Prioritising equity through public health investments: European Public Health Week 2026 Kick-off Webinar

Despite strong evidence of its benefits, prevention and health promotion still receive less than 3% of healthcare budgets, while largely preventable non-communicable diseases account for up to 80% of costs. This imbalance represents a missed opportunity to improve wellbeing, reduce long-term expenditure, and strengthen health systems. 

The call to prioritise prevention and equity is not new. Yet translating political commitments into sustained investment and system-level change remains a challenge. What innovative approaches can unlock funding for wellbeing and create healthier, more equitable societies? 

As a daily partner of the European Public Health Week (EPHW), EuroHealthNet is hosting this kick-off webinar to launch the thematic discussions of the day on prioritising equity through public health investments. The session sets the stage for the day’s exchanges by highlighting key opportunities to strengthen investment in prevention for more equitable health systems across Europe. 

The webinar will begin by presenting key frameworks and evidence supporting investment in prevention, including the economic and social value of wellbeing-oriented approaches. It will mark the launch of EuroHealthNet’s updated Guide for financing prevention and health promotion. This practical resource provides step-by-step guidance for policymakers and practitioners on how to mobilise and diversify funding for prevention, including innovative financing tools and case studies. 

Speakers will also share practical examples, illustrating how political commitment can translate into concrete action and how different approaches can lead to meaningful system change. 

The online session will encourage interactive discussion with participants, creating space to exchange ideas, ask questions, and reflect on how these approaches can be adapted in different contexts.