In a significant step towards promoting health equity and improving people’s health, WHO/Europe and the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance their partnership. The EPHA, as Europe's leading alliance of nongovernmental organizations advocating for better health for all, will work closely with WHO/Europe to address key health challenges and drive positive change.
With 80 member organizations representing diverse groups, including civil society organizations, health professionals and public health actors, the EPHA serves as a change agent. It does this by collating its members’ perspectives and facilitating their participation in European policy dialogues. Since its foundation 30 years ago, the EPHA has grown into the largest civil society platform of organizations working together to protect and improve public health in the European Union (EU). In doing so, it aligns with WHO’s European Programme of Work and its goal of achieving the highest possible level of health, sustainable development, and prosperity for all. The newly agreed collaboration between WHO/Europe and the EPHA is intended to contribute to WHO/Europe’s initiatives in health promotion, health equity, and investment for health and well-being.
“We are proud to be signing this agreement with the EPHA, a well-known voice for public health across Europe,” said WHO Regional Director Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge. “Together, we will build on our past work and move forward, focusing on intelligence and information sharing, joint advocacy for health, and stronger connections of health stakeholders across Europe.”
Intelligence and information sharing will be a crucial aspect of the partnership, particularly within the EU context.
“This MoU is a recognition of a long-standing relationship between WHO/Europe and the EPHA, with many examples of past cooperation. It is also more than a mere formalization of our collaboration, as it opens a whole new chapter in our joint work to ultimately benefit the health of all,” emphasized Dr Milka Sokolovic, Director-General of the EPHA.
Signed on 30 June 2023 at a ceremony attended by Dr Kluge and Dr Sokolovic, the MoU will also see the two organizations building new avenues for sharing knowledge as part of the new partnership. On one hand, the EPHA will leverage its collaboration with WHO/Europe, its networks and partners to develop and share innovative solutions and expertise. WHO/Europe will in turn actively engage in relevant initiatives and platforms involving civil society, academia, and the EU to enhance knowledge exchange and collaboration in health.
The signing of this MoU formalizes a long-standing partnership between WHO/Europe and the EPHA and marks a significant milestone in the journey towards better health and well-being in Europe. By leveraging the strengths and expertise of both WHO/Europe and the EPHA, this partnership promises to drive systemic change and reduce health inequalities, ultimately leading to a healthier future for all people and the planet.