 g, far above the recommended level.

Adequate treatment essential to stop tuberculosis across Europe – WHO/ECDC new report 19-03-2013

Over 1000 patients are estimated to fall sick with tuberculosis (TB) every day across Europe – or over 380 000 yearly – signalling that there is no room for complacency when it comes to TB prevention and control. Marking World TB Day, the WHO Regional Office for Europe and ECDC today released new surveillance data for 2011.  The data show that while overall the number of TB cases has come down at a rate of 5% per year, countries in the eastern part of the WHO European Region bear 87% of the burden. These countries also recorded most of the estimated 44 000 TB deaths in 2011. The European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) countries reported over 72 000 cases of TB, which signifies a 4% decrease compared to 2010.

Join us on Twitter for live #TBchat 18-03-2013

Experts from WHO/Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will answer questions on tuberculosis (TB) during a live Twitter chat on Friday, 22 March 2013, 10.00–11.00 UTC/GMT (11:00–12:00 CET, Copenhagen time). The chat, using the hashtag #TBchat, is part of activities throughout the WHO European Region for World TB Day, marked annually on 24 March.

Road traffic deaths down by 25% but 92 000 still die each year in the WHO European Region 14-03-2013

The report “European facts and Global status report on road safety 2013” published today by WHO/Europe reveals significant improvement in overall fatalities but also indicates that only half of European countries have adequate road safety laws.

New WHO report reveals unequal improvements in health in Europe and calls for measurement of well-being as marker of progress 13-03-2013

While the overall level of health across the WHO European Region has clearly improved, European health statistics show inequities within and between countries, according to the European health report 2012. The report is WHO/Europe’s flagship publication, issued every three years.

Intersectoral coordination and disease control at points of entry: critical to avert and control health crises 01-03-2013

European countries have identified intersectoral coordination and disease control at international airports, ports and ground crossings (points of entry) as critical to ensuring their effective implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR). This would help avert and control health crises, such as the influenza pandemic and the recent outbreaks of foodborne disease and of measles affecting many European countries.

Using health services must not break family finances 22-02-2013

High-level officials from health and finance ministries in 27 countries, and other experts, strongly supported the ideas underlying universal health coverage – that all people, irrespective of ability to pay, should have access to the health services they need, without putting their families at financial risk – at a joint WHO/World Bank meeting in Geneva, Switzerland on 18–19 February 2013.

Novel coronavirus update: third case in same family cluster 16-02-2013

The United Kingdom has informed WHO of a third confirmed case of novel coronavirus (NCoV) in the country this month. The latest case is in the same family cluster as the two recently confirmed cases and does not have recent travel history outside the country. The case is recovering from mild respiratory illness and is currently well.

Alcohol and tobacco use among young people falls in the Russian Federation 15-02-2013

Data published by WHO/Europe show a significant fall in alcohol and tobacco use by young people in the Russian Federation. The latest report from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study shows a decline in the number of 13-year-old girls who smoke at least once a week. Weekly smoking among 15-year-old boys and girls is also decreasing.

Novel coronavirus update: new case but continued low risk 14-02-2013

The United Kingdom has reported a confirmed infection of the novel coronavirus (NCoV) in a relative of the case reported on 11 February 2013. This latest case is a resident of the United Kingdom who does not have a recent travel history and is understood to have a pre-existing medical condition that may have increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Further case of novel coronavirus detected 11-02-2013

The United Kingdom has informed WHO of a confirmed case of infection with the novel coronavirus (nCoV). The new case is a United Kingdom resident who developed symptoms of illness on 26 January 2013. A preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had a travel history to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Laboratory investigations on respiratory specimens have revealed infection with both influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and nCoV. He is currently hospitalized in intensive care in the United Kingdom.

European mortality database updated 11-02-2013

Deaths from skin cancer in the WHO European Region increased by a third between 1980 and 2011: from 1.58 to 2.09 per 100 000. This is one of the trends to be found by analysing data in WHO/Europe’s mortality indicator database, updated in January.

Experts meet to discuss verification process for measles and rubella elimination 01-02-2013

National experts in measles and rubella and members of the regional verification commission met in Copenhagen, Denmark on 29–30 January 2013, to discuss the process of verifying the elimination of the diseases in the WHO European Region. Member States are committed to achieving this goal by 2015.

Newly found health effects of air pollution call for stronger European Union air policies 31-01-2013

Long-term exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) can trigger atherosclerosis, adverse birth outcomes and childhood respiratory diseases, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) review released today. The review of evidence on health aspects of air pollution (REVIHAAP) also suggests a possible link with neurodevelopment, cognitive function and diabetes, and strengthens the causal link between PM2.5 and cardiovascular and respiratory deaths. The research was carried out at the request of the European Commission in the framework of the 2013 review of the European Union (EU)’s air policy.

Turkey to host the sixty-third session of WHO Regional Committee for Europe 29-01-2013

Turkey will host the sixty-third session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in the city of Izmir on 16–19 September 2013. The session was originally planned to be held in Portugal.

Updated: interactive atlases of health inequalities 24-01-2013

WHO/Europe’s interactive atlases of health inequalities are a tool to assess inequalities in social determinants of health, as well as the resources, outputs, outcomes and effects of health care at the subnational level in countries of the European Union (EU), candidate countries and some other countries. The atlases use publicly available data from EUROSTAT (the statistical office of the EU) to identify and visualize inequalities between national subregions.

WHO/Europe scales up emergency support for Syrians 16-01-2013

The deterioration of the crisis in the Syrian Arab Republic and its impact on neighbouring countries have necessitated substantial WHO support at the international level, involving all concerned countries, as well as WHO regional offices and headquarters.

Baltic policy dialogue explores hospital-sector reform 15-01-2013

Senior representatives of the health ministries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania recently took part in the 9th Baltic policy dialogue, focusing on hospital financing and governance as ways to support the rationalization of hospital care and improvement of performance.

Influenza activity increasing in Europe 11-01-2013

Influenza transmission is increasing in the WHO European Region, spreading from west to east. Influenza activity across the Region currently varies from widespread, mainly in the west and north, to no or sporadic activity in the east. 

Key WHO/Europe events in 2013 09-01-2013

Following the adoption of Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being, in September 2012 and building on past resolutions and collaborative work, WHO/Europe plans many activities, campaigns and events in 2013.

Policy seminar in Kyrgyzstan connects universal coverage and service delivery modernization 20-12-2012

The Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan, with support from WHO, recently held a high-level senior policy seminar to discuss the key health system issues of universal coverage and service delivery modernization. Almost 100 participants attended the seminar on 29–30 November 2012.

WHO/Europe and the Eurasian Economic Community sign agreement 14-12-2012

On 10 December 2012, Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Murat Musataev, Deputy Secretary General of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC), signed an agreement to cooperate on health issues.

United Nations mission visits camps for Syrian people in Turkey 13-12-2012

On 4–5 December 2012, a joint United Nations health mission to southern Turkey visited four camps for Syrian people hosted in Turkey as a consequence of the conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic. The mission was conducted by WHO and other agencies, with support from AFAD, the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of the Prime Ministry of Turkey and the Turkish Ministry of Health.

HIV treatment as prevention: #HIVchat on Twitter 12-12-2012

Experts from WHO/Europe and the European AIDS Treatment Group will answer your questions on the strategic use of antiretrovirals, including to prevent HIV infections, during a live Twitter chat on Wednesday 19 December 2012, at 14:00–15:00 UTC/GMT (15:00–16:00 CET, Copenhagen time).

Germany: model of good governance for workers’ health 10-12-2012

Health hazards and risks in the working environment kill more than 300 000 workers in the WHO European Region every year. WHO/Europe has produced a country profile of the occupational health system in Germany to provide policy-makers and advisers across the Region with lessons from this system, and up-to-date guidance on good practice in the governance of workers’ health.

Countries in European and Eastern Mediterranean regions build capacity in global health diplomacy 04-12-2012

Representatives of 10 countries in the WHO European and Eastern Mediterranean regions participated in an executive course on global health diplomacy, exploring common interests in health as a foreign policy issue and illustrating how countries have collaborated at the national and regional levels for global health. The course was held in Ankara, Turkey on 26–30 November 2012.

Standing Committee meets in Bulgaria 30-11-2012

At its second session in Sofia, Bulgaria, the Twentieth Standing Committee of the Regional Committee for Europe (SCRC) discussed technical and policy items for the next Regional Committee session, in September 2013. In addition, Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, met Rosen Plevneliev, President of Bulgaria to discuss future health development in the country.

WHO and ECDC recommend immediate resumption of BCG vaccination programme against tuberculosis in Romania 30-11-2012

A joint mission of WHO/Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to Romania has recommended immediate resumption of bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination against tuberculosis (TB) in the country.

Investing in response essential to curb HIV transmission in Europe 30-11-2012

New data for 2011 show that more than 121 000 new HIV cases were reported in the WHO European Region, including more than 28 000 in the European Union and the European Economic Area (EU/EEA). This indicates an increase for the Region from the previous year, which highlights the importance of sustaining interventions, even in times of economic austerity, to curb the continuing HIV transmission across Europe.

Self-prescription of antibiotics boosts superbugs epidemic in the European Region 16-11-2012

Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. Viruses, which antibiotics do not affect, cause 9 out of 10 sore throats and 10 out of 10 cases of influenza. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily weakens their ability to work against infections when they are needed. This enables bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics. On European Antibiotic Awareness Day 2012 (1), WHO advises the public to use antibiotics only when and as prescribed by a doctor.

Ask the experts about antibiotic resistance: join the #EAAD chat on Twitter 14-11-2012

Experts from WHO/Europe, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Commission will answer questions on antibiotic resistance during a live Twitter chat on Tuesday, 20 November 2012, from 14:00 to 15:00 UTC/GMT (15:00–16:00 CET). The chat is part of activities throughout the WHO European Region to mark European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD).

Monitoring framework agreed to assess progress on NCDs 12-11-2012

After three days of discussion last week, WHO Member States agreed on a global monitoring framework to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and chronic lung conditions.

New public health action plan focuses on disease prevention and health promotion 12-11-2012

Participants in the annual conference of the European Public Health Association (EUPHA), held in Malta, welcomed the launch of the WHO European Action Plan for Strengthening Public Health Services and Capacity on 9 November 2012.

Health 2020 on agenda at Economist Global Healthcare Conference 08-11-2012

How should policy makers be dealing effectively with the health challenges of today and how should they be shaping health systems for the future? Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe will make a keynote address on future challenges for global health at the Economist Global Healthcare Summit on 30 November 2012.

RIVM and WHO/Europe to collaborate on health information provision 07-11-2012

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) of the Netherlands and WHO/Europe agreed last week to collaborate on the further development and dissemination of European health information and knowledge.

Antibiotic resistance surveillance network extended throughout European Region 02-11-2012

On 30 October, WHO/Europe signed an agreement with the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) of the Netherlands, and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) to expand surveillance of antibiotic resistance to cover all countries in the WHO European Region.

Use of Novartis’ influenza vaccines resumed in some countries 01-11-2012

The use of several batches of influenza vaccines manufactured by Novartis is being resumed in some countries that had temporarily suspended them pending further analysis of protein aggregates found in the vaccines.

Precautionary suspension of Novartis’ influenza vaccine in some European countries 30-10-2012

Six European Union countries, plus Canada, have temporarily suspended the use of some batches of an influenza vaccine manufactured by Novartis. Medicines regulatory authorities have taken this precautionary measure because of the reported appearance of protein aggregates in the vaccines. The vaccines were manufactured in the Novartis production plant in Italy and are marketed under different commercial names, including Agrippal, Bergripal, Chiroflu, Chiromas, Fluad, Influpozzi and Sandovac.

Health systems must reorient services to meet new challenges 29-10-2012

Recognizing that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) represent the greatest health burden for countries in the WHO European Region requires service-delivery systems to shift towards more people-centred care.

Your questions answered: join the #FLUchat on Twitter 25-10-2012

WHO/Europe experts will answer questions on influenza during a live Twitter chat on Thursday, 1 November 2012, 14:00–15:00 UTC/GMT (15:00–16:00 CET).

World Polio Day: progress towards global eradication 24-10-2012

Good progress has been observed globally in efforts to eradicate poliomyelitis (polio). Polio is at its lowest level since records began, with fewer cases in fewer districts of fewer countries than at any previous time.

EVIPNet: putting evidence into policy 19-10-2012

WHO has launched EVIPNet (the WHO Evidence-Informed Policy Network) in the European Region. EVIPNet brings together stakeholders from many sectors to define policy questions, develop policy briefs and create ways to translate evidence into policy.

Capacity to diagnose M/XDR-TB strengthened across Europe 18-10-2012

WHO/Europe has established the European Tuberculosis Laboratory Initiative (ELI) to increase laboratory capacity to diagnose multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB) across the WHO European Region. ELI members met for the first time on 15–16 October, in Bilthoven, the Netherlands, at an event hosted by the Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), under the partnership agreement between WHO and the Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.

European Region far from target for influenza vaccine uptake 18-10-2012

Almost all countries in the WHO European Region recommend that elderly people be offered the seasonal influenza vaccine. The target is for 75% to be vaccinated each year. In countries where vaccine-uptake data are available, however, only one country achieved this target, and many fell far short.

Flagship Course on Health System Strengthening: focus on noncommunicable diseases 17-10-2012

The annual Course was held in Barcelona, Spain between 25 September and 3 October 2012. It focused on assessing health systems’ performance, diagnosing barriers to their achieving better noncommunicable disease (NCD) outcomes, improving service delivery to scale up key interventions for primary prevention and disease management, and reviewing health financing instruments and financial incentives to support better NCD outcomes.

Dengue fever in Madeira, Portugal 17-10-2012

A dengue outbreak has been reported in Portugal, with 18 confirmed cases and 191 probable cases as of 10 October 2012.

WHO sustainable-development initiative wins United Nations award 15-10-2012

The SWIFT(the Sustainable Waste management Initiative For a healthier Tomorrow) initiative, implemented by WHO in Serbia, won first prize in the “greening” category at the UN21 Awards, presented by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on 18 September 2012.

WHO’s hospital safety index and emergency checklist rolled out in Europe 12-10-2012

WHO’s index and checklist have been rolled out in 9 countries across the European Region, helping health authorities to improve hospitals and health systems’ ability to prepare for emergencies and remain resilient during and after disasters. 13 October 2012 is the International Day for Disaster Reduction.

Health in an age of austerity: WHO at European Health Forum Gastein 10-10-2012

Speaking during the opening session of the European Health Forum Gastein in Bad Hofgastein, Austria last week, Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, underlined the health sector’s vital contribution to the general economy, and the importance of investing in public health, health promotion and disease prevention in times of austerity. As more and varied groups now have an interest in health, Ms Jakab also spoke of the continuing relevance and even greater importance of WHO, and how Health 2020, the new European policy framework, supports action across government and society to promote health and well-being.

WHO opens new collaborating centre on social inclusion and health 04-10-2012

WHO has designated a WHO Collaborating Centre on Social Inclusion and Health at the University of Alicante, Spain. Dr Daniel La Parra, of the University, will lead the Centre.

Romania boosts efforts against drug-resistant tuberculosis 02-10-2012

Today, Romania launches a four-year national plan to fight tuberculosis, during the visit of the WHO Regional Director for Europe and the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy. The Romanian national action plan to prevent and manage multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a timely response to a growing public health threat, to which over 80 000 people in the WHO European Region fall victim each year.

Novel coronavirus infection - revised interim case definition 01-10-2012

WHO has continued to monitor the situation. No additional confirmed cases have been reported and there is no evidence so far of person to person transmission of the novel coronavirus.

Novel coronavirus infection - update 26-09-2012

As of 25 September 2012, no additional cases of acute respiratory syndrome with renal failure due to infection with a novel coronavirus have been reported to WHO. WHO is continuing investigations into two recently confirmed infections identified as a novel coronavirus. Yesterday WHO issued an interim case definition to help countries strengthen health protection measures against the new virus.

Novel coronavirus infection in the United Kingdom 23-09-2012

On 22 September 2012, the United Kingdom informed WHO of a case of acute respiratory syndrome with renal failure in a person with travel history to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Have your say on WHO’s upcoming global HIV guidelines 20-09-2012

Working to consolidate its HIV/AIDS guidance, WHO seeks feedback through an end-user survey to find out: whether its guidelines reach countries and help them to develop national guidelines, and what barriers may exist to using its guidelines.

WHO publication on noise highly commended by British Medical Association 19-09-2012

On 13 September 2012, at the annual BMA Medical Book Awards ceremony in John Snow Hall (London, United Kingdom), the WHO/Europe publication “Burden of disease from environmental noise” was “highly commended” in the public health category.

Key findings of consultation on monitoring noncommunicable diseases released 18-09-2012

As part of the development of a comprehensive global monitoring framework for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), WHO/Europe held a web-based consultation to determine European Member States’ capacity to monitor the proposed voluntary targets and global indicators.

Regional Committee: Highlights of Day 4 13-09-2012

On the final day of the 62nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, the WHO Member States adopted the Strategy and Action Plan for Healthy Ageing in Europe, 2012-2020, and the European Action Plan for Strengthening Public Health Capacities and Services.

Health ministers adopt European policy for health and well-being 12-09-2012

Today the WHO European Region adopted a sustainable policy to protect and promote the health of its 900 million citizens, particularly the most vulnerable. The comprehensive new policy, called Health 2020, was endorsed by the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, WHO’s governing body for the Region, during its meeting in Malta.

Regional Committee: Highlights of Day 3 12-09-2012

Today, the WHO European Region adopted the Health 2020 policy framework. Discussions on the third day of the sixty-second session of the Regional Committee for Europe focused on WHO reform, and ended with the Strategy and Action Plan for Healthy Ageing in Europe 2012–2020.

Regional Committee: Highlights of Day 2 11-09-2012

Following an address by Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, that reflected on the global development agenda after 2015, debate on the second day of the sixty-second session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe was dominated by Health 2020 and its evidence base.

Regional Committee: Highlights of Day 1 10-09-2012

The sixty-second session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe was opened by the outgoing president of the Regional Committee Professor Ogtay Shiraliyev, Minister of Health of Azerbaijan, and began with Lawrence Gonzi, Prime Minister of Malta welcoming delegates, followed by an address by Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, Patron of the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

Regional Committee opens on Monday in Malta 09-09-2012

Ministers and representatives from 52 countries in the WHO European Region are in Malta from 10-13 September 2012 for the sixty-second session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe. The session is being webcast and covered on Twitter (#RC62Malta).

53 countries to set new European health roadmap for 2020 and beyond 07-09-2012

Health ministers and senior officials from the 53 countries in the WHO European Region are gathering in Malta next week to vote on an ambitious long-term WHO European policy for health and well-being, Health 2020.

Countries of south-eastern Europe build capacity in global health diplomacy 28-08-2012

Representatives of countries of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) gathered in Debrecen, Hungary on 21–25 August 2012 to participate in a global health diplomacy executive course to explore their common interests in health as a foreign policy issue.

New hands-on approach to policy-making: Ukraine develops national plan at WHO/Europe 20-08-2012

Representatives from the Ukrainian Ministry of Health spent four productive days in early August at WHO/Europe working with noncommunicable diseases (NCD) programme managers to develop a draft national NCD action plan.

Reducing health inequalities in small countries: WHO/Europe signs agreement with San Marino 01-08-2012

San Marino is providing €1.25 million for a five-year project to support European countries with small populations address the social determinants of health and reduce health inequities. Claudio Podeschi, Minister of Health and Social Security, National Insurance and Gender Equality, signed the project agreement with WHO/Europe on 1 August 2012. 

AIDS 2012: growing HIV epidemic in eastern Europe and central Asia a concern 25-07-2012

Representatives from across the world gathered at a special session of the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) this week, to highlight the key issues in and solutions to the growing challenge of HIV in eastern Europe and central Asia.

Olympic Games: WHO supports United Kingdom Health Protection Agency in securing public health 25-07-2012

WHO is providing technical support to the United Kingdom Health Protection Agency (HPA) in enhancing disease surveillance and response during two upcoming mass gatherings in the United Kingdom: the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

WHO to support Ireland reform health systems in response to financial crisis 20-07-2012

WHO will support Ireland in assessing options for reforming its health system in response to the financial crisis, Dr Hans Kluge, Director of the Division of Health Systems and Public Health in WHO/Europe, assured the Irish Minister of Health Dr James Reilly at the end of a discussion with senior policy-makers in Dublin.

WHO assessment mission: better facilities for receiving migrants needed 06-07-2012

The Italian islands of Lampedusa and Linosa are the entry points to Europe for many migrants from North and sub-Saharan Africa. WHO’s latest mission to the islands concluded that improvement to the quality of, availability of and access to water and sanitation facilities, and infrastructure in general, is urgently needed.

Director-General begins second term, releases report on first term 02-07-2012

Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, began her second term on 1 July 2012. Read her assessment of the achievements, setbacks and remaining health challenges.

Tackling tuberculosis means looking beyond the disease: experts meet to address its broader causes 29-06-2012

Cases of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB) are rising in the WHO European Region. Identifying people with the disease, ensuring adequate treatment and enabling them to finish the whole course of it are vital to saving lives and stopping its further spread. Experts from national TB programmes are meeting in London, United Kingdom on 2–3 July 2012 to review progress on implementing the European Region’s commitments to tackle TB, and ways to address its underlying causes.

Severe heat-wave in Europe: advice on health effects and ultraviolet exposure 28-06-2012

Parts of the European Region are experiencing extreme heat-waves. Every year, heat threatens the health of many people, particularly the elderly. Heat can trigger exhaustion, heart attacks or confusion, and worsen existing conditions, such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Nevertheless, the harmful effects of hot weather are largely preventable.

London Olympics: new report on public-health preparedness 27-06-2012

The report highlights the public-health challenges associated with mass gatherings. It focuses on the English health authorities’ efforts and capacity to prepare the health system to address potential risks during the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

Norway leads Europe in protecting children from “unhealthy” food marketing 25-06-2012

An updated policy to reduce children’s exposure to advertising practices relating to unhealthy foods has been developed by the Norwegian Government and is now subject to public consultation.

Rio+20 puts health at the heart of development goals 22-06-2012

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20, recognizes in its final document the fundamental need to act on the social and environmental determinants of health to create inclusive, equitable, economically productive and healthy societies.

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.

European Region marks tenth anniversary of polio-free certification 21-06-2012

Today, the WHO European Region marks 10 years since it was certified free of poliomyelitis (polio). Stopping transmission of indigenous wild poliovirus in the 53 countries in the Region was a landmark in the effort to eradicate polio globally, and helped accelerate international momentum towards that goal.

Central Asia in the spotlight: growing HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs 19-06-2012

In the WHO European Region, people who inject drugs are particularly at risk of being infected with HIV. Concern is increasing in five central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), where more than half of newly diagnosed HIV infections occur among such people. This is the focus of the first meeting organized by WHO/Europe to address HIV prevention in this group in the central Asian republics.

Rising blood-donation rates in Europe 14-06-2012

The total rate rose from 34.7 donations per 1000 population in 2008 to 36.5 in 2010, in 30 countries in the WHO European Region. The campaign for World Blood Donor Day, on 14 June 2012, encourages everyone to become a hero by giving blood.

Questions answered: health advice for travellers to EURO 2012 11-06-2012

WHO/Europe has produced detailed health advice for people attending the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship (EURO 2012). It includes information on how to prepare before leaving home, stay safe in crowds, seek emergency health care, and avoid, recognize the symptoms of and treat common travellers’ illnesses.

Self-sufficiency in organ donation a step closer in south-eastern Europe 08-06-2012

Health ministers and high-level officials from the 10 countries in the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) attended the first regional ministerial conference on organ donation and transplantation in Zagreb, Croatia on 4 June.

Experts meet to discuss safe abortion care 01-06-2012

Unintended pregnancy should be rare, and abortion safe and accessible, said Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, at an international meeting in Latvia on 30–31 May 2012. 

Kills when used as prescribed – tobacco industry successfully targets girls with new marketing tactics 30-05-2012

A lethal combination of new media and a new market is threatening public health, with creative marketing tactics leading to a striking rise in smoking prevalence among women and girls in the WHO European Region. Tobacco-industry interference is the theme for World No Tobacco Day 2012.

World Health Assembly, closing: 21 resolutions adopted during the week 29-05-2012

The Sixty-fifth World Health Assembly concluded after adopting 21 resolutions on a broad range of health issues including: early marriages and pregnancies, humanitarian emergencies, the International Health Regulations, mass gatherings, the Millennium Development Goals, noncommunicable diseases, occupied Palestinian territory, pandemic influenza preparedness, intensification of the global polio eradication initiative, research and development, schistosomiasis, the social determinants of health and substandard/spurious/falsely labelled/falsified/counterfeit medical products.

World Health Assembly, day 4: support for WHO reform 25-05-2012

On day four of the World Health Assembly, countries discussed and expressed broad support for proposals to reform WHO in three areas: programmes and priority setting, governance and management.

World Health Assembly, day 3: WHO Director-General reappointed 24-05-2012

The Health Assembly yesterday appointed Dr Margaret Chan to a second five-year term as Director-General. In her acceptance speech to health ministers and representatives of WHO’s Member States, Dr Chan pledged continued commitment to improving the health of the most vulnerable.

World Health Assembly, day 2: resolution on noncommunicable diseases approved 24-05-2012

A resolution on strengthening noncommunicable disease policies to promote active ageing was approved by countries on the second day of WHO’s global annual meeting.

Standing Committee: “Good progress in preparations for RC62” 23-05-2012

The Nineteenth Standing Committee of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (SCRC) held its fourth session at WHO headquarters in Geneva on 19 and 20 May 2012.

New report gives preliminary dose estimation from Fukushima nuclear accident 23-05-2012

The report describes a preliminary estimate of radiation doses to the public resulting from the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear site in Japan in March 2011.

Five Europeans receive 2012 World No Tobacco Day awards 23-05-2012

WHO honoured five people from across the European Region for their work in fighting the global tobacco epidemic and promoting tobacco-control initiatives and policies.

First day of World Health Assembly focuses on universal health-care coverage 22-05-2012

The Sixty-fifth World Health Assembly, WHO’s annual global meeting of ministers and senior health officials, opened yesterday. In her opening address, Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, emphasized the importance of universal coverage.

“Roma health newsletter”: first issue 15-05-2012

WHO/Europe, along with the European Commission and the University of Alicante, Spain, started a quarterly newsletter to share information and resources for improving Roma health. The first issue is out now.

Follow webcast of health-financing course 10-05-2012

Two sessions of the popular Barcelona course in health financing will be webcast for the first time in May. The introductory session, on Monday, 14 May 2012, and a keynote session on universal coverage and private financing, on Wednesday, 16 May will both be streamed.

WHO report reveals teenagers do not get a fair deal on health 02-05-2012

Widespread inequalities mean that many young people in the WHO European Region and North America are not as healthy as they could be, according to a new report on the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, published by the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

Eliminating malaria from Europe by 2015: realistic and attainable 25-04-2012

Intensive anti-malaria interventions have cut the number of reported autochthonous malaria cases in the WHO European Region from 90 712 in 1995 to 102 in 2011. World Malaria Day is 25 April.

Forum finalizes Health 2020 policy framework 23-04-2012

The third meeting of the European Health Policy Forum of High-level Government Officials took place in Brussels, Belgium on 19–20 April 2012. The Forum advised WHO/Europe on the final shape of the Health 2020 policy framework and three other key documents that will be submitted to the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in September 2012.

European Immunization Week features week of guest bloggers 23-04-2012

As part of WHO/Europe’s activities at the level of the European Region, the campaign site for European Immunization Week features guest bloggers on each day. They are addressing issues related to immunization from a variety of perspectives.

European Immunization Week 2012: all countries set to take part 11-04-2012

WHO/Europe today received confirmation that, for the first time since European Immunization Week was introduced in 2005, all 53 countries in the WHO European Region will participate in the initiative. This year, the critical role frontline health workers play in ensuring the success of national immunization programmes is in focus.

Are patients in control of their health care? European conference promotes patient-centred health systems 11-04-2012

Health systems are usually organized to deliver care to patients with the professional at the centre. But this traditional view of the relationship between patients and doctors is being review at the first European Conference on Patient Empowerment, taking place in Copenhagen, Denmark on 11–12 April 2012.

Regional World Health Day launch: empower older people to participate in policy-making 03-04-2012

Empowering older people to be part of policy-making on active ageing was a key message of the World Health Day 2012 regional launch event in Copenhagen, Denmark on 2 April 2012.

Princess Mathilde of Belgium arrives in Albania to advocate for frontline health care workers 29-03-2012

Princess Mathilde of Belgium began her official visit yesterday as WHO’s Special Representative for Immunization. She will meet frontline health care workers from Albania and Montenegro and discuss their vital role in ensuring the success of national immunization programmes.

World Health Day 2012 – Active ageing adds healthy life to years 29-03-2012

Europe’s population is living longer than ever before. Average life expectancy at birth in the 53 countries in the WHO European Region is over 72 years for men and around 80 for women. While birth rates and total population numbers are declining in some parts of the Region, the proportion of people aged ≥65 years is forecast almost to double between 2010 and 2050.

European public health action plan: Consultation generates important feedback 28-03-2012

International organizations and more than 35 countries made recommendations on revising both the structure and content of the draft action plan.

Adults in Europe consume three standard alcoholic drinks per day on average 27-03-2012

People in Europe consume more alcohol – 12.5 litres of pure alcohol equivalent per year on average – than in any other part of the world. How frequently, where and in what context alcohol is consumed influence the effect it has on health. “Alcohol in the European Union”, a new report by WHO co-sponsored by the European Commission, reveals significant subregional patterns of consumption and health effects across the European Union (EU).

WHO/Europe to assist Greece in pharmaceutical health care pricing 23-03-2012

WHO/Europe has responded positively to a request from the Greek Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity to provide technical assistance in the field of pricing and reimbursement of pharmaceuticals and other public health areas based on a joint assessment. This was announced by Dr Hans Kluge, Director of the Division of Health Systems and Public Health, at a conference about the future of health care in Greece held in Athens on 20 March 2012.

New report: tuberculosis (TB) on the retreat in Europe, though concerns remain about drug-resistant strains and treatment failure 19-03-2012

To mark World TB Day, 24 March 2012, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and WHO/Europe launch their joint report, “Tuberculosis surveillance and monitoring in Europe 2012”.

WHO and European Commission reinforce cooperation in key areas 08-03-2012

Senior officials and technical experts agreed on concrete plans for working together in 2012 at a meeting on 6–7 March in Brussels, Belgium.

Netherlands collaborating centre working on new approach to primary care 07-03-2012

On 20 February 2012, WHO/Europe agreed key research areas for the next two years with the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL), a WHO collaborating centre for primary care.

Provider-payment assessment tool in development 06-03-2012

WHO, along with the World Bank and the Joint Learning Network for Universal Coverage (JLN), is developing a diagnostic and assessment guide to support countries making reforms to mechanisms for paying health-service providers.

WHO/Europe strengthens national capacity in emergency preparedness 05-03-2012

Participants from eight countries in the WHO European Region took part in a workshop to train trainers to establish and develop national programmes to build capacity for risk reduction and the management of public health emergencies.

Scaling up action for Roma health in Serbia and beyond 02-03-2012

The Ministry of Health and the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights, Public Administration and Local Self-government of Serbia, supported by WHO and other international partners, held a Roma health forum in Belgrade on 28–29 February 2012, and adopted a national declaration on Roma health.

2012 UEFA European Football Championship: health advice 24-02-2012

The Championship is taking place in Poland and Ukraine from 8 June to 1 July 2012. With national authorities and partners, WHO/Europe has published a leaflet on the health steps to take before travelling, and key health information to remember when in the host countries.

Vulnerability and health: WHO opens new collaborating centre in Hungary 18-02-2012

WHO has designated the Department of Preventive Medicine in the Faculty of Public Health at the University of Debrecen, Hungary a WHO Collaborating Centre on Vulnerability and Health. 

WHO launches expanded European Centre for Environment and Health in Bonn, Germany: new report on environmental health inequalities published 14-02-2012

One citizen out of five dies from environment-associated diseases in the WHO European Region. The environmental burden of ill health varies significantly across the Region, however, ranging from 14% to 54%. Within countries, the poor can be exposed to environmental risks five times more often than their wealthier peers, a new WHO report concludes.

Update of WHO/Europe statistical databases 10-02-2012

The European Health for All database (HFA-DB) was updated in January 2012. With over 600 indicators, HFA-DB provides fast and easy access, in graphical and tabular form, to a wide range of basic health statistics on the 53 countries in the WHO European Region.

Revised guidance on HIV treatment and care published 09-02-2012

WHO/Europe has revised two clinical protocols on the treatment of and care for people living with HIV, to reflect the latest evidence-informed approaches. The protocols take account of regional characteristics and should support countries in scaling up treatment coverage. 

Eliminating measles and rubella: new commission meets 08-02-2012

Countries in the WHO European Region have committed to eliminating measles and rubella by 2015. The European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC) met for the first time on 24–25 January 2012, in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Instrument to map management of noncommunicable diseases in primary care under development 08-02-2012

WHO/Europe is developing a new framework instrument to assess how effectively noncommunicable diseases are managed in primary care, in collaboration with the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research.

Health services must prepare for extremely cold weather 03-02-2012

Extremely cold weather increases mortality and poses a high health risk to many, particularly children and elderly, homeless or intoxicated people. Health services and hospitals must care for patients suffering from exposure to the cold, hypothermia, frostbite, injuries and accidents, as well as respiratory infections and cardiovascular incidents.

Detailed mortality database updated 31-01-2012

The European detailed mortality database (DMDB) has been updated with the newest available detailed data on causes of death from WHO Member States: 28 country-years of detailed information on causes of death have been added to the database since the last update.

Life does not end at 60 - senior citizens have much to offer 31-01-2012

Many Europeans live longer and are healthier than ever before. This is an opportunity to highlight senior citizens’ many resources and experiences. A recent conference focused on labour market issues, and how working conditions and labour market policies can be adapted to meet the needs of older workers

Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, nominated for second term 19-01-2012

Yesterday, WHO’s Executive Board nominated Dr Chan for a second term as Director-General. The nomination will be submitted for approval to the Sixty-fifth World Health Assembly.

Tuberculosis that is “resistant to all drugs”: frequently asked questions 16-01-2012

WHO's Stop TB Department has just published a briefing note with "Frequently Asked Questions" to provide information on tuberculosis that is resistant to all drugs.

Danish delegation visits WHO/Europe 10-01-2012

On 9 January 2012, a delegation from the Ministry of Health of Denmark visited WHO/Europe, to discuss current and future collaboration and support during Denmark’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Key WHO/Europe events in 2012 06-01-2012

Building on the momentum of resolutions and collaborative work in previous years, WHO/Europe plans many activities and events in 2012.

WHO Rome office closes at the end of 2011 20-12-2011

The Rome office of the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health is due to close at the end of December 2011. WHO’s work on environment and health in Europe remains a priority and is being consolidated in Bonn, Germany and Copenhagen, Denmark. This will allow the WHO Regional Office for Europe to maintain and strengthen its technical capacities in this area for the benefit of the 53 Member States of the European Region.

European countries must take action now to prevent continued measles outbreaks in 2012 02-12-2011

A new report today describing the large scale of measles outbreaks in European countries underscores their serious public health and economic implications. The World Health Organization European Region’s report emphasizes the urgent actions European countries should take to prevent measles outbreaks in 2012 and beyond, particularly with the approaching high season for measles transmission.

HIV cases continue to rise in Europe: WHO European Region launches new action plan to bring the epidemic under control 30-11-2011

The HIV epidemic is still not under control, according to a new surveillance report issued today. Over 118 000 cases of HIV were diagnosed in Europe in 2010, according to new data from 51 of the 53 of Member States in the WHO European Region, which were released today by WHO/Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Over three quarters of newly reported infections were from the eastern part of the Region.

New clinical health promotion research centre opens in Scandinavia 29-11-2011

The opening of the brand new Clinical Health Promotion Centre, a collaboration between Nordic research institutions, was celebrated on 18 November 2011. The new centre will strengthen global clinical research and development in five key areas: alcohol/drugs, tobacco, nutrition, physical activity and comorbidity.

Reducing cancer: international community moves from resolution to action 18-11-2011

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and its partners, including WHO, have developed a resolution that specifies measurable steps to reduce preventable deaths from cancer.

WHO/Europe invites partners to develop European action plan on public health 18-11-2011

WHO/Europe is developing a new European action plan on public health. Participants at the Polish European Union Presidency conference, “Solidarity in health. Closing the health gap between European Union States”, were invited last week to partner WHO in developing and implementing the plan.

Antibiotic resistance: what is not measured, is not done. Surveillance to be strengthened throughout Europe 17-11-2011

The two most common antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections – methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and resistant Escherichia coli – caused 8215 excess deaths (5503 and 2712, respectively) in 31 European countries in 2007.

WHO: “Be vaccinated against influenza and protect yourself against serious illness” 16-11-2011

As the influenza season is set to begin, WHO reminds Member States and their citizens that vaccination is the best tool available to prevent serious illness and death.

Collaboration on primary health care strengthened 15-11-2011

Three WHO collaborating centres on primary health care have committed themselves to joint work on a range of issues, including developments in mental health and noncommunicable diseases, the links between primary and secondary care, and inequities in health care by disease.

Information bulletin: second earthquake hits eastern Turkey 10-11-2011

An earthquake (magnitude 5.7) hit the Van area in eastern Turkey on 9 November 2011. It followed the 7.2-magnitude earthquake on 23 October 2011, which killed 601 people and injured more than 4152. Providing psychosocial services for disaster victims has been identified as a priority.

HIV prevention partnership goes online 03-11-2011

IQhiv – an initiative that identifies, adapts and disseminates practical tools to improve the quality of HIV prevention – is now online. The tools can be used to assess and strengthen operations and activities, as well as collect evidence on good practice.

Joint action on environmental health threats discussed 02-11-2011

Meeting for the first time in Bled, Slovenia, on 26–28 October 2011, the European Environment and Health Task Force discussed proposed areas of joint action to implement the commitments agreed by European countries in the Parma Declaration on Environment and Health.

Global commitment to addressing social determinants of health 26-10-2011

The last day of WHO’s World Conference on Social Determinants of Health, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 19–21 October 2011, saw the Rio Political Declaration on Social Determinants of Health finalized.

Measles virus continues to spread in the European Region: WHO calls on countries to step up response 25-10-2011

Member States in the WHO European Region continue to struggle with the uninterrupted spread of measles, reporting more than 26 000 confirmed cases in the first seven months of 2011. This represents a 276% increase from a comparable period in 2007.

Information bulletin: earthquake in eastern Turkey (Van province) 24-10-2011

A powerful earthquake (magnitude of 7.2) hit south-eastern Turkey on Sunday, 23 October 2011, with its epicentre in the eastern province of Van. Turkish authorities are managing the rescue operations and have not requested any specific international support. WHO experts are on stand-by.

WHO European Region aims to wipe out malaria in 4 years: Roll Back Malaria partners target strongholds of the disease 21-10-2011

Eliminating malaria by the end of 2015 in at least 8–10 additional countries globally, and thus from the entire WHO European Region, is one of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership’s objectives. A new WHO report, “Eliminating malaria: learning from the past, looking ahead”, clearly indicates that the 53 countries that make up the European Region are very close to reaching the goal.

No tobacco at EURO 2012 20-10-2011

The 14th Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) European Football Championship (EURO 2012) will be totally tobacco free. UEFA’s decision to ban tobacco from the world’s third largest sporting event sends a strong message to football fans everywhere, reaffirming the link between football and good health.

World Conference on Social Determinants of Health opens 19-10-2011

WHO is holding a global conference on 19–21 October 2011 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to build support for action on the social determinants of health.

Deaths of 30 000 women can be prevented – WHO/Europe calls for more action on cervical cancer 19-10-2011

Last week, over 100 experts and policy-makers from 42 countries and 7 partner organizations gathered in Istanbul, Turkey to discuss the prevention of cervical cancer in the WHO European Region. This cancer kills 30 000 women in Europe every year – a preventable and unacceptable cost to society. An effective vaccine now exists to protect women against human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer, and effective screening programmes can trigger life-saving action before the disease starts.

Violence and injuries: next steps in prevention 17-10-2011

The sixth meeting of the network of European health ministry focal persons for violence and injury prevention took place in Oslo, Norway on 11–12 October, attended by 70 participants from 37 countries in the WHO European Region. The plenary sessions focused on services for victims of violence, delivered by staff from the Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, and a WHO expert highlighted the global directions for the violence prevention networks, including the forthcoming survey for the global status report on violence prevention.

Armenia: free of malaria 14-10-2011

On 7 October 2011, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan granted Armenia malaria-free status in an official letter to the Government.

South-eastern European health ministers tackle killer diseases together; health in all policies: how is it done? 13-10-2011

Health ministers from south-eastern Europe are devoting two days to considering how to involve other crucial sectors in reducing death and disease in their countries. The Third Health Ministers’ Forum will meet in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina on 13–14 October 2011, and be attended by health ministers and high-level officials from the 10 countries in the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN).

Shift to engaging citizens and patients in health services needed 12-10-2011

Speaking at the European Chief Medical Officers’ Meeting, held in Warsaw, Poland on 6–7 October 2011, Professor José Maria Martin-Moreno, Director, Programme Management at WHO/Europe, called for a shift from top-down control over public health to engaging citizens and patients in health services, because of the importance of behavioural risk factors in causing noncommunicable diseases.

Call for case studies on intersectoral action for health 11-10-2011

WHO/Europe invites countries to submit case studies on their experience with intersectoral action to improve health. The deadline is Friday, 21 October 2011.

WHO/Europe launches road map to halt spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis 10-10-2011

Today, WHO/Europe launches the road map to prevent and combat multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB) for the 53 countries in the WHO European Region.

Measles virus continues to spread in European Region: WHO urgently calls on countries to step up response 07-10-2011

Member States in the WHO European Region continue to struggle with the spread of measles, with more than 26 000 confirmed cases reported so far this year. WHO/Europe calls on countries to accelerate their response activities and implement proven strategies to interrupt the outbreaks. 

Investing in mental health: focus of World Mental Health Day 07-10-2011

World Mental Health Day (10 October 2011) focuses on investment. Good mental health contributes to economic prosperity, and improving a population’s mental health yields benefits in both human and economic terms.

What happens when a woman goes to prison? New checklists aim to reduce the price she pays 04-10-2011

A new joint publication by WHO/Europe and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime addresses the special needs of women by providing checklists for decision-makers, senior prison managers and prison health staff to monitor the status of health care provided to women in prison.

Health in Islamic states: ministers meet to plan the next 10 years 29-09-2011

An ambitious ten-year action plan on health is on the table of the Islamic Conference of Health Ministers, which is meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan on 29 September – 1 October 2011. The Conference aims to improve and strengthen solidarity among Member States and cooperation among Islamic countries in the field of health care.

New WHO database shows poor air quality in cities 27-09-2011

Air pollution threatens people’s health in many cities, according to an unprecedented compilation of global data released today by WHO. In the European Region, data were collected from over 350 cities in 33 countries, including national capitals and cities with more than 100 000 residents. In these cities, more than 250 000 people are estimated to die every year because of air pollution.

New WHO/Europe centre on noncommunicable diseases opens in Athens 23-09-2011

At a ceremony today in Athens, Greece, a new centre on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) was opened by Andreas Loverdos, Minister of Health and Social Solidarity of Greece, and Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

Noncommunicable diseases top of world’s agenda 19-09-2011

Today and tomorrow (19–20 September 2011), high-level representatives of the 193 countries in the United Nations are meeting in New York, United States of America, to discuss the worldwide epidemic of noncommunicable diseases.

Europe fights back: WHO’s new action plan tackles antibiotic resistance 15-09-2011

Today, in Baku, Azerbaijan, at the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, 53 countries will discuss adopting a new European strategic action plan on antibiotic resistance. Developed by the WHO Regional Office for Europe following extensive consultation with experts and policy-makers and based on the latest research, the action plan builds on the momentum created by World Health Day 2011, with its slogan of “No action today, no cure tomorrow”.

New research gives impetus to WHO plan to halt HIV spread 14-09-2011

At the sixty-first session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 12 to 15 September 2011, the WHO Regional Office for Europe will present an action plan to Member States to halt the increasing spread of HIV in the WHO European Region.

European Member States show new resolve in tackling multidrug-resistant TB 14-09-2011

This week, at the sixty-first session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, the 53 countries that make up the governing body for the WHO European Region are set to endorse an ambitious and rigorous action plan to combat multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB).

European Region has heaviest drinking in the world 13-09-2011

The 53 countries in the WHO European Region meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan from 12 to 15 September 2011 are endorsing a plan to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. In this Region, alcohol is the second largest risk factor for the death and disease burden, just after tobacco use.

Europe at forefront of global movement against major diseases 13-09-2011

In 2011, the world is waking up to a major threat to health and to economies. European governments are defining the actions they must take to control it. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, heart disease, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes account for over 86% of deaths and 77% of the disease burden in the WHO European Region. In advance of a United Nations General Assembly high-level meeting on the subject next week, the health ministers of Europe are today set to discuss the core actions needed to control these diseases, in the face of the double burden of disease and financial crisis.

Collaboration cemented between WHO/Europe and Global Fund 12-09-2011

Today, WHO/Europe and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria exchanged letters and initiated a joint operational plan for 2011/2012.

Governance for health: how do we respond to today’s complex health challenges? 12-09-2011

The WHO Regional Office for Europe today announced the findings of a comprehensive study that explores current thinking and innovative practices related to governance for health in the 21st century. The study also makes recommendations on how governments can strengthen governance for health through collaboration. Ministers of health and other high-ranking health officials from the 53 countries of the WHO European Region will discuss the study’s findings and recommendations at the WHO Regional Committee for Europe meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan from 12 to 15 September 2011.

53 European countries tackle killer diseases and public health: what the future holds for health, and how to beat diseases now 09-09-2011

Public health is a matter of public concern. On every proposal before the WHO European Region’s governing body, meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan on 12–15 September 2011, WHO/Europe has conducted wide consultation with technical experts, Member States, civil-society and partner organizations, and the online public.

WHO/Europe premises in Copenhagen reopen 26-08-2011

Staff at the WHO Regional Office in Copenhagen have returned to their cleaned up offices, after a review of the buildings found the structure to be unaffected by recent flooding. A comprehensive back-up system and business continuity plan ensured that staff worked remotely while the buildings were inaccessible.

Polio kicked out of Europe: European Region to retain polio-free status, but constant vigilance is needed 25-08-2011

The European Regional Certification Commission for Poliomyelitis Eradication (RCC) announced yesterday that Europe will retain its polio-free status after the importation of wild poliovirus type 1 in 2010.

World Humanitarian Day celebrates people helping people 19-08-2011

Health professionals provide vital health care in communities every day. In humanitarian crises and disasters, their services are in even greater demand: treating injuries, preventing illnesses and caring for the urgent health needs of the most vulnerable people. WHO/Europe is currently managing a project providing mental health services to those affected by conflict in Kyrgyzstan.

WHO/Europe headquarters closed after renewed flooding 15-08-2011

As of Monday, 15 August 2011, WHO/Europe’s headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark are closed until further notice, after parts of the office were flooded following rain on the previous evening.  

New tool to help hospitals prepare for emergencies 15-08-2011

Hospitals help to provide communities with essential medical care, particularly in crises or disasters. To promote and give technical support to emergency preparedness for hospitals, WHO/Europe has published a “Hospital emergency response checklist”.

Documents now available for the sixty-first session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, Baku, Azerbaijan, 12–15 September 2011 08-08-2011

In Europe, 65% of babies are still breastfed at 3 months of age 01-08-2011

More than 120 countries celebrate World Breastfeeding Week on 1–7 August every year, to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world.

25th anniversary of the Ottawa Charter: request for memories 26-07-2011

The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, adopted in 1986, changed the perception of public health issues. WHO/Europe has established a discussion forum for the sharing of materials and memories, and welcomes your contributions.

Outbreaks of E. coli O104:H4 infection: update 30 22-07-2011

The number of new cases of Escherichia coli O104:H4 infection in Germany and France is much diminished. The figures reflect some delayed reporting, and the evidence indicates that the outbreak, which took 50 lives in Germany alone, is nearly over.

Pandemrix safety profile updated due to narcolepsy reports 22-07-2011

The European Medicines Agency (EMA), in its press release of 21 July 2011, recommended against the use of Pandemrix® in people aged under 20 years following reports of narcolepsy in recipients aged 4–19 years.

WHO issues new advice on heat-waves 22-07-2011

Over the last week several South-Eastern European countries have experienced a severe heat-wave. WHO has issued new information sheets with advice for the general public, medical professionals and health services on how to deal with the health effects of a heat-wave.

Measles outbreaks continue: be vaccinated before travelling and attending large public events 15-07-2011

Countries in the WHO European Region continue to battle large measles outbreaks. As the virus is very infectious and droplets can remain in the air for hours, WHO recommends vaccination before travelling and attending mass public events, such as social functions, sports competitions and political, religious or cultural gatherings.

Revised drinking-water guidelines issued 14-07-2011

WHO has issued revised guidelines for drinking-water quality, to prevent waterborne disease. Over 330 000 cases of water-related disease are reported on average every year in the WHO European Region.

WHO/Europe premises in Copenhagen reopen 13-07-2011

Since flooding at the WHO/Europe offices on 2 July, staff have been working from home to ensure that the office has remained fully functional. From today, people are gradually returning to the WHO/Europe premises, as buildings are pronounced safe.

WHO/Europe in Copenhagen working to restore normal service after flood 11-07-2011

Following the flooding of the office in Denmark on 2 July 2011, work is proceeding to clear, decontaminate and clean the buildings, and to bring systems back into operation.

Outbreaks of E. coli O104:H4 infection: update 29 07-07-2011

On 5 July, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued the report from the Task Force established to coordinate investigations to track down the possible source of the French and German outbreaks of E. coli O104:H4. Details of the task force report and its conclusions can be found on the EFSA website.

"Lipstick" cigarette packages woo young women, while countries hesitate to use graphic warnings 07-07-2011

The new WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic reveals that only 13 out of 53 countries in the WHO European Region, most of them in the European Union, require cigarette packets to carry pictorial warnings about the dangers of smoking, and most of these graphic images cover less than half of the package. Of the remaining 40 countries, 27 stipulate that packets carry warnings of various kinds, but graphic images are not yet required, and the others call for weaker warnings. No country in the Region uses large and clear health warnings, on the front and back of packets, that highlight specific illnesses, as agreed in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

WHO/Europe headquarters in Copenhagen closed due to flooding 04-07-2011

The WHO/Europe headquarters in Copenhagen is closed, as of Monday, 4 July 2011, until further notice after parts of the office were flooded. All staff members in Copenhagen have been asked to work from home.

Outbreaks of E. coli O104:H4 infection: update 28 01-07-2011

On 28 June 2011, the Institut de veille sanitaire, France, published new figures for the verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC)/haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) outbreak in the Bordeaux region in France, where in total 8 cases of bloody diarrhoea and 8 HUS cases have been reported since 22 June. E. coli O104:H4 infection has been confirmed in 4 of these cases. Also on 28 June, Sweden reported a confirmed case of E. coli O104:H4 infection in southern Sweden in an adult male. None of these patients in France or Sweden had travelled in Germany since 1 May 2011.

Outbreaks of E. coli O104:H4 infection: WHO/Europe gives public health advice 01-07-2011

Until the investigations into the outbreaks of E. coli O104:H4 infection have been completed, WHO advises consumers in the WHO European Region that bean sprouts or sprouted seeds – whether commercially or home grown – should only be eaten when they have been thoroughly cooked. E. coli bacteria are killed at a cooking temperature of 70 °C.

Outbreaks of E. coli O104:H4 infection: update 27 30-06-2011

On 28 June 2011, the Institut de veille sanitaire, France, published new figures for the continuing verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC)/haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) outbreak in Bordeaux, France. In total, 8 enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) cases and 8 HUS cases were reported since 22 June. E. coli O104:H4 has been confirmed in 4 cases.

Outbreaks of E. coli O104:H4 infection: update 26 29-06-2011

On 28 June 2011, the Institut de veille sanitaire published new figures for the verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC)/haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) outbreak in Bordeaux, France. On 28 June, Sweden reported a confirmed case of E. coli O104:H4 in southern Sweden in an adult male.

Outbreaks: update 25: new VTEC cases in France and Sweden 28-06-2011

On 24 June 2011, France reported an outbreak of verocytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC)/HUS, with 8 cases in adults (6 women and 2 men). E. coli O104:H4 has been confirmed in 3 cases. On 28 June, Sweden reported a confirmed case of E. coli O104:H4 in southern Sweden in an adult male.

EHEC outbreaks: update 24: France reports 8 cases in new outbreak 27-06-2011

Since week 23/2011, the number of reported cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)/enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) in Germany has declined significantly. On 24 June, France reported an outbreak of verocytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC)/HUS with 8 cases in adults (6 women and 2 men). E. coli O104:H4 has been confirmed in 3 cases.

Minister of the Republic of Moldova visits WHO/Europe 24-06-2011

On 22 June, Dr Andrei Usatîi, Minister of Health of the Republic of Moldova, met with Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, to learn more about WHO/Europe’s work and discuss health priorities in his country.

EHEC outbreak: update 23 24-06-2011

Since week 23/2011, the number of reported cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)/enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) has declined significantly.

WHO/Europe supports health care reform in Greece 24-06-2011

Speaking at a conference in Athens this week, the Director of WHO/Europe’s Division of Health Systems and Public Health said that WHO/Europe is working with the Government of Greece on its health care reform.

New evidence from WHO: inadequate housing causes more than 100 000 annual deaths in Europe 23-06-2011

Inadequate housing accounts for over 100 000 deaths per year in the WHO European Region and causes or contributes to many preventable diseases and injuries, including respiratory, nervous system and cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This is the main conclusion of a report, "Environmental burden of disease associated with inadequate housing", released today by WHO/Europe.

EHEC outbreak: update 22 23-06-2011

Since week 23/2011, the number of reported cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)/enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) has declined significantly.

European mayors to champion Health 2020 23-06-2011

Political leaders from 95 European cities have committed to being proactive partners in the development of Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being.

EHEC outbreak: update 21 22-06-2011

Since week 23/2011, the number of reported cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)/enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) has declined significantly.

New public health recommendations for men who have sex with men and transgender people 21-06-2011

WHO and partners launch new public health recommendations today, to help policy-makers and service providers scale up access to treatment and prevention services for HIV and sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men and transgender people.

Regional Director addresses Nordic Council of Ministers 21-06-2011

Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, explained that tackling health inequalities is a central aim in the development of Health 2020, the new European policy for health and well-being, in a round-table discussion at the Nordic Council of Ministers for Health and Social Affairs meeting in Vaasa, Finland on 20 June 2011.

EHEC outbreak: update 20 21-06-2011

Since week 23/2011, the number of reported cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)/enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) has declined significantly.

EHEC outbreak: update 19 20-06-2011

For over 10 days, the number of reported cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)/enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) has declined significantly. In Germany, the daily numbers of reported cases have steadily decreased since they peaked, on 21 May for HUS and on 22 and 23 May for EHEC.

European Commission visit consolidates future work with WHO/Europe 17-06-2011

Dr Andrzej Rys, Director, Public Health and Risk Assessment, Directorate General for Health and Consumers, European Commission, met with Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe last week, to plan activities for the priority areas of shared interest agreed in March 2011.

EHEC outbreak: update 18 17-06-2011

Over the last week, the number of reported cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)/enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) has declined significantly.

EHEC outbreak: update 17 16-06-2011

  Over the last week, the number of reported HUS/EHEC cases has declined to a significantly lower level than previously. Investigations by the German authorities indicate that the vehicle of the bacterium responsible for the outbreak, enteroaggregative verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (EAggEC VTEC) O104:H4, is bean and seed sprouts, and the Robert Koch Institute has warned people in Germany not to eat raw bean and seed sprouts of any origin.

New WHO/Europe report: an estimated 10 000 old people physically abused every day 16-06-2011

Every year at least 4 million older people in the WHO European Region are estimated to suffer physical abuse: being slapped, punched, kicked, burned, wounded with a knife or locked in their rooms. Research also indicates that as many as 2500 older people may die at the hands of family members. These are the main findings of the new European report on preventing elder maltreatment, released today by WHO/Europe at the 3rd European Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, in Budapest, Hungary. The report gives the first description of the size, causes and consequences of elder maltreatment, and provides an overview of good practice in prevention.

EHEC outbreak: update 16 15-06-2011

On 10 June, German authorities stated that mounting epidemiological and food-chain evidence indicated that bean and seed sprouts (including fenugreek, mung beans, lentils, adzuki beans and alfalfa) are the vehicle of the outbreak in Germany.

EHEC outbreak: update 15 14-06-2011

  On 10 June, German authorities stated that mounting epidemiological and food-chain evidence indicated that bean and seed sprouts (including fenugreek, mung beans, lentils, adzuki beans and alfalfa) are the vehicle of the outbreak in Germany.

Safest blood is from voluntary, unpaid donations 14-06-2011

On World Blood Donor Day 2011, WHO calls on more people all over the world to save lives by volunteering to donate blood regularly.

Food safety remains a constant challenge, says WHO 11-06-2011

Food safety remains a constant challenge for all of us.  The enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) outbreak in Germany has reinforced the importance of speed, coordination, information-sharing and preparedness, WHO Regional Director for Europe, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, said in a statement.

EHEC outbreak: update 14 11-06-2011

The outbreak remains primarily centred in Germany. The authorities now recommend that people in Germany should not eat raw bean and seed sprouts of any origin. Households, caterers and restaurants should dispose of any bean and seed sprouts they have, and any food items that might have been in contact with them, until further notice. 

EHEC outbreak: update 13 10-06-2011

On 10 June, German authorities stated that mounting epidemiological and food-chain evidence indicated that bean and seed sprouts (including fenugreek, mung beans, lentils, adzuki beans, and alfalfa) are the vehicle of the outbreak in Germany.

Web site survey: tell us what you think 09-06-2011

WHO/Europe’s web site strives to provide accurate and accessible information on public health issues in the WHO European Region in a timely manner. Tell us what you think about the site, and what you would like us to improve, by completing our 5 minute online survey.

EHEC outbreak: update 12 09-06-2011

The outbreak remains primarily centred in Germany, and investigations continue into both the nature of the unusual enteroaggregative verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (EAggEC VTEC) O104:H4 bacterium, which is causing the outbreak, and its source.

EHEC outbreak: update 11 08-06-2011

The outbreak remains primarily centred in Germany, and investigations continue into the nature of the unusual Escherichia coli bacteria serotype and its source.

EHEC outbreak: update 10 07-06-2011

EHEC outbreak: update 9 06-06-2011

The outbreak remains primarily centred in Germany, and investigations continue into the nature of the unusual Escherichia coli bacteria serotype and its source.

EHEC outbreak: update 8 05-06-2011

In Germany the outbreak of enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) infection continues.

EHEC outbreak: update 7 04-06-2011

In Germany the outbreak of enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) infection continues.

EHEC outbreak: update 6 04-06-2011

These are the current figures for the outbreak. Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) and haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) have exclusive notification categories, so case numbers should not overlap. The figures in any rapidly evolving outbreak are provisional, however, and subject to change for a variety of reasons.

EHEC outbreak: Frequently asked questions 03-06-2011

Questions answered about the enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) outbreak, what is being done to control it, its epidemiology and what precautions people should take to avoid contracting it.

EHEC outbreak: update 5 03-06-2011

As of 2 June 2011, 520 cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) (11 fatal) and 1213 cases of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) (6 fatal) have been reported by Germany, taking the total in Germany to 1733 cases, including 17 fatal ones. This is an increase in Germany of 50 cases of HUS and 149 cases of EHEC between 31 May and 2 June 2011.

EHEC outbreak: 12 countries reporting cases to WHO 03-06-2011

A total of 502 cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and 1122 of enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) have now been reported to WHO as of 2 June 2011. Cases have been notified from Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

EHEC outbreak: Rare strain of E. coli unknown in previous outbreaks 02-06-2011

The strain of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O104:H4 isolated from cases in the EHEC infection outbreak in Germany is a rare one, seen in humans before but never in an EHEC outbreak. This has been confirmed by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Escherichia and Klebsiella, the Statens Serum Institut in Denmark.

EHEC outbreak: increased cases in Germany 01-06-2011

Cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) continue to rise in Germany. 10 countries have now reported cases to WHO/Europe.

EHEC outbreak: 9 European countries report cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome and enterohaemorrhagic E. coli infections 31-05-2011

Austria, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom have reported cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and/or bloody diarrhoea.

Tobacco-control legislation: already saving lives 30-05-2011

The evidence shows that tobacco legislation is working. Confounding its early critics, it is already saving lives and improving health across the WHO European Region. Studies from countries that enforce bans on smoking in public places are finding reductions in heart attacks. Exposure to tobacco smoke contributes to cardiovascular diseases, cancer and tuberculosis, and the scientific literature indicates that, just a few months after the implementation of smoke-free laws, the hospitalization rates for myocardial infarctions decrease by 20–40%.

Germany investigates outbreak of haemolytic uraemic syndrome 27-05-2011

An outbreak of severe illness is causing concern in Germany, where 3 women have died and 276 cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) have been reported since the second week of May. HUS, which can lead to kidney failure, is a complication of an infection by particular Escherichia coli bacteria. While most E. coli bacteria are harmless, a group called enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) can produce toxins, known as Shiga toxins or verotoxins, which damage blood cells and the kidneys.

World Health Assembly closes with European priorities on action agenda 25-05-2011

The Sixty-fourth World Health Assembly closed on Tuesday, after working for 8 days through a broad agenda that yielded 28 resolutions on global health matters, many of which have high priority in the European Region.

Road safety saves lives and money 25-05-2011

Road-traffic crashes kill over 350 Europeans every day, or over 120 000 per year. Almost half of them are pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists, and 6 out of 10 are aged 5–44 years. This unacceptable toll is particularly high in low- and middle-income countries.  At the 2011 summit of the International Transport Forum (ITF) in Leipzig, Germany, WHO/Europe is launching the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011–2020 in the WHO European Region, along with the Global Plan for the Decade, which sets out how countries can save money, as well as lives.

World Health Assembly: Delegates discuss noncommunicable diseases, WHO finances, pandemic influenza preparedness 24-05-2011

During the 3rd and 4th days of the World Health Assembly, Member States discussed a range of issues, including noncommunicable diseases, the programme budget and the future of financing for WHO, health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, pandemic influenza preparedness, and promoting women’s and children’s health.

Day 2 of World Health Assembly: International Health Regulations and WHO reform in focus 18-05-2011

Countries agreed that the International Health Regulations have been valuable and effective so far, and many pledged strong support for the Director-General’s proposal to reform WHO, at the World Health Assembly yesterday.

Opening of World Health Assembly: Director-General urges ministers to “remember the people” 17-05-2011

The Sixty-fourth World Health Assembly, WHO’s global annual meeting for ministers and senior health officials, opened yesterday.

Migrant health: Italy signs agreement 17-05-2011

At the World Health Assembly on 16 May,  Professor Ferruccio Fazio, the Minister of Health for Italy, signed an agreement with Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Director for Europe, on a three year-project on the public health aspects of migration.

Agenda set for next Regional Committee 17-05-2011

The Eighteenth Standing Committee of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, meeting on 14–15 May 2011, discussed arrangements for the next annual meeting of WHO Member States in the European Region, to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan in September.

Stop discrimination against homosexual men and women 17-05-2011

Despite the clear commitment to non-discrimination based on sexual orientation made by most Member States in the WHO European Region, many problems remain in protecting and promoting the rights of homosexuals. Sex between men is still a crime in some parts of the Region. 17 May is the International Day Against Homophobia.

WHO Epidemiological Brief 14: Measles outbreaks and importation of wild poliovirus in the European Region 16-05-2011

During 2011, measles outbreaks continue to occur in many Member States in the WHO European Region. As of 6 May, 38 countries had reported a total of 7028 confirmed cases. In August 2011, the European Regional Certification Committee for Poliomyelitis Eradication will review the outbreak response and status of poliomyelitis (polio) eradication in the Region.The central Asian republics, Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation are synchronizing rounds of supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) with trivalent oral polio vaccine (tOPV) during April and May 2011.

Groundbreaking study: early antiretroviral use prevents transmission of HIV 15-05-2011

HIV-positive people can reduce the risk of their spreading the virus to uninfected partners by 96% if they are given antiretroviral drugs immediately, according to a new study. Experts are discussing a draft European action plan for HIV/AIDS 2012–2015 in Geneva, Switzerland this weekend.

Next Standing Committee meeting open to all Member States 11-05-2011

The Eighteenth Standing Committee of the Regional Committee (SCRC) will hold its fourth session at WHO headquarters on 14–15 May 2011. All Member States in the WHO European Region have been invited to attend as observers.

Road Safety Decade launches today 11-05-2011

Road traffic injuries kill some 127 000 people in the WHO European Region every year. WHO/Europe welcomes the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011–2020, which aims to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries in the Region and the world.

“Sport for all” policies encourage physical activity 10-05-2011

WHO/Europe is leading a project to encourage greater synergy between different sectors working to increase sport and health-enhancing physical activity. 10 May is Move for Health Day.

Experts agree on new European action plan on alcohol 06-05-2011

Countries’ experts on alcohol policy met in Zurich, Switzerland on 4–5 May 2011 to discuss the draft European alcohol action plan and a series of surveys planned on alcohol and health.

Ministers push environment and health commitments forward 05-05-2011

Environment and health ministers, meeting in Paris this week, have agreed on how to monitor progress in reducing the adverse health impact of environmental threats across the European Region. The first meeting of the European Ministerial Board on Environment and Health took place on 4-5 May 2011.

Patient participation encourages hand hygiene 05-05-2011

Depending on the country, 3.5–14.8% of patients in hospitals and other health care facilities in the European Union acquire at least one hospital infection during their stay. WHO’s annual global campaign on 5 May, Save Lives: Clean Your Hands, seeks to improve hand hygiene among health care professionals.

Noncommunicable diseases on global health agenda 02-05-2011

The First Global Ministerial Conference on Healthy Lifestyles and Noncommunicable Disease Control took place in Moscow, Russian Federation on 28–29 April 2011. European delegations met before the Conference to discuss the WHO European Region’s challenges in and solutions to the problem.

Continued fall in malaria cases across Europe 29-04-2011

Substantial progress towards eliminating malaria has been made across the WHO European Region. On 25 April 2011, World Malaria Day, the countries that remain affected reaffirmed their commitment to elimination, as agreed in the Tashkent Declaration: “The Move from Malaria Control to Elimination”.

European Immunization Week launched 28-04-2011

WHO/Europe, partner organizations and several Member States reaffirmed their commitment to immunization – and particularly to controlling measles outbreaks and eliminating the disease– at the regional launch of European Immunization Week (EIW) on 26 April 2011. Her Royal Highness Princess Mathilde of Belgium participated in her capacity as WHO/Europe’s Special Representative for Immunization.

Hungary’s public places and workplaces smoke free from January 2012 28-04-2011

The Hungarian Parliament passed legislation that will make public places, restaurants, bars and other workplaces in the country smoke free starting in January 2012.

Latvia launches new public health strategy 26-04-2011

Latvia has launched a new public health strategy for 2011–2017 in partnership with WHO/Europe. The strategy was launched and discussed at a Better Health for All in Latvia conference in Riga this week.

Measles outbreaks spread across Europe: European Immunization Week offers chance to promote immunization 20-04-2011

Thirty countries in WHO’s European Region have reported a marked increase in measles cases, with 6 500 so far in 2011. Epidemiological investigations and genotyping by laboratories confirm exportation of the virus among several countries in the Region and to other regions of the world.

Chernobyl, 25 years on: WHO/Europe renews support for the people affected and builds on the lessons learned 19-04-2011

Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, will join many other leaders from around the world to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident and to review the reconstruction and development of the affected communities.

Efficient public spending essential for health policy objectives 19-04-2011

More and efficient public spending on health and better public policies across government are essential for achieving health policy objectives, said Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, at a meeting of parliamentarians from the European Union countries in Budapest, Hungary on 14–15 April 2011.

Flagship course targets health financing after the economic crisis 18-04-2011

From 11–15 April 2011, about 60 officials from government, health insurance funds and other health sector stakeholders from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland participated in a flagship course on strengthening health systems and sustainable financing. WHO/Europe coordinated the course.

WHO/Europe and Global Fund reinvigorate partnership 18-04-2011

During discussions on 14 April 2011, Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Michel Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, agreed on immediate joint interventions to address multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the WHO European Region.

Mortality database updated 15-04-2011

The European Detailed Mortality Database (DMDB) has been updated with the latest available data on causes of death, enabling in-depth analyses of more than 185 million deaths occurring in 47 Member States in the WHO European Region over a 20-year period.

Ukraine adopts pictorial health warnings on tobacco products 14-04-2011

On 30 March 2011, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine announced the adoption of pictorial health warnings on tobacco products, to be introduced on 30 September 2012.

Monitoring the new code on international recruitment of health workers: last chance to comment 14-04-2011

WHO invites all those concerned with the international migration and recruitment of health personnel to contribute to the web-based public hearing on the draft guidelines for monitoring the implementation of the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel.

European ministers discuss the health needs of people displaced by the crisis in northern Africa 13-04-2011

Today, European health ministers and high level officials met in Rome to improve international cooperation and coordination on the health issues resulting from the mass migration due to the crisis in northern Africa.

Measles outbreaks across Europe show no sign of slowing 12-04-2011

Countries in the WHO European Region continue to battle large measles outbreaks that are spreading between countries and to other regions of the world. To date, 24 countries in the Region have reported measles cases in 2011.

Send us your smoke free videos: competition launched 12-04-2011

Today, WHO/Europe has launched a video competition ‘I’m in charge. I’m smoke free’, inviting people living in the WHO European Region to create and send in short videos about how laws banning smoking have affected them.

Experts in Moscow discuss antibiotic resistance on World Health Day 08-04-2011

Experts in Moscow discuss antibiotic resistance on World Health Day A scientific seminar held in Moscow, Russian Federation was one of many events organized throughout the European Region on World Health Day to highlight the challenge of antibiotic resistance.

Complacency kills. Antibiotic resistance still on the rise in Europe 07-04-2011

Every year in the European Union alone it is estimated that over 25 000 people die of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, mostly acquired in hospitals. In the wider WHO European Region, which encompasses 53 countries, the full number is not known as data are not available, but the signs suggest that the situation is even worse. Doctors and scientists across the Region fear that with the reckless use of antibiotics, resulting in the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant infections, we could return to a pre-antibiotic era where simple infections do not respond to treatment, and routine operations and interventions may become life-threatening.

Health professional mobility on the European agenda 06-04-2011

The international recruitment and migration of physicians, nurses and other health workers has been an increasing feature of the global health environment in recent years. This issue was in focus on 5 April 2011 at the Subregional Policy Dialogue on Health Professional Mobility in Central and Eastern Europe in Budapest, Hungary.

Invitation to seminar: Antibiotic resistance - can we do better? 05-04-2011

On Thursday 7 April 2011, World Health Day, WHO/Europe is holding a scientific seminar in Copenhagen, Denmark, on antibiotic resistance in collaboration with the Statens Serum Institute, to examine what is being done and what can make a difference.

WHO/Europe’s Standing Committee gives green light to agenda for next annual meeting 01-04-2011

WHO/Europe’s Standing Committee gives green light to agenda for next annual meeting. The eighteenth Standing Committee of the Regional Committee (SCRC), WHO/Europe’s advisory board between its annual meetings of Member States, held its third session on 30–31 March 2011 to prepare for the next annual meeting.

Conclusions of the health mission in Lampedusa 31-03-2011

A two-day joint mission to the island of Lampedusa by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe was completed on 29 March 2011. It concluded that the public health situation in Lampedusa, where displaced people have arrived from northern Africa, is a cause for concern, although hitherto there have been no unusual infectious or other diseases detected among the newly arrived population.

Turkmenistan to implement WHO tobacco legislation 30-03-2011

On 27 March 2011, the Parliament of Turkmenistan unanimously approved and passed a resolution on the country’s accession to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

New evidence from WHO on health effects of traffic-related noise in Europe 30-03-2011

Traffic-related noise accounts for over 1 million healthy years of life lost annually to ill health, disability or early death in the western countries in the WHO European Region. This is the main conclusion of the first report assessing the burden of disease from environmental noise in Europe, released today by WHO/Europe. Noise causes or contributes to not only annoyance and sleep disturbance but also heart attacks, learning disabilities and tinnitus.

First Lady of Georgia becomes Goodwill Ambassador for WHO/Europe 28-03-2011

At an official ceremony on Monday 28 March 2011, WHO/Europe welcomed the First Lady of Georgia, Mrs Sandra Roelofs, as WHO Goodwill Ambassador in the European Region for the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

WHO and the European Commission agree future common action in key areas 25-03-2011

Senior officials and technical experts from WHO and the European Commission (EC) met in Brussels on 24–25 March 2011 to outline and agree how the two partnering organizations will work more closely together in priority areas of shared interests.

Earth Hour: use energy wisely 25-03-2011

20.30 to 21.30 on Saturday 26 March 2011 will mark Earth Hour, when lights will be switched off around the globe so people can take a stand against climate change. Reducing overall energy use and encouraging the uptake of renewable energy sources have a dual benefit for health. This year we are being encouraged to “Go beyond the hour!”

Countries contribute to action plan for noncommunicable diseases 24-03-2011

Representatives of 36 countries in the WHO European Region met in Copenhagen on 18–19 March 2011 to set a five-year course for effective action to tackle noncommunicable diseases.

Urban water management in focus on World Water Day 22-03-2011

Under the theme “Water for cities”, World Water Day 2011 focuses on the impact of rapid urban population growth, industrialization and uncertainties caused by climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water and sanitation systems.

Meeting with the European Respiratory Society 21-03-2011

Professor Francesco Blasi, Vice-President of the European Respiratory Society, met Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, on 18 March 2011 to discuss potential areas of collaboration.

Health update: nuclear reactor crisis in Japan 18-03-2011

WHO is cautioning people concerned about the radiation issues in Japan against self-medicating with potassium iodide or taking products containing iodine. According to Russian authorities, radiation levels in the eastern provinces of the Russian Federation remain normal.

Rising health care costs due to technology 18-03-2011

Rising health care costs are primarily driven by technological change (accounting for 50-75% of growth in costs) rather than other commonly perceived factors such as an ageing population (accounting for less than 10% of cost growth), according to WHO research.

Regional heads of United Nations agencies meet in Copenhagen 18-03-2011

On 16 March 2011, regional directors of the United Nations agencies in Europe and central Asia met in Copenhagen, Denmark, to discuss how to improve coherence and coordination among their agencies. 

Drug-resistant tuberculosis continues to spread: new report 18-03-2011

A new report, Tuberculosis surveillance in Europe 2009, a joint publication from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and WHO/Europe to mark World TB Day 2011, provides evidence for concern about the spread of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) and the persistence of TB among children.

Doubling expenditure on the National Health Service in England had a variable impact on health system performance 17-03-2011

A report published yesterday reveals that while public expenditure on health care in England more than doubled between 1997 and 2010, the impact on health system performance has been variable.

Kyrgyzstan addresses health personnel shortages 17-03-2011

During a visit to WHO/Europe on 14 March 2011, Dr Sabyrbek Jumabekov, Minister of Health of Kyrgyzstan, discussed public health reforms in the country.

WHO support to Japan after earthquake and tsunami 15-03-2011

Following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan on 11 March 2011, and the continuing nuclear power plant crisis, the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific is coordinating WHO’s activities: it has been in contact with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan and is currently on standby to provide necessary support.

WHO Epidemiological Brief 13 – Measles outbreaks and importation of wild poliovirus in the European Region 15-03-2011

In 2011 measles continues to spread within the Region and to other regions of the world. France reported nearly 1000 cases for January. As of 4 March, Tajikistan had reported 3 cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) with date of onset in 2011. The last confirmed poliomyelitis (polio) case in Tajikistan had a date of onset of 4 July 2010. The central Asian republics and the Russian Federation will conduct synchronized supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) with polio vaccine through April–May 2011.

International meeting on eliminating childhood tuberculosis 11-03-2011

A two-day international meeting in Stockholm, Sweden next week seeks to move the agenda forward, to achieve a concerted advocacy approach.

Public health is back on European countries’ agenda 11-03-2011

The second day of the European Health Policy Forum in Andorra focused on health systems and public health. Countries described the progress they had made with health reforms, sometimes in difficult economic circumstances, since adopting the Tallinn Charter: “Health Systems for Health and Wealth” in 2008.

European countries take up the Health 2020 challenge 10-03-2011

In Andorra, the first meeting of the European Health Policy Forum of High-level Government Officials opened on 9 March 2011, to launch a two-year process that will shape Health 2020, the new European policy for health.

New ways of paying for primary health care discussed in Belarus 10-03-2011

Representatives of the health and finance ministries, as well as the regions, met in Minsk on 1–2 March 2011 to discuss ways to further improve the financing of primary health care in Belarus.

WHO/Europe launches new online laboratory reporting system 09-03-2011

WHO/Europe has just launched its new online laboratory data management system (LDMS), an important reporting tool for the regional poliomyelitis (polio) laboratory network.

European Member States plan for health in 2020 09-03-2011

Governments are facing new and difficult challenges that affect the health of their populations. It is time not only to coordinate a coherent response to the current situation but also to plan for the next 10 years, using the evidence on which approaches and solutions work best. WHO/Europe has been mandated by the 53 Member States in the WHO European Region to develop a new health policy framework for Europe, called Health 2020, and the all-important first consultation on it starts today.

International Women’s Day celebrates a centenary of achievements 08-03-2011

International Women’s Day on 8 March 2011 celebrates a centenary of achievements in women’s health, education and rights. This year’s focus is “Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathways for decent work for women”.

Immunization in Europe “at crossroads” 03-03-2011

Speaking at the opening of the conference “For a Healthy Future of Our Children – Childhood Immunization” in Budapest, Hungary today, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, stated that, on immunization issues, Europe “stands at a crossroads”.

Regional Director on official visit to Azerbaijan 02-03-2011

Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe has been in Azerbaijan this week to discuss cooperation with the Ministry of Health, and develop plans for the annual meeting of WHO/Europe’s governing body, to be held in the country in September 2011.

Measles outbreaks continue across Europe: WHO says, get vaccinated 01-03-2011

Countries in the WHO European Region continue to fight large measles outbreaks, which continue to spread between countries and to other regions of the world.

WHO welcomes proposal for legislation for a smoke-free Hungary 01-03-2011

On Friday, 25 February 2011, a group of members of the Hungarian Parliament, with Government support, submitted a motion for legislation that would make public places, restaurants, bars and workplaces in the country smoke free. Debate on this proposal starts in Parliament today, 28 February. WHO/Europe welcomes this initiative.

WHO/Europe and Italy discuss European health support for people affected by the crisis in north Africa 28-02-2011

The crisis is evolving quickly, and the Minister of Health for Italy, Professor Ferruccio Fazio, was in Copenhagen on Sunday, 27 February 2011 to discuss with the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, how WHO/Europe can work with Italy to address the public health challenges faced by people affected by, and fleeing from, the crisis in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.

Latvian Minister of Health visits WHO/Europe 25-02-2011

On 24 February 2011, Juris Barzdins, Minister of Health of Latvia, visited WHO/Europe to discuss collaboration with WHO, including WHO/Europe’s contribution to the development of the Latvian public health strategy.

Impact of chemicals on health: review 25-02-2011

Over 8% of deaths globally result from exposure to chemicals, according to a new review by WHO experts in the journal “Environmental Health”.

WHO/Europe course on health financing: applications welcome 16-02-2011

WHO/Europe’s office in Barcelona, Spain will host a new course on 2–6 May 2011, focusing on universal coverage.

WHO/Europe forging closer links with European Health Forum Gastein 15-02-2011

Putting Health 2020 on the agenda and expanding the geographical scope of the European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG) to include the 53 countries in the WHO European Region were discussed by EHFG and WHO/Europe on 10 February 2011.

WHO Epidemiological Brief 12: Importation of Wild Poliovirus and Response Measures in the European Region 15-02-2011

As of 7 February 2011, Tajikistan had not reported an AFP case with onset in 2011.  In 2010, Tajikistan reported 712 AFP cases of which 458 were laboratory confirmed for wild poliovirus type 1, including 29 deaths. The last confirmed polio case in Tajikistan had a date of onset of 4 July. Since 1 January 2010, the Russian Federation had reported 14 poliomyelitis (polio) cases; Turkmenistan 3 cases, and Kazakhstan 1 case. 

Regional Director on official visit to Poland 14-02-2011

On 7 February 2011, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, met Dr Ewa Kopacz, Minister of Health of Poland, and Dr Adam Fronczak, Undersecretary of State. The official visit was arranged to discuss WHO’s work with the Ministry and support for Poland’s Presidency of the European Union in July–December 2011.

Statement of Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) on Pandemrix® vaccine and narcolepsy 10-02-2011

A statement of the National Institute of Health and Welfare of Finland indicated an increased risk of narcolepsy among children and adolescents vaccinated with Pandemrix®, an adjuvanted vaccine against pandemic influenza A(H1N1) 2009 manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. WHO’s Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) has reviewed the data and released a statement.

Slovenia committed to reducing health inequalities 04-02-2011

“Slovenia has become a pathfinder for progress in addressing social determinants and tackling social inequities in health,” commented Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, at a high-level forum on health equity in Slovenia on 1 February 2011.

WHO/Europe statement on World Cancer Day 04-02-2011

Given the real and urgent public health issue that cancer represents, WHO/Europe uses this opportunity to renew its call to action, urging policy-makers, health professionals, patients and citizens to join forces to tackle one of today’s primary health challenges.

World Cancer Day – WHO stresses importance of physical activity for cancer prevention 04-02-2011

In a new set of global recommendations on physical activity for health, WHO offers guidance to governments on the dose–response relationship between the frequency, duration, intensity, type and total amount of physical activity needed to prevent noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in various age groups.

Pandemrix® vaccine and increased risk of narcolepsy 02-02-2011

The National Institute of Health and Welfare of Finland issued a statement on 1 February 2011, indicating an increased risk of narcolepsy (a rare sleep disorder that causes a person to fall asleep suddenly and unexpectedly) observed among children and adolescents vaccinated with Pandemrix®, an adjuvanted vaccine against pandemic influenza A(H1N1) 2009 manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.

Response to polio outbreak commended 01-02-2011

The European Regional Certification Commission for Poliomyelitis Eradication (RCC) commended countries’ actions to stop poliovirus transmission after a large outbreak in Tajikistan in 2010. Meeting in St Petersburg, Russian Federation, on 26–27 January 2011, the RCC added that long-term structural and system issues need to be addressed.

High level forum on social determinants of health and health inequalities 28-01-2011

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia, in cooperation with WHO/Europe and WHO/Europe’s Office for Investment for Health and Development (based in Venice, Italy), is organizing a high-level forum in Brdo, Slovenia on 1 February 2011, to call for action to tackle the country’s social inequities in health. WHO/Europe will launch a report, “Health inequalities in Slovenia”, at the forum.

Setting the agenda for WHO and European Union collaboration 20-01-2011

This week a WHO steering committee is preparing for the next meeting of senior officials of the European Commission and WHO, to be held in Brussels on 24–25 March 2011. The steering committee comprises WHO regional directors and assistant directors-general, and one of its roles is to identify the key priorities for WHO and European Union (EU) cooperation.

Better health for poor and socially excluded groups 19-01-2011

To facilitate implementation of the action plan for health under the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005–2015, the Ministry of Health of The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and WHO/Europe will hold a joint workshop on improving the health of Roma and other populations experiencing poverty and social exclusion.

Women in Europe smoke most globally, and numbers are increasing 19-01-2011

The prevalence of women and girl smokers in the WHO European Region is the highest among females in the world. A new WHO/Europe publication, “Empower women: combating tobacco industry marketing in the European Region”, provides a practical framework for promoting a gender perspective in tobacco policy-making and action.

Hungary European Union Presidency: WHO/Europe contributes to health priorities 18-01-2011

The Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union will focus on health issues common to all countries across Europe: investing in health systems of the future and challenges to health workforce availability. WHO/Europe is providing expertise on a range of health issues and upcoming events.

Increasing influenza activity in the WHO European Region 14-01-2011

Influenza activity is increasing in the WHO European Region, most notably in the north-western part. Several countries have reported severe and fatal cases and the burden of severe influenza has placed considerable strain on critical care services in two western European countries.

4 countries release data on exposure to second-hand smoke 05-01-2011

Key findings of tobacco surveys in Poland, the Russian Federation, Turkey and Ukraine show that non-smokers’ exposure to second-hand smoke is alarmingly high in the hospitality sector, workplace and home.

Meeting with the European Forum of National Nursing and Midwifery Associations 22-12-2010

WHO/Europe and the European Forum of National Nursing and Midwifery Associations have agreed to strengthen their collaboration and develop a workplan to frame this cooperation.

Autumn/Winter edition of “The Bridge” out now 21-12-2010

This issue of the newsletter includes a review of the discussions and achievements at WHO/Europe’s annual meeting, the sixtieth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, held in Moscow, Russian Federation, 13–16 September 2010.

WHO Epidemiological Brief 11: Importation of Wild Poliovirus and Response Measures in the European Region 20-12-2010

As of 16 December, Tajikistan had reported 458 laboratory-confirmed cases of wild poliovirus type 1, including 29 deaths. The last confirmed case in Tajikistan had a date of onset of 4 July. Since the beginning of the year, the Russian Federation had reported 14 poliomyelitis (polio) cases; Turkmenistan 3 cases, and Kazakhstan 1 case.

Start of influenza season 17-12-2010

Signs of increasing influenza activity in a number of countries indicate the start of the influenza season in the WHO European Region. Reports of severe and fatal cases, causing strains on critical care services, have also been received.

Green transport benefits health, creates jobs and combats climate change 17-12-2010

Shifting towards green urban transport policies would help not only combat climate change but also significantly improve health and the quality of urban life, and lead to new job opportunities, concluded a WHO/Europe and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) symposium on 8 December.

Easier access to health, education and employment for informal waste collectors in Serbia 16-12-2010

SWIFT (the Sustainable Waste management Initiative For a healthier Tomorrow) was launched last week. It aims to provide informal waste collectors in Serbia with a decent livelihood and increase their access to public services and civil documentation.

First WHO indoor air quality guidelines on indoor chemicals now released 15-12-2010

Hazardous substances emitted from buildings, construction materials and indoor equipment or due to human activities such as fuel combustion for cooking or heating, lead to a broad range of health problems and may even be fatal. WHO/Europe has released a new volume of the global guidelines for indoor air quality  today.

Malaria elimination a step closer 14-12-2010

Since 2009, no locally transmitted cases of Plasmodium falciparum, the most common and fatal malaria type, have been recorded in the WHO European Region. This is one of the main findings of the “World malaria report 2010”, released today.

Health and climate change on the agenda at COP16 10-12-2010

Yesterday, the Minister of Health of The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia outlined the health effects of climate change and the strategy that his country has adopted to address them, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancún, Mexico.

25–70% of adults in Europe are overweight 09-12-2010

A study of the most recently available national data for Europe reveals that 25–70% of adults are overweight, depending on the country, and 5–30%, obese. Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe. called on countries to recognize obesity’s social dimension when developing policies.

Georgian minister visits WHO/Europe 07-12-2010

On 1 December 2010, Dr Andria Urushadze, Minister of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, visited WHO/Europe and met with Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and senior staff.

Landmark declaration signed on the health of children with intellectual disabilities 26-11-2010

Today, health policy-makers from the 53 countries in the WHO European Region signed a declaration expressing their commitment to improving the lives of children and young people with intellectual disabilities by improving their access to high-quality health care.

WHO Epidemiological Brief 10: Importation of Wild Poliovirus and Response Measures in the European Region 25-11-2010

As of 18 November 2010, Tajikistan has reported 458 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), including 27 deaths. The last confirmed case in Tajikistan had a date of onset of 4 July. Since the beginning of the year, the Russian Federation has reported 14 poliomyelitis (polio) cases; Turkmenistan 3 cases and Kazakhstan 1 case.

WHO and European countries to discuss growing epidemic of noncommunicable diseases 24-11-2010

High-level representatives of almost 40 governments in the WHO European Region will meet in Norway tomorrow to strengthen efforts to prevent and control the epidemic of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

European countries set targets for giving everyone access to safe and affordable water and sanitation 23-11-2010

Reducing economic barriers to access to safe drinking-water is one of the key objectives of the Second Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health, which starts today in Bucharest, Romania. 

WHO releases two major reports 22-11-2010

WHO headquarters has just released two major global reports: the 2010 world health report, launched in Berlin on 22 November at a ministerial conference on health financing hosted by the Government of Germany; and a new report on health inequities in urban settings, released in Kobe, Japan last week. 

Developing strategy on antibacterial resistance 18-11-2010

The Standing Committee of the Regional Committee, part of WHO/Europe’s governing body, has approved a concept paper on WHO/Europe’s developing a strategy to contain antibacterial resistance . This is an important step to tackle a growing health threat in the WHO European Region.

Standing Committee of the Regional Committee meets in Andorra 18-11-2010

On 18–19 November 2010, the Eighteenth Standing Committee holds its second meeting, hosted by Andorra. 

Lithuanian Minister of Health visits 18-11-2010

On 4 November, Mr Raimondas Šukys, Minister of Health of Lithuania, met with Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, to learn more about WHO/Europe’s work and discuss health priorities in Lithuania.

Regional Director: WHO/Europe and European Union are “natural partners” 17-11-2010

Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, spoke of the shared health values, as well as geographical factors, that promote partnership, at the Meeting of Chief Medical Officers of the European Union, in Liège, Belgium, on 16 November 2010.

South-eastern countries sign historic agreement on public health 17-11-2010

On 10 November 2010, the nine members of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) signed the first multicountry legal agreement on public health in this part of Europe.

Regional Director addresses European Public Health Association (EUPHA) Conference 12-11-2010

Speaking at the opening of Conference yesterday, Zsuzsanna Jakab explained how WHO/Europe pursues an integrated approach to public health, to achieve better health for people in Europe.

Seventh training course to improve health systems’ performance 11-11-2010

WHO/Europe is hosting the seventh flagship course on strengthening health systems. It brings together 47 health professionals from the Caucasus, central Asia and the Republic of Moldova, the latest of almost 500 participants.

Kyrgyzstan’s health services receive boost 09-11-2010

WHO and the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan are rolling out a series of new projects to support health services, particularly emergency services and mental health care.

New rehabilitation guidelines for the disabled launched 09-11-2010

WHO has released new community-based rehabilitation (CBR) guidelines to support the inclusion of people with disabilities in health, education, employment, social, skills-training and other community services and activities.

Data on school children’s health behaviour: important input for health policy 04-11-2010

Representatives of the network of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, covering 43 countries and regions, are meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark on 3–5 November to discuss the framework for the report to be issued in late 2011.

WHO to map vitamin-D deficiency in Europe 02-11-2010

On 1 October 2010, WHO experts and representatives of the Public Advice International Foundation met to discuss vitamin-D deficiency in Europe.

WHO/Europe strengthens collaboration with the Northern Dimension 01-11-2010

On 28 October 2010, the Northern Dimension Partnership in Public Health and Social Well-being held its annual conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, hosted by WHO/Europe.

WHO Epidemiological Brief 9: polio outbreak in the European Region and country responses 29-10-2010

As of 25 October, Tajikistan had reported 458 laboratory-confirmed cases of wild poliovirus type 1, including 26 deaths. The last confirmed case had a date of onset of 4 July. Since the beginning of the year, the Russian Federation had reported 14 polio cases; Turkmenistan, 3 cases and Kazakhstan, 1 case.

Turkmenistan: free of malaria 27-10-2010

On 19 October 2010, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan granted Turkmenistan malaria-free status in an official letter to the Government.

Success of flagship course on health system strengthening continues 22-10-2010

This week, over 60 government and health insurance fund officials, and other health sector stakeholders from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland are participating in a flagship course on health system strengthening and sustainable financing, coordinated by WHO/Europe.

Sexual health – more than sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies 21-10-2010

Policy-makers are meeting in Madrid, Spain, on 21–22 October 2010, to agree on a common understanding of sexual health, based on a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, beyond the traditional perception of sexual health that focuses on sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.

Regional Director addresses ministers on preventing chronic diseases 20-10-2010

In an address to ministers in Brussels today, WHO Regional Director for Europe Zsuzsanna Jakab argued that tackling chronic diseases offers opportunities for shared policies.

WHO/Europe concludes mission on health impact of sludge spill in Hungary 20-10-2010

A four-day WHO expert field mission to Hungary has developed a set of recommendations to minimize the short- and long-term health impact of the sludge spill at an alumina plant in Hungary on 4 October 2010.

Amartya Sen to assist WHO/Europe with health inequities project 19-10-2010

Nobel-Prize-winning economist Professor Amartya Sen will be among the many globally acclaimed experts joining a senior advisory group to assist a research project mapping health inequities in the 53 countries in the WHO European Region. 

Regional Director speaks at opening of Medipol University, Turkey 18-10-2010

Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, spoke today at the opening of Medipol University in Istanbul, Turkey. She explained how WHO/Europe assists Member States to address the challenges faced by their national health systems.

Development of HEALTH2020 under way 18-10-2010

International experts in public health met on 14 October 2010 to map out the broad goals and targets of the new European health policy, HEALTH2020, at a meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark.

WHO/Europe resumes weekly influenza surveillance report as winter season begins 15-10-2010

The first weekly report for the season, available in English and Russian, indicates that influenza activity is currently at very low levels in the WHO European Region.

Global Plan to Stop TB 2011–2015 launched 14-10-2010

 The Stop TB Partnership released the Plan on 13 October 2010. At the launch, during the World Health Summit in Berlin, Germany, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, called on governments and partners to provide funding to carry out the Plan.

WHO/Europe to assess health impact of sludge spill in Hungary 12-10-2010

A team of WHO experts is travelling to Hungary today to provide additional expertise to the Government-led assessment of the potential short- and long-term health effects of a sludge spill that affected the country’s western territories on 4 October 2010.

WHO/Europe and World Bank collaborate on study of health systems 12-10-2010

Since 1990, eastern Europe and central Asia have made significantly lower gains in life expectancy than any group of middle- or high-income countries. WHO/Europe is working with the World Bank on a results-based assessment of health systems in these countries.

Regional Director speaks at World Health Summit 11-10-2010

Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, spoke of the development of a European health policy, Health 2020, in a global context during her address at the Summit in Berlin, Germany.

WHO Epidemiological Brief 8: polio outbreak in the European Region and country responses 08-10-2010

As of 30 September, Tajikistan had reported 458 laboratory-confirmed cases of wild poliovirus type 1, including 26 deaths. The last confirmed case had a date of onset of 4 July. Since the beginning of the year, the Russian Federation had reported 12 poliomyelitis (polio) cases and Turkmenistan, 3 cases.

Regional Director delivers annual lecture to Faculty of Public Health 06-10-2010

Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, invited public health specialists attending her lecture at the United Kingdom’s Faculty of Public Health to work on developing Health 2020, the new European health policy.

Regional Director addresses European Parliament inquiry on pandemic (H1N1) 2009 05-10-2010

Today Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, addressed the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) of the European Parliament.

Significant progress in access to HIV/AIDS services in the European Region 28-09-2010

Low- and middle-income countries, including some in the WHO European Region, have demonstrated that access to HIV/AIDS services can be increased, according to the new report, “Towards universal access: scaling up priority HIV/AIDS interventions in the health sectors”, released today

24% of European children aged 6–9 are overweight 24-09-2010

WHO/Europe has established a European childhood obesity surveillance system in 15 countries in the European Region to measure and compare trends in overweight and obesity in primary-school children. Preliminary data indicate that 24% of 6–9-year-olds are overweight or obese.

Maternal deaths worldwide drop by a third 22-09-2010

The number of women dying from complications during pregnancy and childbirth has fallen by 34%, from an estimated 546 000 in 1990 to 358 000 in 2008, according to a new report, "Trends in maternal mortality".

WHO/Europe forging closer links with St Petersburg 21-09-2010

Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, met city leaders in St Petersburg, Russian Federation yesterday to discuss WHO support for tuberculosis initiatives and St Petersburg’s interest in joining the WHO Healthy Cities network.

Vaccine recommendations for winter influenza season 20-09-2010

WHO/Europe has released interim recommendations on influenza vaccination during the 2010/2011 winter season.

New appointment as Director of Programme Management 15-09-2010

On 15 September 2010, Dr José Martin-Moreno became Director, Programme Management at WHO/Europe

WHO Epidemiological Brief 7: polio outbreak in the European Region and country responses 14-09-2010

As of 10 September, Tajikistan had reported 456 laboratory-confirmed cases of wild poliovirus type 1, including 20 deaths. The last confirmed case in Tajikistan had a date of onset of 4 July. Since the beginning of 2010, the Russian Federation has reported 12 polio cases and Turkmenistan reported 3 cases.

WHO and European Commission adopt joint declaration 13-09-2010

The WHO Regional Office for Europe and the European Commission adopted a joint declaration today, seeking to strengthen policy dialogue and technical cooperation on public health.

WHO Regional Committee for Europe to convene in Moscow 10-09-2010

Health ministers and decision-makers from 53 countries will lay ground for a new pan-European health policy.

WHO/Europe contributes to health budget discussions in Latvia 09-09-2010

WHO experts contributed to discussions yesterday at the Latvian Parliament on the development of a public health strategy and the health budget.

Polio immunization campaign under way in Kazakhstan 09-09-2010

1.8 million Kazakh children are to be vaccinated in a series of national immunization days this week. Dr Zhaksylyk Doskaliev, Minister of Health of Kazakhstan, launched the campaign on Monday, 6 September, targeting children aged up to 6 years.

WHO Epidemiological Brief 6: polio outbreak in the European Region and country responses 06-09-2010

As of 3 September, Tajikistan has reported 456 laboratory-confirmed cases of wild poliovirus type 1, including 20 deaths. The last confirmed case in Tajikistan had a date of onset of 4 July.  Since the beginning of 2010, the Russian Federation has reported 12 polio cases.

Kyrgyzstan situation report, 2 September 2010 06-09-2010

The second round of the polio immunization campaign was conducted on 23–27 August 2010. Training in psychosocial and psychiatric support in emergencies concluded on 27 August, and a rapid assessment last month indicated that early warning and surveillance systems are functional, although there are gaps in the reporting system.

Russian Federation: no remaining health risks from extreme heat-wave and wildfires 03-09-2010

The exceptional situation of a severe heat-wave and air pollution due to wildfires in many regions of the Russian Federation has been declared over.

EUPHA and WHO/Europe meet to strengthen public health 02-09-2010

On 27 August 2010, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, met with Professor Walter Ricciardi, President-elect of the European Public Health Association (EUPHA). WHO/Europe has invited EUPHA to join the process of developing a new European health strategy.

European ambassadors briefed on Regional Committee agenda 01-09-2010

Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, today briefed European ambassadors to Denmark on the agenda of the sixtieth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.

Meeting with the Department of Health of England 01-09-2010

On 25 August 2010, WHO/Europe received a delegation from the Department of Health to discuss  ongoing collaboration on health systems performance assessment.  

Pandemic influenza vaccine Pandemrix under review 28-08-2010

A cluster of narcolepsy cases has been reported in children and adolescents vaccinated with Pandemrix. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has launched a review to determine whether there is evidence of a causal association. Pandemrix remains licensed for use by EMA and prequalified by WHO.

Kyrgyzstan situation report, 25 August 2010 26-08-2010

No outbreaks of infectious disease have been reported. The second round of a nationwide poliomyelitis (polio) immunization campaign started on 23 August 2010. WHO and health partners are concerned that urgently needed health interventions remain unaddressed as a result of limited funding for health cluster activities.

WHO/Europe supporting Hungary’s EU Presidency planning 23-08-2010

In preparation for Hungary’s Presidency of the European Union in the first six months of 2011, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, is meeting ministers and high-level officials in Budapest today to discuss WHO’s contribution to Hungary’s health priorities for its Presidency.

WHO epidemiological brief 5: Tajikistan polio outbreak and regional response 23-08-2010

As of 20 August 2010, Tajikistan has reported 455 laboratory-confirmed cases of wild poliovirus type 1. There have been 20 deaths. The last confirmed polio case in Tajikistan had a date of onset of 4 July.  In the Russian Federation there have been 8 laboratory-confirmed cases of wild poliovirus type 1.

WHO/Europe headquarters in Copenhagen reopen 19-08-2010

The WHO/Europe offices in Copenhagen will reopen on 20 August 2010, with limited e-mail and telephone services. Work continues to ensure that the offices are fully functional as quickly as possible, following flooding on the premises on Saturday 14 August 2010.

WHO/Europe headquarters closed due to flooding - update 2 17-08-2010

The WHO/Europe offices in Copenhagen will be closed for at least one further day, up to and including Thursday 19 August 2010. Work is underway to ensure that the offices are fully functional as quickly as possible. An emergency group is meeting regularly to oversee repair operations and address key issues, including those relating to the International Health Regulations (IHR).

WHO/Europe headquarters closed due to flooding - update 17-08-2010

The WHO/Europe headquarters in Copenhagen have been closed from Monday 16 August until further notice after parts of the office were flooded following heavy rainfall on Saturday.

Extreme heat-wave and wildfires cause public health concerns in the Russian Federation 15-08-2010

Wildfires that started in mid-July 2010 in the Central and Volga federal districts of the Russian Federation have produced a dense plume of smoke over hundreds of kilometres. The situation is aggravated by the continuing heat-wave.

Kyrgyzstan situation report, 11 August 2010 13-08-2010

New global health-sector strategy for HIV/AIDS: contributions welcome 13-08-2010

WHO has launched an extensive consultative process to determine priorities for a renewed global health-sector response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic for 2011-2015. Contributions should be received by 31 August 2010.

WHO Director-General declares H1N1 pandemic over 10-08-2010

On the recommendation of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee, Dr Margaret Chan announced that the world has moved into a post-pandemic period.

WHO epidemiological brief: Tajikistan polio outbreak and regional response 04-08-2010

As of 1 August 2010, Tajikistan had reported 452 laboratory-confirmed cases of wild poliovirus type 1, with 20 deaths (4.4%). The latest confirmed cases had disease onset on 4 July 2010. Seven cases had been laboratory confirmed for wild poliovirus type 1 in the Russian Federation.

WHO hands over Interagency Emergency Health Kit to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova 02-08-2010

On 30 July 2010, the WHO Country Office, Republic of Moldova officially handed over an Interagency Emergency Health Kit (IEHK), donated by Italy, to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova.

Meeting to strengthen partnership with the Global Fund 23-07-2010

On 12 July 2010, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Professor Michel Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, met to strengthen the partnership between WHO/Europe and the Global Fund.

Kyrgyzstan situation report, 20 July 2010 22-07-2010

Health authorities have reported no outbreaks of infectious diseases, but a slight increase in cases of seasonal diarrhoeal disease. No physical rehabilitation services are available for people with disabilities and/or injuries. The need for mental health and psychosocial support services remains urgent.

National polio immunization campaign launched in Kyrgyzstan 21-07-2010

The first of two rounds of national immunization days (NIDs) against poliomyelitis (polio) in Kyrgyzstan were launched on Monday, 19 July.

WHO calls for united action against HIV in Europe 21-07-2010

Speaking at the XVIII International AIDS Conference in Vienna, WHO experts today drew attention to the glaring disparities between countries in western and eastern Europe in providing access to HIV services for people living with HIV.

Regional Director’s address at the International Conference on the 15th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s National Health Programme 20-07-2010

WHO's greatest concern is the health divide in the European Region and the growing inequities in health both between and within countries, in conjunction with the changing demographic and social landscape.

WHO Epidemiological Brief: Tajikistan polio outbreak and regional response 20-07-2010

As of 12 July 2010, Tajikistan had reported 413 laboratory-confirmed cases of wild poliovirus type 1, with 19 deaths (4.6%). The latest confirmed poliomyelitis (polio) cases had disease onset on 6 June 2010. Six cases had been laboratory confirmed for wild poliovirus type 1 in the Russian Federation, the only country outside Tajikistan to confirm cases. Four rounds of national immunization days (NIDs) in Tajikistan and three rounds in Uzbekistan had occurred. In both countries coverage was extremely high and confirmed by independent monitors. The first round of nationwide NIDs started in Turkmenistan on 12 July 2010, and Kyrgyzstan will start its first round on 19 July.

Tobacco use among adults: new report launched 20-07-2010

During an official visit to Turkey, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, launched the latest report on tobacco use among adults in Europe, and recognized the major contribution of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to controlling tobacco use in the country.

Prime Minister of Turkey receives award for tobacco control efforts 19-07-2010

Today, the WHO Regional Director for Europe presented the WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Award for Contribution to Global Tobacco Control to the Prime Minister of Turkey, Mr Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The Award recognizes the Prime Minister's strong and continuous leadership in tobacco control and the promotion of healthy lifestyles and smoke-free environments in Turkey.

Latvian Minister of Health visits WHO/Europe to discuss health priorities 19-07-2010

The new Minister of Health of Latvia, Mr Didzis Gavars, and the State Secretary, Mr Rinalds Muciņš, held discussions with the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, and key WHO experts about the collaboration between WHO and Latvia.

Recent floods in the Republic of Moldova: situation report 16-07-2010

Recent flooding along the country's two main rivers has caused extensive damage to the infrastructure and agricultural land; about 3000 people have been evacuated. WHO/Europe is following the situation and working closely with the Ministry of Health.

WHO discusses health priorities with the European Forum of Medical Associations 15-07-2010

Members of the Liaison Committee of the European Forum of Medical Associations (EFMA) met with WHO/Europe staff for a full day to discuss future priorities for collaboration.

Kyrgyzstan unrest: situation report 14-07-2010

No outbreaks of infectious disease have been reported, but mental health and psychosocial support services remain urgently needed. As part of the humanitarian response, WHO recently gave Kyrgyz health facilities orthopaedic equipment, emergency health kits and trauma kits.

Promoting health in a fast-changing world 11-07-2010

Developing a strong, effective and credible health promotion strategy requires taking account of major global changes and trends, including climate change, global urbanization and the ageing of the population. This was the foundation of a keynote speech given by Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, at the opening of the 20th IUHPE World Conference on Health Promotion, organized by the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE).

Kyrgyzstan unrest: situation report 09-07-2010

No outbreaks of infectious diseases have been reported and assessments showed no evidence of malnutrition. Authorities report a slight increase in cases of seasonal diarrhoea and zoonotic diseases.

Learning from the influenza pandemic 05-07-2010

“The emergence of a new strain of influenza, which was able to spread around the globe in a matter of a few weeks, clearly highlights our joint vulnerability and the need for a collective, coordinated response.” This was the main message presented by Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, to a meeting of health ministers from European Union (EU) countries held in Brussels, Belgium on 05 July.

Combating cancer in Europe 05-07-2010

Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, today pledged to strengthen WHO’s technical capacity and role in the field of cancer. She made the pledge to health ministers from European Union (EU) countries at a meeting in Brussels, Belgium.

Kyrgyzstan unrest and refugees in Uzbekistan: situation report 02-07-2010

Almost all refugees have voluntarily returned to Kyrgyzstan. Only patients in need of hospital treatment remain in Uzbekistan. With partners, WHO is coordinating the humanitarian health assistance to Kyrgyzstan.

WHO Epidemiological Brief: Tajikistan polio outbreak and regional response 01-07-2010

As of 28 June 2010, Tajikistan has reported 334 laboratory-confirmed cases of wild poliovirus type 1. There have been 15 deaths. No new cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) had been reported since 12 June.

Health experts review regional efforts to keep Europe polio free 30-06-2010

Every year, an independent panel of international public health experts reviews countries work to sustain the European Region's polio-free status, through activities including maintaining immunization coverage, planning national responses to poliovirus importation and conducting surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis. This year, the panel focused particularly on the recent outbreak of imported poliovirus in Tajikistan.

Look beyond health in policy-making 29-06-2010

Partners in developing health policy in the European Region are discussing how to push health onto other policy agendas at the European Union (EU) Open Health Forum in Brussels, Belgium today. Speaking at the Forum, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said that actively including health in all policies is vital to improving people’s health in the Region.

Kyrgyzstan unrest and refugees in Uzbekistan: situation report 25-06-2010

The security situation in southern Kyrgyzstan remains volatile, but has stabilized somewhat during the past two days and many refugees are returning from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan. WHO is coordinating all health-related assistance in both Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

WHO Epidemiological Brief: Tajikistan polio outbreak and regional response 24-06-2010

As of 11 June 2010, Tajikistan had reported 607 acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases; 239 were laboratory confirmed for wild poliovirus type 1, and 22 had been confirmed negative. There had been 11 deaths among the 239 confirmed poliomyelitis (polio) cases (4.6%).Three rounds of national immunization days (NIDs) had taken place in Tajikistan and two rounds in Uzbekistan. In both, coverage was extremely high: over 99% of the targeted populations. Further rounds are expected in both countries, and Kyrgyzstan will begin an immunization campaign in July.

Health care a priority for thousands affected by Kyrgyzstan violence 22-06-2010

The World Health Organization is coordinating the international health response to the humanitarian crises in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, where delivering health care to thousands of displaced people remains a major challenge.

Learning from Nordic health systems 21-06-2010

Ministers of health and social affairs from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden met in Aalborg, Denmark today to exchange experience and discuss how to cooperate more closely to tackle noncommunicable diseases and provide highly specialized health care.

Kyrgyzstan unrest and refugees in Uzbekistan: situation report 21-06-2010

WHO has mobilized health kits and medical supplies to support local health services in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, and has deployed experts to coordinate health activity, make assessments and mobilize resources for urgent health action through flash appeals.

WHO/Europe “a bridge that unites the Region” 18-06-2010

During an official visit to Georgia on 17–18 June 2010, Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, recognized the advances the country has achieved in health care, despite significant challenges.

Meeting with OECD: building on the health information “bedrock” 18-06-2010

On 16 June, Mr Mark Pearson, Head of the Health Division at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), met with Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, to build on the excellent collaboration between the two organizations.

Preparations on track for WHO/Europe’s annual meeting 15-06-2010

The Seventeenth Standing Committee of the Regional Committee held its fifth session on 14–15 June 2010, to prepare for the sixtieth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, taking place in September 2010.

WHO supports health sector response in Kyrgyzstan 14-06-2010

Following civil unrest in southern Kyrgyzstan, WHO is working with the Government and partners to ensure that the health needs of those affected are met, and that supplementary polio immunization activities in the region continue.

Spring/Summer issue of "The Bridge" out now 11-06-2010

This issue of the newsletter includes a feature on Zsuzsanna Jakab, with her reflections after four months as WHO Regional Director for Europe, and an overview of the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, held in March in Parma, Italy.

Danish Minister for the Interior and Health meets the Regional Director 10-06-2010

On Tuesday, Mr Bertel Haarder, Minister for the Interior and Health of Denmark met Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, for the first time.

Regional Director commends Uzbekistan on polio immunization campaign 07-06-2010

Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, is in Uzbekistan on 6–7 June 2010, to help raise awareness of the importance of immunization. Her first official visit coincides with the second round of a national polio immunization campaign.

Spain leads calls for urgent action to improve patient safety 03-06-2010

Health experts from throughout the WHO European Region and globally agree that urgent action is needed to address healthcare associated infections (HAI) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Across the European Union, over 4 million patients are affected by healthcare associated infections every year, resulting in 16 million extra days in hospital and an annual economic impact of about 7 billion euros.

Latest epidemiological update on polio outbreak in central Asia 03-06-2010

As of 1 June 2010, Tajikistan had reported 564 cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), 183 of which had been laboratory confirmed for wild poliovirus type 1. All laboratory-confirmed cases reported so far are from the south-western part of the country and the capital, Dushanbe. The number of cases reported has declined in week 22.

Women are huge potential market for the tobacco industry 28-05-2010

Tobacco advertising targeting women has gained prominence around the world, recruiting increasing numbers of women and girls as tobacco consumers, the WHO Regional Office for Europe warns, ahead of World No Tobacco Day (31 May 2010).

Latest polio update from Tajikistan and central Asia 21-05-2010

As the second round of the polio vaccination programme concludes in Tajikistan, the outbreak continues to be limited to the capital Dushanbe and the south-western part of the country. The governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have strengthened surveillance and have begun or will soon begin vaccination campaigns to boost children’s immunization.

Uzbekistan begins immunization campaign to prevent polio importation 19-05-2010

In response to a poliomyelitis (polio) outbreak in neighbouring Tajikistan, the Government of Uzbekistan, supported by international partners, launched a nationwide immunization campaign on 17 May. More than 2.8 million children will be vaccinated over the next 6 days.

Sixty-third World Health Assembly opens 17-05-2010

The World Health Assembly meets on 17–21 May 2010. Public health issues on the agenda include the implementation of the International Health Regulations, progress towards the health-related Millennium Development Goals, and strategies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol and counterfeit medical products.

Central Asian countries strengthen polio preparedness and response 12-05-2010

Following the polio outbreak in Tajikistan last month, WHO is working closely with neighbouring countries on preparedness and response measures. WHO and its partners have sent teams to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan to help strengthen surveillance and support vaccination, and Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan have formed polio task forces. The first round of a national polio immunization campaign in Tajikistan was completed on 8 May.

National polio immunization campaign launched in Tajikistan 04-05-2010

The Ministry of Health of Tajikistan launched a three-round polio immunization drive to stop the polio outbreak in the country. The target is to immunize almost 1.1 million children under 6 years of age with three doses of polio vaccine. Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe is visiting the country to support the efforts of national authorities in responding to the outbreak and promoting immunization activities.

Climate change in Malta: new report 30-04-2010

Climate change puts Malta at particular risk from flash-floods, water- and food-related hazards and (potentially) vector-borne diseases, according to a new joint Maltese and WHO/Europe report. In addition, the Government of Malta launched a national strategy on noncommunicable diseases this week, during the visit of Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

Polio outbreak in Tajikistan: new update 29-04-2010

As of 28 April 2010, Tajikistan has reported 171 cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) to WHO. Laboratory tests have confirmed wild poliovirus type 1 in 32 cases. WHO is investigating the outbreak and supporting the Government of Tajikistan in strengthening surveillance, immunization programmes and outbreak response capacity.

Malaria in Europe at 3% of 1995 level 23-04-2010

Significant progress has been made towards eliminating malaria from the WHO European Region, thanks to anti-malaria interventions. New data from countries indicate that only 285 locally acquired cases were reported in 2009, compared to 90 712 in 1995. At present, locally acquired cases occur in six countries in the Region: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan.

WHO responds to imported polio outbreak in Tajikistan 23-04-2010

WHO has deployed a team of experts to investigate a polio outbreak in south-west Tajikistan, in the area bordering Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of poliovirus type 1 in the country and tests are ongoing to further characterize the virus. WHO is performing a field-based risk assessment of the situation and providing technical support to the Government of Tajikistan. This is the first imported polio outbreak in the WHO European Region since the Region was certified polio-free in 2002.

46 countries in Europe recommit to eliminating measles 21-04-2010

The WHO European Region has seen a dramatic reduction in reported measles cases (from 200 000 in 1994, to 30 000 in 2003 and 7 375 in 2009), yet decreasing vaccine coverage rates threaten this progress. Next week, 46 countries will take part in European Immunization Week.

No change in current WHO advice on potential health risks of volcanic ash 20-04-2010

There is no change in the current WHO advice about potential health risks: if the volcanic ash reaches ground level in higher concentrations the ash may cause health effects, but these are likely to be minimal.

Volcano eruption in Iceland will have minimal impact on health 16-04-2010

The WHO Regional Office for Europe is closely monitoring the situation, including possible health impact, of the Iceland volcanic eruption, and is in close contact with its Member States regarding preparedness and response measures. The ash cloud contains fine particles but as long as the ash remains in the upper atmosphere, there will not be an increased risk to health. However, when it reaches the ground level, and if in high concentration, the ash may cause health effects, but these are likely to be minimal.

WHO assists emergency health care provision in Kyrgyzstan 12-04-2010

Following the civil unrest in Kyrgyzstan last week, WHO/Europe has offered support to the Ministry of Health, started coordinating the health response and provided basic emergency health kits.

Tackling urban health inequalities should be a priority 07-04-2010

To mark World Health Day, WHO has launched a global campaign to raise awareness of the impact of urbanization on health. In the WHO European Region, 70% of the population now lives in urban areas. Health risks are particularly acute in poor urban communities, which increases health inequalities. So far, 175 cities in 31 countries across the Region have joined the global campaign: "1000 cities, 1000 lives".

New project to strengthen health care in Tajikistan 23-03-2010

Natural disasters and humanitarian crises place additional strains on health facilities when they are needed most. A new project launched in Tajikistan will help 16 hospitals to withstand disasters and emergencies, and rehabilitate primary health care facilities damaged by severe flooding in 2009. The year-long project is funded by the Government of Japan.

Tuberculosis rates and treatment in Europe remain a concern 18-03-2010

A new report by WHO/Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reveals that the treatment success rate for newly-detected cases of tuberculosis registered in 2007 was 70.7%, a drop of 2.4 percentage points compared to the previous year. “Member States must put TB control among the highest public health priorities and make available appropriate resources,” says Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

European governments adopt comprehensive plan to reduce environmental risks to health by 2020 12-03-2010

Governments from across Europe adopted a declaration today at the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, pledging to reduce the adverse health impact of environmental threats in the next decade. "This conference has opened an exciting new chapter in the way European governments work on environment and health" said Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

A new chapter: further action agreed to fight new and existing environment and health threats 12-03-2010

The final day of the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health addressed new environmental threats to health, particularly climate change, and set out the future direction of the environment and health process. Member States and partners endorsed a new declaration and commitment to act on environment and health.

Young people: a vital investment in the environment and health process 12-03-2010

Among the many partners needed to ensure that progress is achieved on environment and health issues, young people are fundamental. Not only is their health more sensitive to the environments in which they live, but their engagement ensures that the process is sustainable. On day two of the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, awards were made for environment and health projects and media reporting.

A groundbreaking process: 20 years of environment and health collaboration 11-03-2010

A 40% drop in traffic-related deaths, a five-fold reduction in mortality rates from diarrhoeal disease and lower levels of lead in children’s blood are some of the achievements from 20 years of collaboration between the environment and health sectors in Europe. Delegates at the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health taking place in Parma, Italy are reviewing progress made so far and how to address new challenges.

Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health opens today 10-03-2010

The Ministerial Conference taking place between 10 and 12 March in Parma, Italy brings together over 800 participants, including ministers of health and of the environment, representatives of the European Commission, intergovernmental and nongovernmental stakeholders, scientists and youth delegates. They will review the impact of national and cross-border environmental policies on the health status of people in the WHO European Region, and agree a new way forward.

WHO monitoring situation in earthquake-hit area in Turkey 08-03-2010

The WHO Regional Office for Europe and the WHO Country Office in Turkey have been closely monitoring the situation in Elazığ province in eastern Turkey, where a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck on 8 March 2010. All hospitals are fully functional as none was damaged.

Women in Europe: lingering inequalities affect health 08-03-2010

Unequal power in relationships, poverty and discrimination prevent women from attaining and maintaining the best possible health. On International Women’s Day 2010, the United Nations calls for “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All”.

Finding solutions to finance Estonia’s health system 05-03-2010

Ms Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, attends a conference in Estonia today on financing the health system in the future, at which a report on the subject will be launched. The report’s recommendations include broadening the health sector’s revenue base and limiting out-of-pocket payments for care.

Respiratory disease kills 1 in every 2000 babies in Europe 02-03-2010

In some countries in the WHO European Region, 1–5 infants per 1000 still die from respiratory diseases, with the highest rates in the east. Children’s exposure to contributing environmental factors, such as outdoor and indoor air pollution, remains unacceptably high. This issue will be discussed at the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, to be held in Parma, Italy on 10–12 March 2010.

WHO mourns passing of Professor Ihsan Dogramaci 02-03-2010

On 25 February, WHO was saddened by the death of Professor Dogramaci, who will be remembered for his tireless efforts and accomplishments in public health care. He was the last living signer of the WHO Constitution, signed in July 1946.

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009: no phase change 24-02-2010

Based on Emergency Committee discussions yesterday, the WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan, has determined that the pandemic phase has not changed, so the pandemic alert level remains at phase six. All countries in the WHO European Region report low or medium intensity of influenza activity.

More physically active children in Europe, but obesity rates still rising 19-02-2010

Although children are more physically active, overweight and obesity rates continue to rise, particularly in boys. Renewed efforts are needed to prevent and reverse obesity trends in the European Region. This issue will be discussed at the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, to be held in Parma, Italy on 10–12 March 2010.

Former WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Jo E. Asvall dies 16-02-2010

WHO/Europe is sad to announce that Dr Jo Eirik Asvall, Regional Director for Europe from 1985 to 2000, died on 10 February 2010. A leading public health expert, one of his most notable achievements was implementing the ‘Health for All’ strategy in Europe, mobilizing health professionals, politicians and the mass media to promote the health of all people. Readers can pay tribute to Dr Asvall by e-mail (condolences@euro.who.int).

European roads too dangerous for young people 15-02-2010

Road traffic injuries kill about 100 children and young people in the WHO European Region every day. For every death, there are on average 35 non-fatal injuries, often with long-term effects on victims’ health. This issue will be discussed at the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, to be held in Parma, Italy on 10–12 March 2010.

Rise in access to safe water in Europe 09-02-2010

Further work is needed to continue improving access to safe drinking-water at home, sewerage systems and safe bathing water throughout the European Region. Surveillance systems to assess outbreaks of waterborne diseases must be extended and improved, as most outbreaks go undetected. These issues will be discussed at the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, to be held in Parma, Italy on 10–12 March 2010.

40% of cancer cases can be prevented 04-02-2010

People can significantly reduce their cancer risk by adopting a healthy lifestyle: not smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, reducing exposure to the sun and eating a balanced diet. Governments must continue to raise public awareness and put early detection measures in place. World Cancer Day 2010 focuses on prevention.

Updated health figures 02-02-2010

WHO/Europe has updated its European Health for All and mortality databases. With over 600 indicators, plus mortality from 67 causes, they provide a wide range of basic health statistics on the 53 countries in the WHO European Region. For example, cancer caused on average 171 deaths per 100 000 population in 2008.

New leader for WHO/Europe 28-01-2010

Today, Mrs Zsuzsanna Jakab takes up her post as the new WHO Regional Director for Europe. A native of Hungary, she will work with governments and other partners to improve the health of the 890 million people in the 53 countries in the WHO European Region. She succeeds Dr Marc Danzon.

Sixty years of WHO in Europe 25-01-2010

How has WHO/Europe responded to changing health priorities in Europe? As Dr Marc Danzon’s 10 years as WHO Regional Director for Europe draw to a close, WHO/Europe publishes his account of how WHO/Europe has worked to improve the health of the people in the vast region it serves.

Earthquake in Haiti: guidance on disaster response from WHO 18-01-2010

The earthquake that struck last week also hit Haiti’s health system hard. At least eight health facilities are damaged or destroyed when health services are needed most. WHO/the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is supporting the Haitian Government to coordinate international assistance on health.

New issue of The Bridge 08-01-2010

The newsletter features an interview with the outgoing Regional Director; describes activities in Kyrgyzstan, the Republic of Moldova, Slovakia and Tajikistan; and includes articles on health systems financing, immunization, human resources for health, HIV/AIDS surveillance, climate change, pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza, smoke-free environments, environment and health equity, and the South-eastern Europe (SEE) Health Network.

Donated pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccine arrives in Azerbaijan 08-01-2010

Today, Azerbaijan received its first shipment of donated pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccine. Vaccination will target health care workers, the staff of life support services, pregnant women, people with a history of chronic lung disease and children aged 14–17. The pre-qualified, inactivated adjuvanted vaccine is produced by GlaxoSmithKline.

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 activity continues despite declining clinical trends 05-01-2010

While pandemic (H1N1) 2009 activity remains high in four countries, Georgia, Poland, Serbia and Ukraine, and some regions of the Russian Federation, clinical respiratory disease activity has declined over the past 3 weeks in 16 countries. A shipment of donated pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccine is due to arrive in Azerbaijan this week.

15 countries report high pandemic (H1N1) 2009 activity 15-12-2009

While pandemic (H1N1) 2009 activity remains high in 15 countries, clinical respiratory disease activity has declined in 10 countries over the past 3 weeks: Belgium, Bulgaria, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Ukraine. Vaccination campaigns have started in 27 countries.

Pandemic influenza checklist for hospitals published 11-12-2009

It explains what hospitals need to do to be prepared for and function effectively during an influenza pandemic, highlighting issues related to pandemic (H1N1) 2009. Areas covered include communication, continuity of services, infection prevention and control, case management and surveillance.

Humanitarian agencies call for urgent climate action 09-12-2009

Humanitarian agencies, including WHO, have emphasized the urgency of taking prompt action on climate change to protect the poorest and most vulnerable people. They called for a strong and binding global agreement at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

New report highlights danger of second-hand tobacco smoke 09-12-2009

Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke is estimated to kill about 600 000 people every year. Smoke-free environments are the only way to prevent these deaths. A new report launched today in Istanbul, Turkey, gives a global overview of tobacco control efforts and WHO recommendations for countries.

Annual rate of newly diagnosed HIV infections has doubled since 2000 01-12-2009

Newly diagnosed cases in the European Region rose from 44 per million population in 2000 to 89 per million in 2008. Data in a report released today, World AIDS Day, show that 13% of new infections are among young people (those aged 15–24) and 35% are in women.

Georgia publishes health system performance assessment 27-11-2009

This first assessment is aimed to help the Government set strategic priorities for developing the health system. At present, only one in three Georgians has any health insurance and the health care system is significantly underused.

18 countries report high pandemic (H1N1) 2009 activity 24-11-2009

Influenza activity remains high and widespread across much of the European Region, especially in children aged 15 years and younger, according to reports from countries for the period 13 to 20 November 2009. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has informed WHO of a mutation detected in three H1N1 viruses, and its significance is being assessed.

Public health significance of virus mutation detected in Norway 21-11-2009

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has informed WHO of a mutation detected in three H1N1 viruses. The viruses were isolated from the first two fatal cases of pandemic influenza in the country and one patient with severe illness.

No significant changes in the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus in Ukraine 19-11-2009

Preliminary tests on samples taken from patients in Ukraine reveal no significant changes in the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus. Preliminary genetic sequencing shows that the virus is similar to the virus used for production of the pandemic influenza vaccine, reconfirming the vaccine's efficacy at this time.

40% of road crash victims are pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists 19-11-2009

A new WHO report assessing road safety across the European Region calls for greater political commitment to support the needs of all road users. Investing in public transport and improving road safety benefit both people’s health and the environment. According to the statistics, 40 % of road crash victims are pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists.

14 countries report high pandemic (H1N1) 2009 activity 14-11-2009

Belarus, Bulgaria, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Norway, Poland, the Republic of Moldova, the Russian Federation, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland only) reported high or very high pandemic activity during the period 5 to 12 November 2009. WHO has released revised guidance on the clinical management of human infection with pandemic (H1N1) 2009.

Health facilities in Ukraine well prepared for pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza 12-11-2009

Doctors from 486 hospitals all over Ukraine shared lessons learned from and their clinical experience with fighting the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus during a teleconference with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and WHO yesterday. Based on its field investigations, the WHO team concluded that Ukraine’s health facilities were well prepared and medical staff highly motivated to deal with the influx of cases.

10 countries report high pandemic (H1N1) 2009 activity 12-11-2009

Belarus, Bulgaria, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland only) reported high or very high pandemic activity during the period 27 October to 4 November 2009. Ukraine reported high rates of acute respiratory infection, compared to the same period in five previous years, and a WHO team of experts is investigating the outbreak.

Heart disease: leading cause of death in women 09-11-2009

In high-income countries, heart disease, often considered a disease of men, kills 18% of women. A new WHO report reviews the health of women throughout the life-course, to encourage policy dialogue and make health systems work better for them.

WHO staff review pandemic prevention steps in Ukraine 08-11-2009

The WHO team of experts has continued its work in Ukraine over the weekend. While four members continued investigations in Lviv, two others headed to the regional capital, Zhytomyr, to see how a typical Ukraine region prioritizes action to prevent an outbreak of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza.

Health workers in Ukraine under pressure, but coping 07-11-2009

An international team of experts is continuing to investigate the outbreak of influenza-like illness in Ukraine, including interviewing frontline health workers. This will reveal any similarities to other outbreaks of pandemic (H1N1) 2009. In these interviews, WHO staff emphasize how health workers must protect not only their patients but also themselves.

WHO begins investigating pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in western Ukraine 05-11-2009

A team of WHO experts is now working in Lviv, western Ukraine, visiting some of the affected areas and interviewing medical staff and patients face to face. The team is investigating the suspected outbreak of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in the country, and will use its findings to recommend best-practice scenarios for treatment.

Experts investigate pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus activity in Ukraine 03-11-2009

According to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the country has now recorded more than 250 000 cases of influenza-like illness, with 235 patients requiring intensive care. A team of nine experts deployed by WHO at the request of the Ukrainian Government is beginning field investigations to characterize the clinical and epidemiological features of the outbreak.

Ukraine reports high levels of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus activity 03-11-2009

On 30 October 2009, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine reported that infection had been confirmed in 11 out of 30 samples taken from patients with acute respiratory illness. The number of cases of such illness has been unusually high in the western part of the country.

Experts recommend single dose of pandemic vaccine 02-11-2009

WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization has recommended a single dose of pandemic vaccine in adults – including pregnant women – and adolescents aged 10 or over. At a meeting in Geneva, the experts reviewed early results from the monitoring of people who have received pandemic vaccines and found no indication of unusual adverse reactions.

Global action plan for control of pneumonia released 02-11-2009

Pneumonia is a major cause of death among children under five. WHO estimates that about 19 500 deaths result from the disease in the European Region every year. On World Pneumonia Day (2 November), WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund are releasing the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Pneumonia (GAPP). The plan provides five key strategies for protecting against, preventing and treating the disease.

Experts recommend steps to protect prisoners’ health 29-10-2009

A prison sentence is not always over on release from prison. Individuals who are healthy on entry have a high risk of leaving prison infected with HIV or tuberculosis or with an addiction to drugs. At a conference in Madrid this week, health experts have agreed on recommendations to reduce communicable diseases in prisons.

Overview of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in Europe 26-10-2009

Over 61 000 pandemic cases have been reported in the WHO European Region since April. This report provides an overview of events in the first months of the pandemic and proposes the next steps to take as the 2009–2010 influenza season begins.

Preparing for the coming influenza season 21-10-2009

The latest edition of the “EURO Immunization Monitor” gives an overview of current pandemic influenza activity across the European Region, and takes an in-depth look at the manufacturing, availability and safety of vaccines against pandemic (H1N1) 2009.

International Day for Disaster Reduction 2009: safer hospitals 14-10-2009

For two years, WHO and its partners have led a campaign to ensure that health facilities are fully operational during and after disasters and other crises. This is when they are needed most to save lives. The campaign culminates on 14 October 2009, the International Day for Disaster Reduction.

Saving the lives of mothers and children in Kazakhstan 13-10-2009

WHO/Europe has launched a new project, with the European Commission, to support the Ministry of Health in improving maternal, infant and child health. The maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Kazakhstan are almost 90% higher than those in the European Union.

How loud is too loud when you're asleep? 08-10-2009

One in five Europeans is regularly exposed to sound levels at night that could have a significant impact on his or her health. A new WHO publication provides evidence of the damage night noise can do to people’s health and offers guidelines for sound levels at night in Europe.

How can gender equity be addressed through health systems? 07-10-2009

The gap in life expectancy between men and women in the European Region is up to 14 years. Women live longer than men, but usually with greater disability. Men and women differ in health risks and behaviour, and use of services. A new WHO/Europe policy brief looks at how health policies can ensure gender equity.

Call to strengthen health governance in Europe 02-10-2009

Overcoming the economic crisis requires both timely investment in health systems and stronger health governance. At the 12th European Health Forum Gastein, in Austria, Dr Nata Menabde, Deputy Regional Director at WHO/Europe, called for strong political leadership to promote equity, solidarity, participation and efficiency in health systems.

New issue of The BRIDGE 01-10-2009

This issue reports on WHO/Europe's work with the Czech European Union Presidency and preparations for the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health to be held in Parma, Italy, as well as violence prevention, tuberculosis control, social determinants of health and youth health policies.

Reproductive health rights: new ways to engage young people 30-09-2009

It can just take one raised eyebrow or unfriendly comment to put young people off seeking help with sexual and reproductive health worries, sometimes with serious consequences. The new issue of Entre Nous explores new ways, such as primary care drop-in centres, networking sites and special events for reaching and engaging young people.

WHO recommends vaccine composition for 2010 influenza season in southern hemisphere 29-09-2009

Based on influenza activity between February and September 2009, and information on the most prevalent viruses in circulation, particularly during the 2009 southern hemisphere influenza season, WHO has issued recommendations for the composition of influenza virus vaccines during the next southern hemisphere winter season in 2010. A strain of the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus is included.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCD): new publication on policy development in Europe 28-09-2009

NCD create the greatest burden of disease in Europe, causing 86% of deaths. Yet the biggest gains against them can be made at a relatively modest cost. To coincide with World Heart Day 2009, WHO/Europe has published detailed insights into NCD policy development in eight European countries over several decades.

Over 52 000 cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in Europe 23-09-2009

As of 22 September 2009, 48 of the 53 Member States in the WHO European Region had reported over 52 000 laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection. At present, influenza activity in the WHO European Region is low or moderate. WHO has issued advice on measures that can be taken in schools to reduce the impact of the pandemic.

Resolutions adopted by WHO Regional Committee 21-09-2009

The fifty-ninth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe has closed. Resolutions were adopted on the nomination of the next Regional Director for Europe, health in times of global economic crisis, health workforce policies and implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005).

New WHO Regional Director for Europe nominated 15-09-2009

Zsuzsanna Jakab, a national of Hungary, has been nominated as the next WHO Regional Director for Europe. Mrs Jakab is currently Director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. She will take up her new role when Dr Marc Danzon’s tenure as Regional Director ends in January 2010. The nomination is subject to confirmation by the WHO Executive Board.

Vaccine issues dominate pandemic (H1N1) 2009 discussions 15-09-2009

Vaccine safety, identifying priority groups for a pandemic vaccine, and ensuring its availability to low- and middle-income countries are key issues for health officials in the WHO European Region. Representatives of the 53 Member States discussed the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 situation in the Region at the fifty-ninth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in Copenhagen.

Call to strengthen health systems despite economic downturn 14-09-2009

WHO is calling for continued commitment to improving citizens’ health by building stronger health systems, despite the current economic downturn. Speaking during the opening of the fifty-ninth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, Dr Marc Danzon, WHO Regional Director for Europe, encouraged the health sector to focus on its contribution to the development of society (including economic output), rather than its cost.

WHO Regional Committee for Europe meets this week 14-09-2009

The Regional Committee holds its fifty-ninth annual session in Copenhagen, Denmark on 14–17 September. Health ministers and officials from the 53 Member States in the WHO European Region will discuss issues including pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza and the economic crisis. They will also nominate a new WHO Regional Director for Europe.

British Medical Association highly commends WHO/Europe books 09-09-2009

Two books from WHO/Europe and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies have been highly commended in the 2009 BMA Medical Book Competition.

Over 49 000 cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in Europe 07-09-2009

As of 7 September 2009, 48 of the 53 Member States in the WHO European Region had reported over 49 000 laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection. At present, influenza activity in the WHO European Region is low or moderate. The number of infections detected each week continues to decrease.

Pandemic preparedness planning is paying off 04-09-2009

Last week, experts from 24 countries and territories in the WHO European Region discussed the key issues for responding to pandemic (H1N1) 2009 during the coming months. Building on existing national plans, countries are working to mitigate the pandemic’s impact by reducing morbidity and mortality, as well as the burden on health care systems and society.

Kyrgyzstan reports first cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 01-09-2009

Kyrgyzstan reported its first two laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection on 25 August 2009. To date, 48 of the 53 Member States in the WHO European Region have reported pandemic (H1N1) 2009 cases. WHO has issued guidelines for the use of antiviral drugs in managing patients infected with the virus and is advising countries to prepare for a second wave of pandemic spread.

New European guidance for influenza surveillance in humans 26-08-2009

WHO/Europe’s new guidance includes practical suggestions for hospital and outpatient-based site surveillance and complements the interim guidance already issued. WHO/Europe will hold its annual influenza surveillance meeting on 9–11 September 2009, in St Petersburg, Russian Federation.

Over 42 000 cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in Europe; Belarus reports first case 21-08-2009

Over 42 000 laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection have been reported so far by 47 of the 53 countries in the WHO European Region. Belarus reported its first laboratory-confirmed case on 20 August 2009. To date, there have been 90 deaths in 9 countries in the Region.

WHO/Europe shares experience in promoting physical activity 19-08-2009

Experts at the Weight of the Nation Conference, held in Washington DC, United States of America in late July, learned of WHO/Europe's work to counteract obesity through physical activity. The focus is on intersectoral approaches to encourage physical activity, and the quantifiable health gains and economic savings of walking and cycling as a means of transport.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Tajikistan 13-08-2009

On 7 August 2009, the Ministry of Health of Tajikistan informed the WHO Country Office, Tajikistan of five cases of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Tursunzoda district, 50 km west of the capital Dushanbe. Three of these cases were fatal. WHO/Europe has sent three experts in infectious diseases and infection control to the country to assess the situation and to train health workers in case detection, case management and infection control.

Four key databases now offer latest statistics 12-08-2009

The European Health for All database, as well as the databases on European mortality, detailed mortality and hospital morbidity, have all just been updated. They provide fast and easy access in graphical form to a wide range of basic health statistics on the 53 countries in the WHO European Region.

Over 33 000 cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection in Europe 11-08-2009

As of 10 August 2009, 46 of the 53 Member States in the WHO European Region had reported over 33 000 laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection, including 55 deaths in 7 countries: Belgium, France, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Spain and the United Kingdom. WHO/Europe is organizing a series of hospital emergency preparedness workshops this autumn, with focus on the pandemic. Further information on the safety of pandemic vaccines and how they are manufactured has also been published.

WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform now available in French, Russian 06-08-2009

The registration of clinical trials enables health care decision-makers to gain a complete view of research, improves research transparency and strengthens the validity and value of the scientific evidence base. The WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform is now available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

Azerbaijan and the Republic of Moldova report first cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 03-08-2009

Since the update of 24 July, Azerbaijan and the Republic of Moldova have reported their first laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection. The total number of fatal cases in the WHO European Region is 41. WHO/Europe is organizing a series of workshops on the deployment of pandemic influenza vaccine, with the first meeting for western countries on 17–20 August 2009.

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009: new reporting requirements 21-07-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 17 July 2009. Instead of regularly reporting individual laboratory-confirmed cases to WHO, most countries will report data against the established indicators for the monitoring of seasonal influenza activity. In addition, WHO identified three objectives that countries could adopt for their pandemic vaccination strategies: protecting the integrity of the health care system and critical infrastructure, reducing morbidity and mortality, and reducing transmission of the virus within communities.

44 countries have reported pandemic (H1N1) 2009: cases in Europe rise 21-07-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 24 July 2009. Since the update of 17 July, Albania, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Monaco have reported new laboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection. As of 24 July 2009, 44 of the 53 countries in the WHO European Region had reported confirmed cases. Three countries had confirmed fatal cases: Hungary (1), Spain (4) and the United Kingdom (30). WHO/Europe is holding a meeting on 25–26 August 2009 for decision-makers from south-eastern and eastern Europe to refine their preparedness planning.

How to protect health during heat-waves 15-07-2009

Heat-waves have been spreading across most of the European Region in recent days and are likely to continue in the coming week. Deaths due to heat-waves can be avoided if health systems are prepared and able to respond. To save lives, Member States are urged to consult WHO/Europe's EuroHEAT project guidance on heat-health action plans and develop or improve plans tailored to their individual systems and context.

WHO publishes first indoor air quality guidelines on dampness and mould 15-07-2009

Living in damp or mouldy buildings increases the risk of respiratory symptoms and asthma up to 75%. The first guidelines on dampness and mould offer guidance on how to ensure safe and healthy buildings. They are the first in a series of WHO guidelines on indoor air quality. The next volumes will cover pollution from selected chemicals and combustion products.

Nearly 10 000 confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in the European Region 03-07-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 2 July 2009, 09:00 GMT 36 of the 53 Member States in the WHO European Region had reported a total of 9967 confirmed cases, including four fatal ones, of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection to WHO/Europe as of 09:00 GMT, on 2 July. Since the update of 26 June, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Lithuania have reported their first cases, and the number of reported cases in the Region has risen by 73%.

Confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1) virus in Europe continue to rise 19-06-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 19 June 2009, 06:00 GMT. As of 06:00 GMT on 19 June, 30 of the 53 Member States in the WHO European Region had reported to WHO/Europe a total of 3308 confirmed cases, including a fatal one, of influenza A(H1N1) virus infection. The number of reported cases rose by 83% from 11 to 19 June. Cases increased substantially in Germany, France, Israel, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Latvia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia report first cases of influenza A(H1N1) 19-06-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 26 June 2009, 06:00 GMT. As of 06:00 GMT on 26 June, 34 of the 53 Member States in the WHO European Region had reported a total of 5763 confirmed cases, including a fatal one, of influenza A(H1N1) virus infection to WHO/Europe. The number of reported cases rose by 74% between 19 and 26 June.

New issue of The BRIDGE 17-06-2009

The spring issue reports on discussions and recommendations from the meeting on health in times of global economic crisis in April, and describes WHO/Europe’s work on climate change, occupational health and safety, alcohol-related harm and strengthening of primary health care in Belarus.

Over 2500 confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1) in Europe 16-06-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 16 June 2009, 06:00 GMT. As of 06:00 GMT on 16 June, 30 of the 53 Member States in the WHO European Region had reported a total of 2572 cases of influenza A(H1N1) to WHO/Europe. On 14 June 2009, the United Kingdom confirmed the first fatal case of influenza A(H1N1) in Europe, also the first outside the Americas. The vast majority of individuals with the virus have presented with mild illness.

More voluntary donations of blood needed 15-06-2009

Although safe blood donations in the WHO European Region are rising, the influenza pandemic puts extra strain on the pool of people who give blood. As WHO celebrates World Blood Donor Day 2009, more people must be encouraged to donate regularly, on a voluntary, nonremunerated basis; 90% of those who could give blood are not doing so. At least 20–25 donations per 1000 population are needed to maintain blood supplies. Donation rates per country across the Region range from 4 to 68 per 1000 population.

30 countries have reported influenza A(H1N1): cases in Europe rise 12-06-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 11 June 2009, 22:00 GMT. Since the update of 5 June, Ukraine has reported a new laboratory-confirmed case of influenza A(H1N1). As of 22:00 GMT on 11 June, 30 of the 53 countries in the WHO European Region had reported a total of 1803 cases to WHO/Europe. The number of reported cases increased by 89% from 5 to 11 June. On 11 June, WHO raised the level of influenza A(H1N1) pandemic alert to phase 6. The pandemic is characterized as of moderate severity

Influenza A (H1N1): pandemic alert phase 6 declared, of moderate severity 11-06-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 11 June 2009, 16:00 GMT. Today WHO raised the level of influenza A(H1N1) pandemic alert to phase 6, as sustained community-level transmission of the virus is taking place in more than one region of the world. The pandemic is characterized as of moderate severity. Most of the cases have been mild, but even mild cases and the current level of severe cases could have a significant impact on health systems and society.

Over half of WHO European Region has reported influenza A(H1N1) cases 05-06-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 5 June 2009, 09:00 GMT. Since the update of 29 May, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Hungary and Luxembourg have reported new laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1). As of 09:00 GMT on 5 June, 29 of the 53 countries in the WHO European Region had reported a total of 954 cases to WHO/Europe. The number of reported cases nearly doubled between 29 May and 5 June.

Achievements in the fight against tobacco recognized 29-05-2009

On World No Tobacco Day, 31 May, WHO gives awards to individuals and institutions around the world for their work for tobacco control. This year, achievements in Lithuania, Romania, the Russian Federation and Slovenia are being recognized. This work includes advocating the use of pictorial warnings on cigarette packets, introducing new tobacco laws and signing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

25 countries have reported influenza A(H1N1): cases in Europe rise 29-05-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 29 May 2009, 14:00 GMT. Since the update of 20 May, new laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1) have been reported in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Iceland, Romania, the Russian Federation and Slovakia. As of 14:00 GMT on 29 May, 25 countries had reported a total of 499 cases to WHO/Europe. Based on these figures, over 40% of cases of influenza A(H1N1) in the WHO European Region have been locally acquired.

Training gynaecologists can help tackle intimate partner violence 27-05-2009

Partner abuse during pregnancy is estimated to occur in 3–8% of pregnancies. Training gynaecologists to recognize, treat and refer women suffering from intimate partner violence is an effective way of reaching these women through their routine contacts with health professionals. This subject is discussed in Entre Nous, the European magazine for sexual and reproductive health. The latest edition focuses on improving sexual and reproductive health through strengthening health systems.

Face the heat: how to prepare for heat-waves and protect people’s health 26-05-2009

Heat-waves have been spreading across most of the European Region in recent days and are likely to continue in the coming week. Many of the 70 000 excess deaths due to the 2003 heat-wave could have been avoided if health systems had been prepared and able to respond. To save lives, Member States are urged to consult WHO/Europe's EuroHEAT project guidance on heat-health action plans and develop or improve plans tailored to their individual systems and context.

Update on influenza A(H1N1) in the WHO European Region 23-05-2009

WHO has made a preliminary analysis of the information available on confirmed cases in the WHO European Region up to 21 May 2009. This analysis underlines the overall mildness of the illness caused by influenza A(H1N1) in the confirmed cases identified so far. Acquisition of the infection is associated with international travel or local transmission limited to close contacts and well defined groups and settings.

Kyrgyzstan considers expansion of substitution therapy for drug users 20-05-2009

Methadone substitution therapy is effective in reducing illicit drug use, needle and syringe sharing, and criminal activity. On 15 May 2009, delegates at a parliamentary round table meeting in Kyrgyzstan agreed to consider the expansion of substitution therapy, following a WHO study in the country. Before treatment, all patients in the study group were injecting drugs, but early in the treatment the percentage decreased to 14.5% and after 6-12 months almost none of the patients was injecting.

Greece: nineteenth European country to report influenza A(H1N1) 20-05-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 20 May 2009, 06:00 GMT. On 19 May, WHO/Europe was informed of the first laboratory-confirmed case of influenza A(H1N1) in Greece. Since the outbreak update on 17 May, WHO/Europe has been informed of two further laboratory-confirmed case of influenza A(H1N1) in France, one in Poland, four in Spain and twenty in the United Kingdom. As of 06:00 GMT on 20 May, 19 countries in the WHO European Region had reported a total of 285 cases to WHO/Europe.

Map of influenza A(H1N1) cases across Europe now available 19-05-2009

Monitor developments in the 53 countries in the WHO European Region with an interactive map, updated daily. Published in English, the map provides information on the number of laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1) in each country to date, as well as the number of newly reported confirmed cases per country per day. French, German and Russian versions are being developed. In addition, other basic health statistics are provided for each country, including data on population, life expectancy and health care resources.

Cycling for health: WHO's work wins prize 18-05-2009

Cycling benefits both health and the environment. Velo-city Conference 2009 recognized WHO/Europe’s work to promote physical activity (including cycling for health) and reach out to different sectors, as well as WHO’s influence on decision-making and travel behaviour. Held every second year, the Conference covers all aspects of cycling. Over 800 people attended the 2009 Conference in Brussels, Belgium.

Turkey reports first cases of influenza A(H1N1) 17-05-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 17 May 2009, 07:00 GMT. Turkey reported its first laboratory-confirmed case of influenza A(H1N1) on 16 May, becoming the eighteenth country in the WHO European Region to do so, and a second case on 17 May. One person has a travel history to the United States of America and the other is a close contact. As of 7:00 Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) on 17 May, a total of 257 cases of influenza A(H1N1) had been reported to WHO/Europe.

Belgium: seventeenth European country to report influenza A(H1N1) 14-05-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 13 May 2009, 20:00 GMT. On 13 May, WHO/Europe was informed of the first laboratory-confirmed case of influenza A(H1N1) in Belgium. One further case in France and three in the United Kingdom were also reported. As of 20:00 GMT, 17 countries in the WHO European Region had reported a total of 229 cases to WHO/Europe.

Finland: sixteenth European country to report influenza A(H1N1) 13-05-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 12 May 2009, 20:00 GMT. On 12 May, WHO/Europe was informed of the first two laboratory-confirmed case of influenza A(H1N1) in Finland. As of 20:00 GMT, 16 countries in the WHO European Region had reported a total of 224 cases to WHO/Europe.

As cases of influenza A(H1N1) rise, countries must plan for the long term 12-05-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 11 May 2009, 14:00 GMT. As of 14:00 GMT on 11 May, 15 countries in the WHO European Region had reported a total of 204 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1) to WHO/Europe. WHO expects the situation to evolve over a period of weeks, months or years, and advises countries to focus action and resources on preparing the medical services that they may need in the coming months, rather than only short-term containment efforts.

Description of confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1) in Europe 11-05-2009

WHO has made a preliminary analysis based on information available on confirmed cases in the WHO European Region up to 6 May 2009. In this subset of confirmed cases, the median age is 23 years, and men and women are equally represented. Common symptoms include fever (in over 80% of cases), cough (over 60%), muscle pain (over 30%) and headache (over 30%). There have been no reports of severe illness or death.

Poland: fourteenth European country to report a case of influenza A(H1N1) 08-05-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 7 May 2009, 14:00 GMT. On 7 May 2009, WHO/Europe was informed of the first laboratory-confirmed case of influenza A(H1N1) in Poland. A total of 148 laboratory-confirmed cases in 14 countries in the WHO European Region had been reported to WHO/Europe as of 14:00 GMT.

Sweden reports its first confirmed case of influenza A(H1N1) 07-05-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 6 May 2009, 13:00 GMT. On 6 May 2009, WHO/Europe was informed of the first laboratory-confirmed case of influenza A(H1N1) in Sweden.

Portugal reports first case of influenza A(H1N1) 05-05-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 4 May 2009, 15:00 GMT. On 4 May 2009, WHO/Europe was informed of the first laboratory-confirmed case of influenza A(H1N1) in Portugal. As of 15:00 GMT on 4 May, a total of 96 laboratory-confirmed cases in 12 countries in the WHO European Region had been reported to WHO/Europe.

Spain reports rise in confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1); France, Ireland and Italy report their first confirmed cases 03-05-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 15:00 CET. On 3 May 2009, WHO/Europe was informed of a substantial increase in the number of confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1) in Spain, bringing the total for the country to 40. France, Ireland and Italy have reported their first laboratory-confirmed cases. As of 15:00 Central European Time (CET) on 3 May 2009, National Focal Points had reported a total of 74 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1) in 11 countries in the WHO European Region.

Denmark confirms one case of influenza A(H1N1) 01-05-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 17:00 CET. On 1 May, WHO/Europe was informed of one new case of influenza A(H1N1) in Denmark. Today, an additional laboratory-confirmed case of the virus was also reported in Germany. Eight countries in the WHO European Region have confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1): Austria (1), Denmark (1), Germany (4), Israel (2), the Netherlands (1), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (8). Two cases of person-to-person transmission within the Region have been reported.

Seven countries in the WHO European Region with confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1) 30-04-2009

WHO/Europe outbreak update, 18:00 CET. On 30 April, WHO/Europe was informed of three laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza A(H1N1) in the United Kingdom, nine in Spain, one in the Netherlands, and one in Switzerland. The countries in the Region with confirmed cases are Austria (1), Germany (3), Israel (2), the Netherlands (1), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (8). Confirmed cases in the WHO European Region have typically presented with mild illness.

Current level of influenza pandemic alert raised from phase 4 to 5 30-04-2009

On 29 April 2009, based on assessment of all available information and following several expert consultations, Dr Margaret Chan, WHO's Director-General raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5. She stated that all countries should immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans. At this stage, effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities. Pandemic Preparedness Phase 5: a human-to-human spread of the virus with community level infection in at least two countries in one WHO region.

Four cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection confirmed in Austria and Germany 29-04-2009

On 29 April 2009, WHO/Europe was informed of three laboratory-confirmed cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus in Germany and one in Austria. In addition to the laboratory-confirmed cases announced on 28 April 2009, three further cases in the United Kingdom, two further cases in Spain and one further case in Israel, had been reported as of 18:00 Central European Time.

Confirmed cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus in three countries in the WHO European Region 28-04-2009

On 27 April 2009, National Focal Points (NFPs) for the International Health Regulations informed WHO/Europe about the detection of four confirmed cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection: two cases each in Spain and the United Kingdom. On 28 April 2009, the NFP of Israel reported an additional confirmed case. The five people with confirmed cases in the WHO European Region presented with mild illness and had recently returned from travel in Mexico.

Influenza-like illness in Mexico and the United States 27-04-2009

In close contact with national authorities, WHO is monitoring and assessing the evolution of the events in Mexico and the United States of America related to the spread of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus, which is showing characteristics not previously detected in pigs or human beings. The viruses so far characterized have been sensitive to oseltamivir, but resistant to both amantadine and rimantadine.

Challenges to protecting children’s health from hazardous environments 27-04-2009

Socioeconomic inequities and climate change can hamper recent progress to reduce environmental health risks in Europe, and the current economic downturn might worsen existing risks. This is the focus of the high-level meeting starting today in Bonn, Germany: part of preparations for the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health to be held in Parma, Italy in spring 2010.

Malaria cases falling rapidly in the WHO European Region 23-04-2009

The number of reported cases of locally transmitted malaria in the WHO European Region fell to just 589 in 2008 from over 90 000 in 1995. This substantial reduction resulted from intensive interventions. As countries mark World Malaria Day on 25 April, malaria due to local transmission is now reported in 6 of the 53 countries in the Region.

European Immunization Week 2009 goes online 22-04-2009

In 2008, over 600 000 children in the WHO European Region did not receive their first dose of measles vaccine. WHO/Europe launches an online campaign and short public information film to promote universal childhood vaccination.

Eye care for displaced people in the Italian earthquake zone 16-04-2009

With the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, WHO has coordinated the dispatch of a mobile eye care unit to assist the people affected by the earthquake in the Abruzzo region on 6 April. As many lost their personal belongings, including spectacles, and structural damage required the evacuation of the hospital in the town of L’Aquila, eye examinations and spectacle fittings were urgently needed.

Save lives. Make hospitals safe in emergencies 07-04-2009

“Our thoughts are with those affected by the earthquake in the Abruzzo Region of Italy yesterday. This is a tragic reminder of the absolute necessity of ensuring hospitals can function when the worst happens,” says Dr Marc Danzon, WHO Regional Director for Europe. On World Health Day, WHO is focusing attention on the large numbers of lives that can be saved during earthquakes, floods, conflicts and other emergencies if hospitals are better designed and constructed and health staff well trained to respond. Natural disasters in the WHO European Region are increasing in number and severity.

Addressing the global economic crisis while fighting inequalities 02-04-2009

Health ministers and experts meeting in Oslo, Norway, today call for solutions to the economic crisis, which do not threaten health objectives, even if facing budgetary constraints.

New guidelines for pharmacists to be developed 30-03-2009

WHO/Europe and the EuroPharm Forum are collaborating to produce best-practice models for pharmacists. The models will cover chronic diseases, mental disorders, obesity and palliative care. They will help pharmacists in developing their services and skills to provide safe and effective medicines, ensure the best treatment for patients and save lives.

Every hour 55 people are diagnosed with tuberculosis in Europe 24-03-2009

On World Tuberculosis Day, new evidence reveals that 477 327 people were diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) in the WHO European Region in 2007. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis remains a significant concern. Further efforts are needed to halt and begin to reverse the incidence of TB by 2015, to meet the sixth Millennium Development Goal.

Protecting health from climate change: WHO/Europe and the German Government launch joint initiative 18-03-2009

Focusing on seven countries in the eastern part of the WHO European Region, this initiative aims to prevent or reduce the health effects of climate change by strengthening health systems, helping them to adapt and building institutional capacity.

Observatory Venice Summer School 2009 16-03-2009

Innovation and Health Technology Assessment: Improving Health System Quality, San Servolo, Italy, 26–31 July 2009: applications are invited.

New issue of “The BRIDGE” 02-03-2009

The latest issue presents an overview of recent joint projects of WHO/Europe and the European Commission, and discussions of transport, health and the environment, young people's health, the prevention of child injuries, patient safety and public health reforms.

Scaled-up measles vaccination needed 26-02-2009

WHO/Europe calls for the rapid scaling up of national immunization programmes. Measles outbreaks are multiplying and crossing borders, causing over 8000 reported cases in the WHO European Region over the last 12 months. This highly contagious respiratory illness can lead to serious health complications. Owing to decreasing immunization rates, children in affluent countries are at greater risk.

WHO tuberculosis project receives World Bank award 18-02-2009

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious health problem in the Russian Federation. WHO/Europe has been recognized for its work to improve diagnosis of the disease, including the use of microscopes in laboratories and drug-sensitivity testing. The World Bank award, for improving the lives of people in eastern Europe and central Asia, acknowledges WHO’s leadership, technical excellence and partnership in preparing and implementing the Russian Federation TB/AIDS Control Project.

First influenza bulletin for the European Region 13-02-2009

The new bulletin contains data from all countries in the Region that perform influenza surveillance. It will help to harmonize surveillance, leading to improvements in seasonal influenza prevention and control, and pandemic preparedness. The bulletin is a joint publication of WHO/ Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and will be published weekly during the influenza season.

Strengthening health systems: from values to action 09-02-2009

At a meeting in Copenhagen on 5-6 February 2009, Member States of the WHO European Region shared the early steps taken to implement the Tallinn Charter: Health Systems for Health and Wealth in the context of the economic downturn. They agreed plans to take the Charter forward and monitor progress in its implementation, highlighting the importance of developing their capacities for multisectoral action, health system performance assessment and benchmarking.

WHO European Ministerial Conference on Health Systems: report now available 06-02-2009

The Conference was a major turning point in the evolution of public health, culminating in the adoption of the Tallinn Charter: Health Systems for Health and Wealth. This report is a useful tool for implementing the Charter, and turning the values of solidarity, equity and participation in health systems, into action.

Updated: health in figures 03-02-2009

The European Health for All database and the European mortality database were updated in January 2009. With over 600 indicators and mortality statistics for 67 causes, they provide fast and easy access in graphical and tabular form to a wide range of basic health statistics on the 53 countries in the WHO European Region. For example, life expectancy at birth was 75.65 years in 2006.

Housing and the indoor environment affect health 28-01-2009

The financial crisis could lead to greater use of cheap heating fuels and burning of waste at home, putting children in particular at risk. Policy-makers are meeting in Luxembourg today to make recommendations on environmental issues, including indoor air quality, as part of preparations for the 2010 Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health.

Sustainable and healthy transport can help boost economies 22-01-2009

The global financial crisis is challenging governments committed to implementing international agreements to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. High-level policy-makers from ministries of transport, health and environment across Europe, meeting today in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, are examining how innovative transport policies can create employment and economic opportunities for a healthier society.

Humanitarian support for victims of conflict 16-01-2009

Member States in the WHO European Region, including Italy, Norway and Turkey, were among the first to mobilize financial and human resources, and donate humanitarian and medical supplies to reduce the suffering of communities affected by the escalation of the Gaza crisis. WHO/Europe is concerned about the health consequences for the populations affected and is in close contact with the WHO Office for the West Bank and Gaza, WHO headquarters and the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, in Cairo, with technical and operational experts ready to support the WHO operation.

Belarus needs to move forward on health reform 15-01-2009

A new profile of Belarus’ health system, from the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, finds that the hierarchical management structure continues, inpatient care is dominant and incremental reform has not yet led to significant improvements. Future reforms will focus on further strengthening primary care and improving health services’ quality and efficiency.

New tool helps to assess the quality of primary care management 12-01-2009

Slovenia and Uzbekistan have pilot tested a WHO primary care quality management tool. Its aim is to assess if countries are making use of available know-how and resources to improve the quality of their primary care services. The reports of the pilot tests include recommendations on policy action

The Bridge presents WHO/Europe’s recent activities 05-01-2009

The new issue features some of the key discussions at the fifty-eighth session of the Regional Committee, recent work with the common Member States of both WHO and the European Union, cooperation with the European Commission and activities in the fields of emergency medical services, food and nutrition, and health in all policies.