EuroHealthNet asks Commissioner Várhelyi for a strong commitment to health equity
EuroHealthNet has sent a letter to the new European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi. The letter congratulates Commissioner Várhelyi on his appointment and asks him to to use his leadership to advance the health equity and wellbeing of European citizens and build a healthier Europe.
The letter presents health promotion and disease prevention as key to a competitive Europe, as ill health shrinks the workforce while increasing the cost of healthcare. It welcomes the Commissioner’s vision for the future of health – including investing in health promotion, disease prevention, and health equity, reducing non-communicable diseases, improving mental health, and reducing tobacco consumption – and asks that these crucial commitments be translated into concrete actions.
The letter sets our specific recommendations for addressing the public health challenges facing Europe:
- The new EU Cardiovascular Health Plan must fact-track the preventative files of the European Beating Cancer Plan, limit the availability of ultra-processed foods, and regulate the marketing and advertising of unhealthy food.
- To advance the European Health Union, action is needed to improve mental health, promote social prescribing, reduce health inequalities through dedicated EU funds, keep health as a priority in EU funding, and ensure a strong focus on inclusive digital health.
