The 68th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe took place from 17 September to 20 September 2018. The European Region’s governing body met to discuss and take collective action on major health issues, such as health equity and primary health care. The decisions taken at the Regional Committee meeting feed into policies that drive much of the action towards improved health in the Region.

Find more information on the 2020 Regional Committee here.

 

This year, EuroHealthNet became a recognised non-state actor. Below is the statement that EuroHealthNet made to address the Regional Committee. Further, we made 2 statements on thr ability to pay for healthcare and on the reports on the WHO high-level meetings on Health Systems in Sitges and Tallinn. Please find all statements below.

ORAL STATEMENT ON EUR/RC68/13 ENGAGEMENT WITH NON-STATE ACTORS: ACCREDITATION OF REGIONAL NON-STATE ACTORS NOT IN OFFICIAL RELATIONS WITH WHO TO ATTEND MEETINGS OF THE WHO REGIONAL COMMITTEE FOR EUROPE

September, Rome

Madam Chair, Mr President, honourable ministers, distinguished delegates, dear colleagues,

On behalf of all 19 non-State actors, we thank the Regional Committee for approving our accreditation, in line with the Framework of Engagement with non-State actors (FENSA). It is with great honour that we  will continue to participate in the WHO Regional Committee for Europe and we would like to reaffirm our commitment to working with all stakeholders towards our shared goals.

The commitment to engage with non-State actors demonstrates to us the importance that is given by WHO to collaboration with civil society. As representatives of citizens, patients, healthcare and public health professionals, civil society organisations, we work for the common good, and we can and should play a vital role in achieving the sustainable development goals, Health 2020 and WHO’s general programme of work.

We look forward to our continued collaboration and participation in the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.

Thank you,

On behalf of the 19 accredited non-State actors

Alzheimer Europe  • Association for Medical Education in Europe • Center for Health Policies and Studies (PAS Center) • Centre for Regional Policy Research and Cooperation “Studiorum” • Eurocare (European Alcohol Policy Alliance)  • EuroHealthNet • European Association for the Study of the Liver • European Cancer Organisation  • European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations  • European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians  • European Forum for Primary Care • European Forum of Medical Associations • European Forum of National Nursing and Midwifery Associations  • European Medical Students’ Association  • European Public Health Alliance  • European Public Health Association • Health Care Without Harm • Standing Committee of European Doctors • Wemos

 

On Item 5.d: Can people afford to pay for health care? New evidence on financial protection in Europe

We stress the need for European Member States to urgently act on the guidance issued. Health ministries should use available policy instruments such as the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Semester, the annual economic and fiscal guidance for individual Member States.

At the EU level, financial protection must be incorporated into the social fairness legislation and the 2019  Semester process.

ON ITEMS 5.E AND 5.J:  REPORTS ON THE WHO HIGH-LEVEL MEETINGS ON HEALTH SYSTEMS IN SITGES AND TALLINN

We note that non-communicable disease epidemics are growing and are strongly related to the persistent health inequalities in Europe. Tackling NCDs requires urgent and joint action where health systems have a pivotal role. Most of the factors associated with NCDs are largely preventable, and require a stronger health promotion and disease prevention response.

Health systems must engage in tackling broader societal determinants, in particular with regard to the social gradient of inequalities, using their knowledge and experience.

As the WHO wants to transform health systems and not leave anyone behind, we suggest developing a much more explicit and meaningful approach to integrating health promotion and social determinants- approaches throughout the system, with an increased role in primary care services.

Statement on the need to incorporate health promotion and social determinants approaches in health systems

Statement on financial protection

 

As listed in EUR/RC68/13 Engagement with non-State actors: Accreditation of regional non-State actors not in official relations with WHO to attend meetings of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.