Health In Europe

When we talk about alcohol at WHO, we often start with the evidence. Today, we're starting with people's experiences. Aleksandra Olsen works on communications about alcohol and health here at WHO Regional Office for Europe. At WHO, it is common that we will talk about units, thresholds and risk. Today, Aleks put all of the statistics aside and invited three women in for a conversation. Mia, who is 34 and has stage 4 breast cancer. Hazel, a journalist, and in the past has exp...

In the first episode of this mini-series, we've heard why WHO/Europe launched the Special Initiative on Violence Against Women and Girls. In the second, we spoke with UNFPA on how health systems can and are practically taking steps to help tackle gender based violence. In this third episode of 'I believe you' we speak with Elisa Fernandez Saenz from UN Women Europe and Central Asia. We hear about Elisa's upbringing in Costa Rica, what led her to her work with UN Women, how important cooperati...

Last episode on I Believe You, Dr. Hans Kluge set out why WHO Europe has made violence against women and girls one of its top priorities. This week, what that means in practice. When a woman or a girl walks into a clinic, that may be the only moment anyone has a chance to notice what is happening to her, whether the person in front of her is ready to understand that it can change everything. Melanie Hyde and Greg Bianchi spoke to Florence Bauer, who runs the UN Sexual and Reprodu...

What role does a health system play in protecting women and girls from violence? I Believe You is a new podcast mini-series from WHO's Health In Europe, under the Special Initiative on Violence Against Women and Girls. Throughout the series, we talk with leaders from WHO, UNFPA and UN Women to explore what role health systems play in protecting women and girls from violence and what more can be done to make societies safer. In this first episode, we sit down with Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional D...

What insights and lessons learned from the UN High Level Meeting on antimicrobial resistence last September can inform preparations for the upcoming UN High Level Meeting on non-communicable diseases? In this second episode of Intersections in Health, a podcast mini-series, we delve into #NCDs and #AMR common policy benefits and challenges with Professor Dame Sally Davies, UK Special Envoy on AMR, former Chief Medical Officer for England and former member of the WHO Executive Boar...

How can we address the intersecting challenges of climate change and non-communicable diseases at once? In this first episode of the Intersections in Health, a new short podcast mini series, we delve into NCDs and the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and toxic pollution with Hans Bruyninckx , Commissioner on the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health #PECCH, Professor of Environmental Governance at the University of Antwerp, former Executive Dir...

Crisis and conflict dominate the headlines. The ongoing war in Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory have brought death, destruction and displacement. But among the major disasters and conflicts. It's important to look for the stories of the people who are helping. As we mark over 5,000 medical evacuations from Ukraine, in this episode of Health in Europe, we'll share stories about some of the sick and injured people who have been tr...

Stories of strength and dedication to mark International Women’s Day For International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of three remarkable women working at the forefront of global health. Margaux Mesle, Ana Paula Coutinho Rehse and Harsh Lata work for the WHO Regional Office for Europe’s World Health Emergency programme (WHE) which sits at the centre of global coordination, preparation and response to disease outbreaks and emergencies. Their journeys into science, their challenges,...

When we hear the word suicide, many of us instinctively recoil. The word is taboo in everyday life. For family members who have lost somebody to suicide, this stigma can make grieving even more complex. People may struggle to explain the loss and how they feel about it to friends, colleagues, and other family members. But how do you explain suicide to a young child? What words should you use? How do you support them? In June 2024, Ireland's National O...

In this turbulent world, it’s tempting to move on and forget the difficult days of COVID-19. Although the impact of the COVID pandemic is far-reaching, and for many, ongoing, as priorities shift, people are thinking less about the last pandemic or the possibility of another one. We risk falling into yet another cycle of panic and neglect. In episode 6 of Not If, But When, we ask, what are the challenges for the public health experts trying to apply the lessons of the last pandemic, and ...

In tropical and subtropical countries, the virus causing dengue is spiking. Close to an historic high of over 6 million cases and more than 7,000 dengue-related deaths were reported in over 80 countries and territories in 2023. Most places in Europe remain too cool to favour the mosquito or the virus, but imported dengue cases have been rising in the European region and the impact of climate change appears to be shifting the picture. To find out more about dengue and the family of virus...

The first of the three influenza pandemics that occurred in the 20th century is estimated to have killed over 50 million people. Based on scientific advances, what do we know about the 1918-20 pandemic? What lessons does it teach about preventing pandemics and containing outbreaks when they do occur? Richard Pebody, director clinical and emerging infections of the UKs health security agency, explores the deadly 1918-20 pandemic. Thorsten Wolff, head of the Division for Influenza an...

The 2022 mpox outbreak has taught public health authorities a lot about the value of working with communities on important areas like testing, vaccination, and risk communication. Lessons that can be applied to other disease outbreaks. Mpox is back in the news; there are sporadic clusters of cases in our region, and, in Central and West Africa, two strains of the virus continue to cause suffering and death. In this episode, we speak to Rosamund Lewis, Emergency Manager & Technical L...

In this episode, we are putting a special focus on the H5N1 bird flu. We explore the ongoing efforts to prepare for future pandemics by speaking with experts like Peter Sousa Hoejskov, who explains the constant risk of zoonotic diseases jumping from animals to humans, and Maria van Kerkhove, who emphasizes the importance of global surveillance and preparedness in the face of potential influenza pandemics. The discussion sheds light on how close human-animal interactions, even in regions like ...

We turn our attention to the world of nursing through the compelling lens of Stefanie Fernandes and Francisco Ferraz. Francisco, a passionate third-year nursing student from Portugal, brings us into the heart of his journey—navigating the intricate balance of emotional connections and the systemic challenges within healthcare. From his night shifts in the pediatric intensive care unit to the poignant stories that shape his vocation, Francisco's experiences offer a raw and insightful look at t...

What are we doing to prepare for the next pandemic? We go behind the scenes at WHO and some of the European region’s major public health institutions to understand what the most likely causes of future pandemics could be and what strategies are in place to avert them. We talk to the experts applying the lessons of previous pandemics and focus in on the systems in place to spot threats and reduce their impact. We speak to the legion of public health experts getting on with the not very g...

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the WHO's Expanded Programme on Immunization, now known as the Essential Programme on Immunization, or EPI. This initiative has been a driving force behind the quest for fair access to life-saving vaccines for every child, irrespective of their geographical or socioeconomic circumstances. Over the past half-century, EPI has played a crucial role in shaping our battle against preventable diseases. But this is not a self-congratulatory episo...

There is an alarming resurgence of measles. In the WHO European Region, a startling uptick has been observed, with now over 50,000 cases reported across 41 Member States during 2023. This is a staggering increase from the 941 cases recorded throughout 2022, marking a more than fiftyfold escalation. Measles is a highly contagious virus. It can spread rapidly through breathing, coughing, or sneezing by an infected individual. The consequences of this disease can be severe, often leading t...

In the latest 'Health in Europe' podcast, we explore Jack Kavanagh's transformation from a sports enthusiast to a disability rights advocate following a spinal cord injury. WHO talks with Jack for a deep dive into creating inclusive health systems. This episode goes beyond Jack's personal journey, addressing the societal need for health systems that cater to all, highlighting inclusivity, equity, and diverse needs. Find out more about Health and Disabilities on the WHO/Europe we...

We explore the transformative synergy of art and health, and how art can positively help tackle noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) – from cardiovascular diseases to cancer. Join us as we discuss the healing potential of art interventions with experts from WHO/Europe's Special Initiative on NCDs and Innovation and Behavioural and Cultural insights units. Read more in the new WHO/Europe report “Learning from the arts” here: The power of healing: new WHO report shows how arts can help beat noncommu...

Have you ever wondered what it's truly like to be in prison? As we reflect on the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, this podcast takes you on a thought-provoking journey to life behind bars, encouraging you to empathize and understand the realities faced by incarcerated individuals. Because the truth is, prisons are not isolated entities but integral parts of our society. To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, ...

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals act as a vital catalyst, urging countries worldwide to strive for Universal Health Coverage. This encompasses the twin objectives of providing financial risk protection and ensuring equitable access to high quality essential health care services. But how exactly do we define quality of care? To shed more light on this important topic, WHO/Europe has launched a brand new podcast called "The Fourth Dimension", which is entirely dedicated...

One in three school-aged children in the WHO European Region are living with overweight or obesity, and countries are working hard to break and reverse this trend. In this episode, Julianne Williams, WHO technical officer for Noncommunicable Diseases at the WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of NCDs, and Mirjam Heinen, WHO consultant working for the same Office, talked to us about best evidence-based practices that can help. LINKS Childhood obesity in European Region remains h...

This episode of Health in Europe focuses on a very important question – can vaccines prevent cancer? We know that cancer is a complicated and elusive disease. According to WHO, cancer is the leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 10 million deaths in 2020. So, the potential to prevent some types of cancer through vaccination is quite literally life-saving. Dr. Nino Berdzuli, the Director of the Division of Country Health Programs at the WHO Regional Office for Europe, h...

Behavioral and cultural insights utilize social sciences to tackle ongoing health issues - from vaccine uptake to antimicrobial resistance to obesity and other noncommunicable diseases. In this conversation Bhanu Bhatnagar, Press and Media Relations Officer at WHO Regional Office for Europe, spoke with Dr Saad Omer, Director of the Yale Institute for Global Health, during a Twitter spaces event to find out more about why behavioural and cultural insights matter to public health. To find out ...

In this episode we hear from Dr Moez Zeiton – a trauma surgeon who’s worked with WHO in Iraq and now is a trainer with the David Nott Foundation, teaching surgeons how to treat trauma patients in some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable. To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/

Alcohol harms everyone and there is no safe limit to alcohol consumption when it comes to health. A new episode of the ‘Health in Europe’ podcast gives the mic over to young people who discuss the harms and policies that are needed with input from Dr Carina Ferreira-Borges, Programme Manager for Alcohol and Illicit Drugs, WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases. Notes: Space Invaders : Young people's views about alcohol digital marketing https://www.who....

More than 30,000 women die from cervical cancer in the WHO European Region every year. But cervical cancer is a preventable disease and elimination of cervical cancer is within our reach. In this episode, we speak with Allison Ekberg, Advisor on Health Policy and hear interventions from Dr Nino Berdzuli, Director of the Country Health Programme at the WHO Regional Office for Europe. Notes Eliminating cervical cancer in the WHO European Region https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/3...

Quality of care is an important part of any health system. In this episode, we speak with Dimitra Panteli, of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, and Dr Joao Breda, head of a new WHO office in Athens focusing on quality of care, to find out more about WHO’s work in this area. Show notes: How can health technology assessment contribute to quality of care? https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/news-room/events/item/2022/03/08/default-calendar/how-can-health-technology-asses...

In this episode, WHO/Europe’s Press and Media Relations Officer, Bhanu Bhatnagar, speaks with Professor Johan von Schreeb about his experience dealing with mass casualty incidents during times of war as well as his work with WHO to train health workers and specialists who may face such devastating and overwhelming situations. Show notes: The importance of mass casualty training in the context of the Ukraine war: Interview with Professor Johan von Schreeb: https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-t...

Not a single country in the WHO European Region is on track to stop the rise in obesity by 2025 – that’s according to the 2022 European Obesity Report. What’s more, the report highlights serious risks to people’s health – including a stark warning obesity might overtake smoking as the main risk for preventable cancer. In this episode we dig more into the report and find out what countries can do to reverse this trend. Show notes: Obesity causes cancer and is major determinant of disabil...

As we mark European Immunization Week – WHO confirms that a polio outbreak in Tajikistan has ended following a comprehensive response. We speak with Dr Shahin Huseynov to find out how this was achieved. While Dr Siddhartha Datta speaks about the importance of vaccine equity as we continue to face COVID-19. SHOW NOTES: Comprehensive outbreak response successfully stops spread of polio in Tajikistan: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/28-04-2022-comprehensive-outbreak-response-successfu...

Labs form an often unseen yet crucial part of any health system. In this episode we find out more about the role of laboratories in health, their day-to-day work as well as what WHO and partners are doing to train up the next generation of laboratory leaders – including a recent training in Kazakhstan. Show notes: Preparing the next generation of laboratory leaders: https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/Health-systems/laboratory-services/news/news/2022/2/preparing-the-next-generation-of-l...

You may remember a couple of weeks ago we spoke about the Economics of Ageing webinar series. In this episode, we speak with Dr Jon Cylus of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies about the webinars and what comes next. Show notes: Where do we find the money to fund healthcare for an ageing population? [https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/news-room/events/item/2022/01/18/default-calendar/where-do-we-find-the-money-to-fund-healthcare-for-an-ageing-population] Can the costs ...

In this episode we speak about a new report from WHO/Europe on inequities in treatment for childhood cancer in the Region and hear from Aron Anderson, WHO/Europe’s Ambassador on Cancer who himself beat cancer at a young age. Show notes New WHO report highlights scale of childhood cancer inequalities in the European Region: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/15-02-2022-new-who-report-highlights-scale-of-childhood-cancer-inequalities-in-the-european-region WHO European Report on Inequal...

Screening for diseases like cancer may seem a simple solution to catch the disease before it becomes serious. But in this episode we find out how complicated screening for cancer is. Show Notes When is screening for cancer the right course of action? LINK: https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/noncommunicable-diseases/cancer/news/news/2022/2/when-is-screening-for-cancer-the-right-course-of-action A short guide to cancer screening. Increase effectiveness, maximize benefits and minimize h...

Earlier this week marked two years since the first cases of COVID-19 were detected in the WHO European Region. In this episode we speak with a frontline healthcare worker, the importance of vaccination and find out what it was like to coordinate the emergency response in the Region. Show notes: Laura Lupi, COVID-19 nurse: together, we can beat this virus [https://www.euro.who.int/en/countries/italy/news/news/2020/4/laura-lupi,-covid-19-nurse-together,-we-can-beat-this-virus]Two years of COVI...

Population ageing is often seen as bad for the economy and unsustainable for health systems. But is this really the case? Debora Miranda, Communications Officer at the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies speaks about a new webinar series focusing on the economics of ageing. And in part two - WHO’s European Office for the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) look at big data and its potential impact on the future of NCD diagnosis and treatment. Find out more about th...

In this episode we speak with Dr Catherine Smallwood, WHO/Europe’s COVID-19 incident manager, to get the latest on the Omicron variant which continues to cause record cases across the Region. And WHO’s European Office for the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases explore how we can stay healthy in the metaverse. Watch the full COVID-19 briefing on the WHO/Europe YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DilcsteUr88Want to know more about staying healthy in the metaverse? Check out th...

The first episode in a mini-series of podcasts created for the Digital Solutions for Noncommunicable Diseases Conference in Moscow discusses how digital solutions can help us stay healthy and improve our health. To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/

In this episode we hear from health workers and NGOs about what steps can be taken to provide healthcare to people in prison, leaving no-one behind in health To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/

In this episode, we speak with three young health care workers from across the Region about the challenges they’ve faced during COVID-19 and their hopes for their future, providing care to communities in need. To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/

In this episode, we speak with representatives of health authorities in Slovenia and with "Nobody Left Outside" - a collective of organizations representing some of the most marginalized groups - about the importance of health equity, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/

In this episode we speak with Dr Tracey Cooper, Chief Executive of Public Health Wales and Christine Brown of WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development about the need to place health equity at the centre of the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/

In this third and final episode, we’re building flutopia – exploring different ways that health authorities work to increase flu vaccination rates among populations. To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/

In part one of flutopia, we explored why the annual flu vaccine is so important. In the second episode of this three-part series we speak with Dr Richard Pebody about how flu vaccines are made. To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/

Each year people are encouraged to get a flu vaccine to protect them from seasonal influenza. But why do we need a flu vaccine? Find out in the first episode of our three-part series ‘Flutopia’ To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/

In this episode, we speak with Dr Alex Schneider of Life4me+, a charity that worked with WHO to ensure access to healthcare and treatment among migrant workers living with HIV who suddenly found themselves unable to travel due to restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This episode explores the multiple barriers migrants face when accessing healthcare and the long-term impacts these can have. To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our w...

The education of children and young people around the world has been deeply affected by COVID-19. The closing of schools in response to the pandemic highlighted a number of existing inequalities as well as putting a mental strain on many. In this episode we speak with Emilia, Frida and Malika – youth advisers to the technical advisory group on schooling during COVID-19 - about a survey they conducted among young people around the Region, highlighting the concerns of young people at this...

Earlier this year, wild polio was declared eradicated from Africa. This fantastic achievement brought humanity one step closer to globally eradicating a disease that once took millions of lives every year, and still today affects many survivors in their daily lives. The victories against polio are hard-earned and it’s an ongoing battle to keep the virus from returning. To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: ...

Earlier this week, Member States endorsed the European Programme of Work at WHO/Europe’s 70th Regional Committee. Linking to the three key priorities of the Global Programme of Work – protecting more people from health emergencies, promoting health and well-being and ensuring more people have access to universal health coverage. We spoke with WHO/Europe’s Regional Director, Dr Hans Kluge, about how the EPW was formed and what it means for the work of WHO/Europe over the next five years. To fi...

Digital health offers solutions that offer the potential to strengthen health systems, but it also raises a number of important questions. In this episode, we speak with Clayton Hamilton about the importance of technology to the future of healthcare in our Region and why it is one of four flagships areas for WHO/Europe in the coming years. To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/

Immunization has played a crucial role in reducing mortality and the unnecessary suffering of people as a result of vaccine-preventable diseases across the European Region. Yet it retains great potential to help us build even healthier, more prosperous societies. The third of four episodes highlighting flagships for WHO/Europe, this week we talk to Dr Siddhartha Datta, Programme Manager Vaccine-preventable Diseases and Immunization at WHO’s Regional Office for Europe, about vaccines and immun...

Mental health is an important part of personal health. It’s estimated that millions of people in the WHO European Region are living with mental health conditions. Tragically, 140,000 people lose their lives to suicide each year in our Region – a stark reminder that we have much work to do on mental health. In this episode, the second of four on flagship areas for WHO/Europe, we speak with Dan Chisholm, Programme Manager focusing on Mental Health and Mental Disorders at WHO/Europe. To find out...

Behavioural and Cultural Insights draw on a range of fields to understand the different drivers and barriers to health. In this, the first of four episodes on flagship areas for WHO/Europe ahead of the 70th Regional Committee, we speak with Katrine Habersaat, Nils Fietje and Anastasia Koylyu about Behavioural and Cultural Insights and how they can be used to help create more effective health interventions. Find more info at http://www.euro.who.int To find out further about any of the s...

We speak with Patrick Hoffmann, a former nurse at a prison in Luxembourg who worked with colleagues to improve testing and treatment for a range of diseases, including hepatitis among the prison population. This included a tattoo studio where inmates could learn safe tattooing techniques under the supervision of health care workers. This is just one example in a compendium of good practice released by WHO/Europe on World Hepatitis Day. We also hear from Dr Masoud Dara, Coordinator for ...

500,000 people are killed in the WHO/European Region as a result of violence and injury each year. That means approximately one person every minute loses their life to violence and injury. In this episode, we speak with Jonathon Passmore, Programme Manager of Violence and Injury Prevention at WHO’s Regional Office for Europe in Copenhagen, about a new report on violence and injury. To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website:...

Would you buy or consume a product without knowing what's in it? What about one that's known to cause a range of diseases including cancer? Would you expect these products to carry a warning or at least a list of ingredients? Welcome to the Health In Europe podcast from the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Our Region is broad and diverse. We work with fascinating and driven individuals and groups. This podcast is about hearing their stories ...