The future of public health in Europe – EuroHealthNet Foresight report
The European health landscape is undergoing significant changes. The digital transition as well as demographic and climate change influence social and health inequalities, and are bound to shape the future of public health in the region. Health promotion and disease prevention must be at the core of these changes, to ensure the most efficient and equitable use of limited health resources, including financial and human resources.
EuroHealthNet – in collaboration with the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies – has conducted a Foresight study to collect insights and identify risks and opportunities. The study investigates the role of public health by 2035 in achieving health equity through health promotion and prevention, in the context of the digital and green transition.
The six themes of this Foresight study
- Public health policy and governance
- Public health financing and spending
- Sustainability and the green transition
- Health promotion and disease prevention
- Equity and society
- Digitalisation in public health
Three overarching recommendations
1
Generate political will for health and wellbeing for all through a robust evidence base, new narratives, and participatory governance, as well as supporting community-based approaches, thereby shifting societal values, and reducing demand for health and social care services.
2
Advocate for Wellbeing Economies, which will facilitate new economic and financial models for health promotion and prevention within and beyond health systems, align incentives, and foster multi-stakeholder cooperation, including with the private sector, while tackling the commercial determinants of health.
3
Leverage digital, AI and other technological, biomedical as well as social innovations, while applying equity impact assessments and exploring new health promotion and disease prevention approaches. This new approach should complement population public health and policies on the social and environmental determinants of health.
Calls to action for public health in Europe
Based on the results from EuroHealthNet’s Foresight study, public health stakeholders and decision-makers across Europe are called upon to take action in the following areas.
The Health Promotion Documentation Center of Piedmont Region (DoRS), a member of the EuroHealthNet Partnership, has translated a summary of the report into Italian.
Related resources
Improving health equity in Europe
Priorities for the 2024-2029 EU policy landscape
An Economy of Wellbeing for Health Equity
Fostering a transition towards healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable societies
European Pillar of Social Rights Flashcard Tool
A guide for public health professionals and decision-makers