Health in times of global economic crisis: implications for the WHO European Region

Oslo, Norway, 1-2 April 2009

The global economic downturn occurs as the world is also confronted with the consequences of major demographic changes and global environmental and energy problems. The crisis therefore represents a major threat for both health and health and social protection systems.

Overcoming the crisis will require timely, well-targeted, fully coordinated efforts and investing in health should be part of the response. The Oslo meeting has been organized to discuss how the health sector can help reduce negative health and social impacts and counter the economic downturn. It will also consider the advice given by WHO/Europe to its Member States.

The objectives of the meeting are: 

• to review the situation in the WHO European Region by identifying the main risks for health and health systems and the main opportunities for action;
• to discuss policy options for responding to the negative impacts of the economic crisis on health systems and health outcomes in low-, middle- and high-income Member States in the Region;
• to identify health- and health systems- related measures that could be used in the short and medium terms to counter the economic downturn and, in the longer term, to help address (some) structural issues confronting our societies.