EU-1_Eliminating measles and rubella a pivotal goal of the European Immunization Agenda 2030.

The elimination of measles and rubella is a pivotal goal of the European Immunization Agenda 2030. However, this aim has faced significant hurdles due to disparities in immunization coverage across subnational levels and a drop in routine vaccinations triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in over 169,000 infections in 2023-2024. In light of these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) collaborated with affected nations to enhance disease detection, intensify routine immunization efforts, and implement catch-up vaccination campaigns. Their proactive measures led to a noticeable decline in measles cases by 2024. Moving forward, WHO is committed to bolstering laboratory surveillance, formulating outbreak preparedness strategies, addressing immunization inequities, and equipping health workers with the tools necessary to counter misinformation regarding vaccinations. Furthermore, WHO facilitated the first-ever joint polio and measles outbreak simulation exercise in Moldova to strengthen preparedness in the region. Despite a temporary decline in cases, the reported total for 2024 was the highest since 1997, highlighting the ongoing challenges in vaccination coverage, particularly among vulnerable populations.

EU-1_Raising awareness against antimicrobial resistance

The 'Stories of AMR' photobook, developed by the Programme for the Control of Antimicrobial Resistance at the WHO Regional Office for Europe, serves as a vital awareness-raising tool in the efforts against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This photobook captures candid narratives from individuals across all 53 Member States, highlighting the serious threat AMR poses to human, animal, and environmental health. Each story not only showcases personal experiences but also emphasises the collective need to preserve antimicrobials integral to modern medicine. Distributed at high-profile events like the UN General Assembly and health assemblies, the photobook also generated significant engagement through social media, with nearly one million impressions and over 20,000 interactions. By bringing AMR into public discourse and illustrating its impact, the initiative successfully mobilizes action towards responsible antimicrobial usage. One of the key lessons learned was the power of storytelling with visuals to resonate deeply with both the public and health workers. Despite challenges in sourcing stories from all Member States, the photobook exemplifies the strengthening of the One Health approach, showcasing the necessity for collaboration across sectors to tackle AMR effectively.

EU-1_Strengthening Mental Health in the WHO European Region

The 'Strengthening Mental Health in the WHO European Region in 2024' report outlines significant progress made by the Mental Health Flagship initiative, focusing on improving access to services and reducing stigma. Key actions included the development of Quality of Care Standards for children and adolescents, scheduled for publication in 2025, alongside digital mental health tools that facilitate the scaling up of innovative solutions. A policy brief aims to integrate mental health services into primary health care, providing a strategic framework for this integration. The MOSAIC toolkit offers a comprehensive approach to address stigma and discrimination within mental health, supporting the creation of a more inclusive environment. These efforts are backed by solid evidence gathered through studies and collaborations, enhancing the quality and accessibility of mental health care across the region. Challenges highlighted reinforce the necessity of stakeholder involvement and sharing best practices, crucial for effective implementation and policy development.

EU-2_Humanitarian Crisis in Europe Disrupts MDR-TB Control Efforts

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Europe, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, continues to disrupt efforts in controlling multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). The influx of refugees has intensified the disease control challenges, leading to a surge in MDR-TB notifications. Despite a slight decrease in MDR prevalence among previously treated patients, a worrying increase has been observed among newly diagnosed individuals. To combat these challenges, the WHO has implemented targeted regional support in 2024, focusing on improving TB diagnosis and treatment alignment with updated WHO guidelines. This includes developing regional tools for rapid diagnosis and enhancing treatment success rates through initiatives like the European Virtual Medical Consilium. Furthermore, a Coordination Platform has been established to address fragmented efforts in accessing TB medicines. Significant improvements have been made, such as a rise in MDR-TB treatment success rates from 60.7% in 2018 to 71.7% in 2021 in high-priority countries. The lessons learned emphasize the importance of regulatory improvements, and technical support to sustain progress.

EU-2_Record IHR Reporting Rate Achieved

In 2024, the European Region achieved a record 98% submission rate for IHR States Parties Self-Assessment Annual Reports, with 54 out of 55 State Parties submitting their SPAR 2023 reports. Article 54 of the International Health Regulations (2005) mandates States Parties to report to WHO on an annual basis on the status of implementation of the IHR (2005). Unfortunately, not all States Parties always submit their report on time. Therefore WHO/Europe has continued to proactively follow up with State Parties on their SPAR submission process and deadline.  This is done through targeted information sessions and webinars to raise awareness on the reporting obligations and remind stakeholders on the deadlines to facilitate submission and to become more familiar with the online reporting tool. This has led to increased submission rates by ensuring that States Parties also see the benefits of reporting.  Despite this achievements, IHR NFPs who are normally coordination the annual SPAR submissions often face multiple challenges including competing priorities and deadlines, as well as the lack of involvement and participation of multi-sectoral stakeholders.

EU-3_Addressing climate change and promoting environmental sustainability in health systems

The WHO European Region has taken significant steps to address the health impacts of climate change while promoting environmental sustainability in health systems. Multi-country initiatives, policy actions, workshops, and capacity-building activities were implemented to support Member States. Key achievements include the development of climate-health vulnerability assessments in Azerbaijan and North Macedonia, updated heat-health action plans in Tajikistan, and the integration of sustainability measures in healthcare systems in Romania and Slovenia. High-level advocacy, such as Kyrgyzstan highlighting the challenges of mountainous regions at COP29, highlighted unique health challenges while fostering collaboration among sectors and stakeholders. Despite challenges, such as uneven prioritization of climate-health issues and resource competition, these initiatives have enhanced national capacities, aligned countries with international climate-health agreements, and paved the way toward sustainable and climate-resilient health systems. Evidence underscores the importance of addressing climate-related vulnerabilities, as heat-related excess mortality and greenhouse gas emissions from the health sector remain pressing concerns. Continued collaboration, political commitment, sustained investments and leveraging regional policy platforms like the Budapest Declaration and its Partnerships and global initiatives, such as the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH) are critical to sustaining momentum and achieving long-term health outcomes across the region.

EU-3_Commercial Interests Challenge Public Health Efforts on NCDs

The increasing influence of commercial interests presents a significant barrier to public health policies aimed at combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the European Region. With 90% of premature deaths attributed to NCDs, the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe has undertaken vital initiatives in 2024 to counteract these challenges. By collaborating with Member States, civil society organizations, and experts, WHO Europe produced a report on Commercial Determinants of NCDs and developed the Alcohol Playbook to mitigate industry interference. These efforts have facilitated meaningful discussions among policymakers, particularly during the EU Belgium Presidency and the European Forum for Health. Public awareness of health-harming industries has grown, bolstered by a robust media campaign that garnered over 1,400 global articles. Despite notable progress, Member States face ongoing challenges from industries such as alcohol and tobacco, which resist public health measures. This calls for heightened understanding and institutional support to enhance awareness and counteract entrenched lobbying efforts.

EU-3_Well-being economy initiative helps countries address health investment challenges

The WHO European Well-being Economy initiative has engaged seven nations and countries, including Finland, Iceland, Italy, Lithuania, Moldova, Scotland (UK), and Wales (UK), to address challenges in balancing health investments with limited budgets, aiming to improve decision-making tools, and advancing multi-sectoral collaboration. Efforts have focused on thematic priorities like investing in youth well-being, healthy ageing, and addressing gender-based violence, coupled with evidence-based approaches to strengthen investment for healthier societies. Notable milestones include presentations at the G7 Health Working Group under Italy's leadership, missions to Moldova and Lithuania to enhance cross-sector dialogue, and the Finding Common Ground initiative to convene health, central banks and finance stakeholders, aiming to develop shared modelling tools that shape investment in health and well-being. Stakeholder feedback indicates strong enthusiasm for sustained multi-sectoral dialogue, showcasing the innovative and impactful nature of the initiative. Key achievements include stronger relationships between health, finance, education, and labor sectors, laying the groundwork for strategic cross-sector approaches to well-being and health equity investments across the life course and in diverse geographic regions. As financial constraints persist, the initiative emphasizes focused efforts on youth well-being, healthy ageing, and inclusion in left-behind rural places priorities for health and other sectors.