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Public health news from around the WHO European Region.
News highlights
February 2023
Türkiye earthquakes: supporting the emergency response
06-02-2023
In the wake of today’s devastating earthquakes in the south-eastern region of Türkiye, a WHO European Region Member State, near the border with the Syrian Arab Republic, WHO/Europe is poised and ready to support the Turkish Ministry of Health with the humanitarian emergency response, including through the WHO Country Office in Türkiye and in collaboration with WHO headquarters. “Amid the devastation wrought by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, I want to express my deepest condolences to all the affected communities,” said WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge. “WHO/Europe and the WHO Country Office in Türkiye are committed to assisting any unmet needs now and in the future, recognizing that Türkiye has its own extensive response capabilities that are already taking action and responding in the earthquake-affected areas.” Read full story
Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health
5-7 July 2023
Budapest , Hungary
The Seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health will define the future environment and health priorities and commitments for the WHO European Region, with a focus on addressing the health dimensions of the triple environmental crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution. .
TÜRKIYE AND SYRIA EARTHQUAKES
UKRAINE EMERGENCY
Key priorities for health system recovery in Ukraine the focus of new paper
07-02-2023
A joint discussion paper by WHO, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Ukraine, the World Bank and the European Union (EU) highlights key priorities for the recovery of the health system in Ukraine over the next 2 years amid the Russian Federation’s ongoing invasion. The document, which is intended to complement Ukraine’s National Recovery Plan, was informed by discussions with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders. It presents an analysis of critical priorities for the health sector across 4 domains: service delivery, capital investment, health financing and strengthening institutions..
Supporting free primary health care in Ukraine – the story of a Ukrainian doctor
31-01-2023
With EU funding, WHO donates ambulances to Ukraine to support emergency health needs amid the war
23-01-2023
2000 first responders trained in chemical preparedness and response in Ukraine
19-01-2023
2022 mpox (Monkeypox) Outbreak: Global Trends
31-01-2023
Joint ECDC-WHO Regional Office for Europe Monkeypox Surveillance Bulletin - 18 January 2023
18-01-2023
COVID-19 vaccine tracker and landscape - 24 January 2023
24-01-2023
WHO Ukraine Country Office COVID-19 response report 2020–2021
Increasing Recognition, Research and Rehabilitation for Post COVID-19 Condition (long COVID)
Publications and technical guidance
Publications, country and technical guidance for the COVID-19 outbreak
01-02-2023
As we look ahead to another busy year in 2023 – WHO’s 75th anniversary year – our goal remains the same – to achieve the best possible level of health and well-being for all people living in the WHO European Region, encompassing 53 countries across Europe and central Asia.Given the current complex challenges that are placing particular strain on health systems in the Region – a devastating war in Ukraine, a cost-of-living crisis, an ongoing pandemic now in its fourth year, a climate crisis and a fatigued health workforce – we need to adopt a “dual track” approach to health in 2023 and beyond. This means preparing better for health emergencies, while at the same time investing further in universal health coverage, delivering the everyday health services that people need. Read full story
Artificial intelligence in mental health research: new WHO study on applications and challenges
06-02-2023
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
01-02-2023
WHO/Europe has opened the new Country Office in Cyprus, following up on a commitment made in October 2022. With one of the healthiest populations in the WHO European Region, Cyprus has a great deal to offer to the work of WHO/Europe and other countries in the Region. Speaking during the opening alongside Minister of Health Mr Michalis Hadjipantela and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Ioannis Kasoulides, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge said, “Our Region has a lot to learn from Cyprus, and due to its vital role in regional and sub-regional public health, you can imagine how pleased we are at WHO with the Cypriot Government’s invitation to open a Country Office here.” Dr Kluge added, “A full-time WHO presence in Cyprus means we can support, as requested, various aspects of public health, as well as draw upon your vast experience and expertise. This new Country Office is to be a platform for dialogue that benefits both Cyprus and the Region as a whole.” Read the full article
03-02-2023
Denmark is a digital health frontrunner. At an individual level, people can access their own electronic health records held by hospitals, municipalities and general practitioners. At a national level, aggregated population data is securely stored, monitored and analysed by the Danish Health Data Authority, which sits under the Ministry of Health and employs around 300 people, including statisticians, economists and epidemiologists. On World Cancer Day (4 February), Mette Keis Jepsen, Head of Analytics, Statistics and Economics at the Danish Health Data Authority, shares some of her insights about how population health data analysis is leading to improvements in cancer care pathways.
Tajikistan invests in emergency preparedness with opening of new health point for displaced people
01-02-2023
Azerbaijan boosts its vaccine cold chain system
17-01-2023
Understanding the obstacles faced by Ukrainian refugees in Romania
17-01-2023
EVENTS
Launch of Status report on prison health in the WHO European Region 2022
15 February 2023 10:00 – 14:00 CET, Lisbon, Portugal (hybrid event)
Monitoring the implementation of digital health: an overview of selected national and international methodologies
16 February 2023 14:00 – 15:00 CET
Launch of WHO–OECD report on the burden of insufficient physical activity in Europe
17 February 2023 13:00 – 15:00 CET, UN City, Copenhagen, Denmark (hybrid event)
Bonn Dialogue on Environment and Health: Preventing and reducing the negative impacts of hazardous chemicals on health and the environment
21 February 2023 10:00 – 12:00 CET
World Hearing Day 2023: Ear and hearing care for all! Let’s make it a reality
3 March 2023
