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Public health news from around the WHO European Region.
News highlights
March 2025
Developing the European Programme of Work for 2026–2030 (EPW2)
Advancing health for those living in the WHO European Region requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach to face the challenges and opportunities of today’s world. EPW2 will be the guiding health framework for the WHO Regional Office for Europe and Member States for the next five years.
Building on the foundations of EPW1, EPW2 will set the agenda for the next five years by:
1. Providing a strategic vision and compass for countries and partners to navigate the forces already reshaping the long-term health landscape.
2. Setting out a five-year plan of action for the Regional Office to advance progress on health.
A series of online public hearings were conducted in the first three months of 2025 to gather insights for EPW2. Governments, health bodies and members of the public were invited to participate and contribute to the debate, ensuring that EPW2 accurately represents and tackles the major health issues of the region.
As we count down towards the date for endorsement at the 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, we will be providing regular updates about the progress of EPW2. Read more
TOP STORIES
25 February 2025
Despite progress in some areas, the WHO European Region – long reputed to have some of the world’s strongest health systems – is largely stagnating or even backsliding on a range of indicators from child and adolescent health to chronic diseases. That is the thrust of WHO’s latest European Health Report, drawing upon the most recently available data across all 53 Member States across Europe and central Asia.
Published every 3 years and using country-level evidence, the flagship European Health Report paints the most comprehensive picture of health regionwide. It provides governments and policy-makers with clear markers as to the way forward at a time when megatrends – including dangerous disinformation, a health workforce crisis, rapid population ageing and climate change – are impacting health as never before. Read more
24 March 2025
As part of activities to mark this year’s World TB Day, WHO/Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will host a webinar on 19 March 2025 to share insights on the upcoming 2025 TB Surveillance Report for Europe, to be launched on World TB Day, and to discuss the progress required in the years ahead to end TB in the Region.
04-02-2025
WHO launches its 2025 Emergency Appeal for Ukraine seeking US$ 68.4 million to meet critical health needs
Nearly 3 years since the full-scale war began in Ukraine, WHO has released its 2025 Emergency Appeal for Ukraine seeking US$ 68.4 million this year. Beyond the humanitarian response related to the ongoing conflict, WHO must also address broader health needs and support health system recovery and reform. This requires an additional US$ 41.6 million, bringing the total funding needed to US$ 110 million. Read more
Three years
of war: rising demand for mental health support, trauma care and rehabilitation
24-02-2025
Kosovo* strengthens health security through intersectoral collaboration with WHO support
21-02-2025
14-02-2024
Prominent health warning labels on alcoholic beverages are essential for raising awareness that consuming alcohol can lead to cancer. This simple and inexpensive measure can empower consumers to make informed choices that can help reduce alcohol-related harms. A new report from WHO/Europe, “Alcohol health warning labels: a public health perspective for Europe”, underscores the urgent need for mandatory, standardized labelling on alcoholic beverages. Read more
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COUNTRIES
04-02-2025
Cancer control presents a significant challenge that requires a clear vision and persistent action from the health-care system, local and national authorities, health professionals, and communities. On World Cancer Day 2025, WHO/Europe highlights Kyrgyzstan’s journey and achievements in tackling cancer. Read more
EU-funded modular clinics benefit 50 000 Ukrainians
17-02-2025
Sale of energy drinks to minors banned in Kazakhstan in bold public health move
05-02-2025
European Immunization Week 2025
27 April – 3 May 2025
WHO Barcelona course on health financing for the Western Balkans
7 – 11 April 2025 Barcelona, Spain
Launch of TB-Free Central Asia initiative
7 April 2025, Astana, Kazakhstan
Strengthening telemedicine: sustainable practices and policy pathways for health systems
26 March 2025, 14:00 – 15:00 CET, online
Webinar: How does population ageing affect health system financial sustainability and affordable access to health care?
19 March 2025, 10:00 – 11:30 CET
