The recently concluded 28th annual meeting of the WHO Regions for Health Network (RHN), held in Seville, Spain, on 15–17 November 2023, brought together 100 representatives from more than 20 regions in Europe and central Asia, to discuss the most pressing health issues for this group of subnational and local authorities. The meeting, which takes place once a year, was hosted by Spain’s Andalusia region, a long-time member of the Network, and a major innovator in health-care practices at the subnational level.
Fruitful dialogue and robust participation
The discussions at the meeting delved into pressing global challenges, with participants offering solutions and sharing experiences from their respective regions. Climate change emerged as a key challenge, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative, region-specific approaches to address environmental impacts on public health.
Another key theme was the importance of humanizing health care. Participants agreed on the need to prioritize patient-centric care, acknowledging the emotional, social and psychological dimensions of health.
The RHN annual meeting saw active participation from representatives across regions, associate countries and organizations, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. The 4 main sessions, covering topics ranging from climate change to universal health coverage, provided a comprehensive platform for in-depth discussions. The inclusion of speed networking sessions allowed participants to forge meaningful connections, strengthening the Network and reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines the RHN community.
The meeting was also an opportunity for bilateral discussions among the participants, and for reflections on the different roles that regions play in various countries – particularly in relation to public health and health-care management. The RHN aims to ensure that the different roles and approaches in each region become an opportunity for mutual learning rather than an obstacle to meaningful dialogue.
The Andalusian Statement and the way forward
The RHN annual meeting did not just foster discussions; it generated actionable insights that have the potential to shape policies and practices, and to improve governance for health and well-being within countries.
The Network’s joint commitment is enshrined in the Andalusian Statement, which was endorsed by all the participants. Through the Statement, RHN members commit to “contribute to strengthening the Network as a unique solution-based platform supporting implementation of WHO policy priorities and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”.
The outcomes of this meeting will serve as a foundation for ongoing collaboration, inspiring innovative approaches to address public health challenges across the WHO European Region and beyond.