WHO/Europe monthly newsletter, with public health news and events highlights from around the WHO European Region.
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Public health news from around the WHO European Region.
News highlights
February 2026
People’s health is being reshaped by powerful and interconnected megatrends – from geopolitical instability and climate change to demographic shifts, rising rates of chronic conditions and rapid technological transformation.
These trends are redefining the risks we face, the needs of our communities and the capacities that health systems must have to stay relevant and effective.
Security, solidarity, sustainability and trust are the values underpinning the second European Programme of Work 2026–2030 (EPW2), necessary when facing disruption without losing direction.
EPW2’s health compass identifies the transformational shifts that countries must make to build a safe and secure Region, address noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health challenges, promote health and well-being throughout life, tackle the impacts of climate change, leverage data and technology, and strengthen health systems.
The overarching vision of EPW2 is that people live healthier, longer lives, with health safeguarded as a universal commitment. Read more
TOP STORIES
11 February 2026
Measles cases across Europe and Central Asia declined significantly in 2025 compared to 2024, according to preliminary data reported by 53 countries in the WHO European Region, but the risk of outbreaks remains warn the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and WHO.
Countries in Europe and Central Asia reported 33 998 measles cases in 2025 – a nearly 75% drop compared to 127 412 in 2024. The overall decreasing trend in cases reflects both outbreak response measures and the gradual decline in the number of people susceptible to measles infection, as the virus made its way through under-vaccinated communities.
Many cases could have been prevented with higher routine vaccination coverage at community level and more timely response to outbreaks.
30 January - 31 March 2026
Misconceptions about post COVID-19 condition, more commonly known as long COVID, continue to hinder diagnosis, prevention, care and rehabilitation.
To debunk these myths and misconceptions, WHO/Europe, with support from the European Union, has developed 8 long COVID myth-busters that use evidence-based information and real patient stories to clear up these myths and promote scientifically accurate understanding.
06 February 2026
WHO today launched its Humanitarian Appeal for Ukraine 2026, requesting US$ 42 million to protect access to health care for 700 000 people. The appeal aims to strengthen emergency and trauma care, sustain and restore essential primary health services, build national and local preparedness, and coordinate medical evacuation for patients in need of specialized care.
Ongoing hostilities and attacks on civilian infrastructure continue to drive urgent health needs across Ukraine. Since early 2022, WHO has verified at least 2841 attacks on health care. Repeated strikes on critical energy infrastructure have severely damaged power generation, increasingly disrupting the delivery of essential health services. At the same time, 3.6 million people remain internally displaced, interrupting treatment pathways, limiting access to care and placing additional pressure on overstretched services in host communities. Read more
Ukraine: WHO health emergency appeal 2026
How new medical equipment is strengthening health services for communities in Ukraine
21-01-2026
05 February 2026
Mental health care needs are rising across the WHO European Region, adding to pressure on health systems already facing long waiting times, gaps in coverage and shortages of health workers. To support countries in improving affordable access to mental health care, WHO/Europe has published 4 new briefs, highlighting the role of health financing reforms in addressing existing barriers to access. Read more
A new roadmap towards improving air quality indexes
26-01-2026
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28 January 2026
WHO officially inaugurated its new Country Office in Cyprus, in the capital Nicosia, on 28 January 2026. This enhances an already strong partnership between WHO and the Government of Cyprus to advance public health, strengthen health security and promote interregional cooperation.
The opening ceremony was hosted at the new WHO premises, attended by the Minister of Health of Cyprus, Neophytos Charalambides; WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge; senior government officials; heads of United Nations agencies; partners; and representatives of the health sector. Read more
COUNTRIES
27 January 2026
WHO/Europe joined senior Italian policy-makers, parliamentarians and leaders in the Italian Senate on 14 January 2026 for a special gathering that, for the first time, brought together representatives from all political parties in a joint health forum. The event, entitled “Health forward – a future we build together”, marked a significant step in the strategic partnership between Italy and WHO towards shaping healthier, more resilient societies across the European Region.
Organized by the Senate’s Social Affairs and Health Committee and the WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development (the Venice Office), the event saw the participation of key Italian policy-makers, including Senate President Ignazio La Russa and Minister of Health Orazio Schillaci, as well as WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge. Read more
Strengthening life-saving skills: Republic of Moldova scales up first aid and trauma response
02-02-2026
25 – 26 February | virtual
An online mini-conference is dedicated to scaling up mental health services within the primary health care (PHC) approach. Read more
Workshop on wastewater and environmental surveillance for public health in western Balkan countries
10 – 12 March 2026 | Belgrade, Serbia
WHO convenes subregional workshop in Armenia to strengthen health workforce education and regulation in Eastern Partnership
16 – 17 March 2026 | Yerevan, Armenia
