European Public Health Alliance (EPHA)

📢 EPHA welcomes the OECD - OCDE report on cancer as a powerful addition to the evidence base on rising cancer rates globally. The report exposes stark inequities in #cancer outcomes driven by screening & care disparities & the urgent need to focus on preventive measures. At the launch event, EPHA's Senior Policy Manager for NCDs, Alessandro Gallina highlighted that while all cancers could be reduced by 40% by fully addressing all known risk factors, the report estimates that current targets only address 8% of cases. Moreover, the report highlights that progress towards implementing these targets remains limited. This underscores the need for more ambitious and decisive prevention policies to promote healthier lives and ease the growing burden of Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, on healthcare systems🌍. Download the report below or read it here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e7GNQBSu #CancerPrevention #HealthEquity #NCDs

Condolences from EPHA on the loss of Dr. Mira Jovanovski-Dašić The Board, management, staff, and members of the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), wish to express our deepest condolences on the passing of Dr Mira Jovanovski-Dašić, a truly extraordinary leader and public health advocate. “In this time of grief our thoughts are with her family, colleagues, and all who were touched by her work and kindness. EPHA stands in solidarity with SEEHN as you honour her life and remarkable contributions during the Commemoration Ceremony on 25 November,” stated Paolo Lauriola, EPHA President. Milka Sokolovic, EPHA Director General emphasised Dr Jovanovski-Dašić’s enduring legacy as Head of the SEEHN Secretariat. “She will be remembered not only for her exceptional contributions to public health and health diplomacy in South-Eastern Europe, but also for the vision, wisdom, and humanity with which she carried out her work. Her tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on our shared mission to advance health equity and strengthen health systems, and her loss will be profoundly felt across the European public health community,” Sokolovic stated. “We at EPHA had the privilege of forging a closer partnership with SEEHN earlier this year, thanks in large part to the leadership and dedication of Dr Jovanovski-Dašić. Her commitment to building bridges and fostering collaboration between organisations and nations was truly inspiring and set an example for us all to follow,” she added. EPHA is personally touched by this loss and will ensure that we continue to uphold the values of collaboration, equity, and public health advancement that Dr Jovanovski-Dašić championed throughout her life.

🚨Out now: EPHA article with Mediaplanet UK & IE on the intersection of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Climate Change. #AMR and #ClimateChange are interconnected global challenges needing urgent attention. Rising temperatures accelerate the spread of infectious diseases and drive antimicrobial resistance by increasing antibiotic use in humans and livestock. 🐄🌾 🦠Migration due to extreme weather and food insecurity introduces pathogens to new areas, while floods and droughts weaken healthcare systems, fostering resistant bacteria. Addressing these issues requires a #OneHealth approach, integrating cross-sectoral surveillance, sustainable agriculture, and global collaboration. The article, written by our Director General and Member of the World Health Organization CSO Commission Steering Committee Milka Sokolović, and our Policy Manager for Global Public Health, Sara Bertucci, highlights innovative solutions to combat the intertwined threats of AMR and climate change. By fostering alliances through the AMR Stakeholder Network and advancing the One Health in Action partnership, EPHA is paving the way for coordinated global action. 📖 Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gNC_7Rv5 or find a copy in The Guardian. #AMRandInfectiousDiseases #WAAW2024

On #EuropeanAntibioticAwarenessDay, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) hosted the digital event "Antimicrobial Resistance is Invisible, I Am Not.”     Hearing patients share their personal experiences with antimicrobial resistance (#AMR) was both powerful and sobering. These stories serve as a reminder: even small, everyday actions can make a huge difference in combating this silent crisis.    Despite efforts, the latest ECDC report reveals a worrying trend: EU antibiotic consumption in 2023 was 1% higher than in 2019, taking us further from our 2030 targets.    What can be done?  1️⃣ Infection prevention is critical: Starting with #HandHygiene and use of alcohol-based hand rubs, especially in the healthcare facilities.   2️⃣ Responsible antibiotic use: Avoid #Antibiotics for viral infections like colds, flu or COVID-19.   3️⃣ Invest in new antibiotics: Prioritise development and equitable access to combat resistant bacteria. This is a shared responsibility. Together, we can turn the tide on #AMR. Together, we can reverse the trend and #KeepAntibioticsWorking—for ourselves and future generations. Let’s act now. 

🦠 Each year, 4.3 million patients in the EU/EEA acquire at least one healthcare-associated infection, many of which are resistant to antimicrobials. This underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to combat antimicrobial resistance (#AMR) and protect public health. During World AMR Awareness Week, MEP Tiemo Wölken, Chair of the MEP Interest Group on AMR, highlights the importance of taking decisive steps to address this growing challenge. EPHA, as the organizer of the AMR Stakeholder Network and co-host of the MEP Interest Group on AMR alongside Health Care Without Harm Europe, contributes to EU efforts through: 🔹 Shaping Policy and Practice: Using evidence to inform policy and promote sustainable solutions through a #OneHealth approach. EPHA collaborates with stakeholders from human, animal, and planetary health sectors, as well as private organisations and communities, to develop cost-effective interventions. 🔹 Advocating for stronger action: Promoting more robust and equitable measures to address AMR at European and global levels. 🔹 Raising awareness: Ensuring AMR remains a key priority on the EU policy agenda through continuous advocacy and engagement. 🔹 Fostering stewardship: Supporting capacity-building and collaboration through partnerships, networks, and events to strengthen AMR stewardship. Through collective efforts, we aim to mitigate AMR’s impact and safeguard a healthier future. Join the AMR Stakeholder Network ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eeh2Kq4i Learn about the MEP Interest Group on AMR 🔗https://lnkd.in/eUVG_Y3M #WAAW2024

🔦 Spotlight on critical data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).  New data on #AMR became available as part of European Antibiotic Awareness Day. With antibiotic consumption on the rise and key targets still unmet, it is imperative to accelerate collective action to achieve the EU’s 2030 goals. This isn’t just a public health issue - it’s a call to action for us all. We must prioritise better stewardship of antibiotics and ensure equitable access to effective treatments for everyone. Together, we can combat AMR and safeguard our health systems for future generations. Let us unite our efforts in addressing this pressing challenge! 💪  #EAAD #WAAW #AntibioticResistance

EPHA is proud to see Alessandro Gallina featured by the WHO Regional Office for Europe for his powerful advocacy in public health. By championing evidence-based policies outlined in the new Alcohol Policy Playbook, Alessandro is helping expose the true costs of alcohol-related harm and supporting policies that prioritise community health over industry interests. EPHA fully supports this essential resource and its role in shaping stronger, health-focused policies. Well done Alessandro! 👏

On World Diabetes Day, our member the International Diabetes Federation Europe hosted an inspiring event in the European Parliament, hosted by MEP Andras Kulja MD, with keynote speeches by President Roberta Metsola and Vice President Christel Schaldemose 🎉 The event brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, and individuals living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to discuss vital topics like improving person-centered care, integrated care solutions, and reducing isolation - which is so commonly experienced by people with the condition. A highlight was the presentation of IDFE's first-ever Advocate Prize to Lea Leleta for her exceptional work - a testament to her success and to IDFE's commitment to supporting the diabetes community👏 Congratulations to all involved in this successful event! #WorldDiabetesDay #PeopleCenteredCare #WDD #T1D #T2D Elisabeth Dupont Sabine Dupont Maxence Prizzi Izabell Thunström Ádám Gyurcsik Luk Buyse Sufyan Hussain Valerie Luyckx, MBBCh, MSc, PhD Erik Werson Rebecca Barlow-Noone

💪EPHA is proud to be contributing to addressing #HiddenHunger in Europe. #MicronutrientDeficiencies, often overlooked, impacts countless individuals across the continent. One major challenge is the lack of comprehensive data needed to address this issue effectively. That's why EPHA, along with 18 other dedicated partners, have joined forces in #ZeroHiddenHungerEU. Our mission is to study these deficiencies and develop targeted, nutrition-based solutions to promote health equity and ensure no one is left behind. Learn more below about our collaborative work and how we're making progress in combating hidden hunger:  

🍺🍷Did you know that in the WHO European Region, adults consume an average of 9.2 litres of pure alcohol per year—the highest rate globally? Alcohol causes nearly 800,000 deaths annually, largely due to noncommunicable diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer. Addressing this crisis requires decisive, evidence-based policies.    The path is clear: we must strive for truth and transparency. Communities deserve data that unambiguously highlights alcohol's risks as a societal threat.    Today marks a significant step forward with @WHO/Europe launching the Alcohol Policy Playbook. This essential resource helps policymakers, advocates, and public health professionals counter health-harming industry narratives and prioritise public health.    EPHA stands firmly in support of this initiative, which aligns with our mission to advance effective, equitable, and sustainable policies grounded in evidence. The Playbook clarifies the divide between profit-driven perspectives and public health data, empowering decision-makers to choose community well-being over profit and providing a powerful tool to uphold public health and resilience over commercial interests.   💪Now, we must amplify these insights, share success stories, and spread this vital knowledge across Europe.    🤔Interested in learning more? Access the playbook below: