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
March 2026
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
The WHO European Region is home to one of the world’s most robust emergency medical teams (EMTs) networks, comprising over 100 teams with more than 75 000 highly trained professionals from health, civil protection and defence sectors, nongovernmental organizations and academia, representing more than 40 countries in the WHO European Region. EMTs deliver life-saving care to people affected by natural disasters, conflicts, disease outbreaks and other emergencies. They also work with national health systems to provide surge capacity and strengthen local services.
Not just a resource in times of crisis, EMTs are an integral part of emergency medicine during peacetime. Highly trained and up to date with the latest techniques and protocols, their readiness to act in emergencies also means that they can be effective and operational at speed.
This International Women’s Day, we highlight the female medical and logistical specialists who, alongside their male colleagues, deploy rapidly to deliver critical care and coordination, safeguarding lives in the face of emergencies. Whether serving within the region or abroad, they all embody the spirit of the EMT Initiative –coming together in common purpose, empowering each Member State to protect the health of its people and strengthening the Region and the wider world against whatever challenges lie ahead. Read more
Preventing the next outbreak: women on the frontlines of field epidemiology in Türkiye
TOP STORIES
26 February 2026
WHO/Europe has today published 10 new factsheets on tobacco, revealing that the Region – covering 53 countries across Europe and Central Asia – is on course to maintain its status as having the world’s highest tobacco use prevalence by 2030, with particularly concerning trends among women and young people.
The factsheets, drawing on the latest data from the 10th WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, map how countries are implementing key tobacco control policies across the Region. The picture they paint is one of strong foundations but critical gaps – and a rapidly evolving nicotine landscape that existing policies are struggling to keep pace with.
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.
23 February 2026
As Ukraine enters the fifth year of full-scale war, it is revealed that its people endured the highest number of attacks on their health care in 2025 – increasing by nearly 20% compared to 2024.
Since the beginning of the full-scale war on 24 February 2022, WHO has documented at least 2881 attacks on health care in Ukraine, affecting health workers, facilities, ambulances and medical warehouses. Read more
WHO Country Office in Ukraine and ASEF support hospitals on the frontline
06-03-2026
Over 6400 Ukrainians receive life-saving treatment abroad through medical evacuations
03-03-2026
Asia-Europe Foundation and Japan provide critical support to Ukrainian laboratories
23-02-2026
WHO and EU strengthen Ukraine’s health system through DG ENEST partnership
12-02-2026
18 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
WHO/Europe and the EU scale up the integration of arts and culture into health systems
13-02-2026
How does human behaviour support health emergency preparedness and resilience?
13-02-2026
At the front line, with little room to breathe
03-03-2026
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27 February 2026
WHO has certified Denmark for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis, recognizing the country’s sustained commitment to ensuring every child is born free of these infections.
“The elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis marks a major public health achievement for Denmark,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This milestone demonstrates that with strong political commitment and consistent investment in primary care and integrated maternal and child health services, countries can protect every pregnant woman and newborn from these diseases.” Read more
COUNTRIES
12 February 2026
Before Muhammadkhoja turned 7 and started school, his legs began to tremble, and his family began to worry. That was the beginning of their ordeal battling childhood cancer.
A new WHO/Europe video follows Muhammadkhoja’s difficult path of healing and highlights Uzbekistan’s system of treating childhood cancer with quality-assured effective medicines, supported by WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) and the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines. Read more
Ukraine adds HPV vaccine to the national immunization schedule
10-03-2026
Romania’s health management overhaul: over 9000 professionals trained with WHO support
23-02-2026
Better Labs: Improving maternal health by raising laboratory testing standards in Uzbekistan
23-02-2026
16 – 17 March | Yerevan, Armenia
On 16–17 March 2026, WHO/Europe will convene a subregional technical workshop in Yerevan, Armenia, bringing together Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries to strengthen the education and regulation of health professionals, with a focus on nurses and doctors. Read more
Workshop on wastewater and environmental surveillance for public
health in western Balkan countries
10 – 12 March 2026 | Belgrade, Serbia
Ireland’s national all-hazards strategic risk assessment
10 – 12 March 2026 | Dublin, Ireland
European Immunization Week 2026
19 – 25 April 2026
Leadership course on Ageing is Living: unlocking the potential of population ageing – 2026 edition: applications now open!
13 – 15 May 2026 | Bilbao, Spain
World No Tobacco Day 2026: unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction
31 May 2026
