Responds to initiative for an Union prevention, preparedness, and response plan for health crises
The European Commission is developing a Union plan for prevention, preparedness and response for health crises. This initiative will promote an effective and coordinated response to cross-border threats to health at EU, Member State/European Economic Area country level. It will complement national prevention, preparedness and response plans and enable synergies between Member States, the Commission and relevant EU agencies or bodies.
EuroHealthNet welcomes the Commission's initiative. It strongly supports its whole-of-government, whole-of-society, and One Health approach, and its acknowledgement of the need for climate adaptation and an all-hazards framework, which are integral to health security.
EuroHealthNet welcomes the Commission's initiative and supports its holistic approach, acknowledging the threats posed by climate adaptation. To be as effective as possible, the plan must address persisting health inequalities, the escalating impacts of climate change, the eroding trust in institutions, and deteriorating mental wellbeing
EuroHealthNet responded to the consultation on the Union prevention, preparedness, and response plan. Its response was based on four key challenges that the forthcoming plan must address (1) persisting health inequalities, (2) the escalating impacts of climate change, (3) the eroding trust in institutions, and (4) deteriorating mental wellbeing
Building on these insights, EuroHealthNet proposes four interlinked solutions:
- prioritising health promotion and equity as everyday countermeasures to strengthen resilience before crises hit
- recognising climate action as health action
- integrating social policy and preparedness to address root causes of vulnerability
- and promoting social participation to build trust.
Taken together, these measures can help the Union Plan deliver on its whole-of-society and all-hazards ambition.
