WHO/Europe held its first-ever virtual consultation with non-State actors (NSAs) as part of the open consultation process of the European Programme of Work (EPW) “United action for better health”.
Opening the session, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge explained that during his career in public health around the world he has learned the power of “positive partnership”, and welcomed the input of NSAs to the consultation process.
The briefing was an opportunity for NSAs to present their views on the EPW and find out more about the Programme’s priorities. It also offered the chance for WHO/Europe to strengthen ties with NSAs that it hopes will play a vital role in the implementation of the EPW, thanks to their extensive experience, expertise, and broad and influential reach across the WHO European Region.
Thanking WHO/Europe for the opportunity to comment on the EPW, Dr Iveta Nagyova of the European Public Health Association (EUPHA) said, “We welcome the European Programme of Work and we are impressed with the plans for the near future.”
The session involved an open question-and-answer session where directors of the divisions of WHO/Europe responded to participants’ questions.
Interventions
The briefing heard from 8 representatives from organizations including AGE Platform Europe, EUPHA, EuroHealthNet, the European Forum of Medical Associations, the European Forum of National Nursing and Midwifery Associations, the European Patients’ Forum, the European Public Health Alliance and the Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME).
Their interventions covered a number of important health topics, including access to patient-centred care, addressing health inequalities, the need to support the health workforce, the role of research and evidence, and healthy ageing and how it is addressed by the EPW.
Noting that 2020 marks the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, one intervention highlighted the role of these professionals in promoting health and supporting patients with noncommunicable diseases, particularly in the context of COVID-19.
Dr Kluge stated that the entire EPW is built on the principle that no single organization and no single country can build the future of health alone.
Open consultation
Launched on 18 June, the open consultation on the EPW seeks to gather input from a range of organizations and individuals to help shape the future of health in the WHO European Region. It includes a focus on digital health, immunization, behavioural insights and mental health. The consultation will close on 18 July 2020, and the results will be made public in a report shortly after.