[ad_1]
An extensive 3-day agenda of priority action areas to improve health and well-being awaits ministers of health and high-level public health experts from across the 53 Member States of the WHO European Region, who will convene on Monday, 12 September 2022, for the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC72).
This year’s session following a hybrid format brings together over 700 delegates online and in Tel Aviv, hosted by the Ministry of Health of Israel. The meeting will cover a range of health issues, including:
- empowerment through digital health
- health promotion through behavioural and cultural insights
- addressing health worker shortages
- access to affordable medicines.
Delegates will discuss and seek consensus on several new and updated regional action plans, including on ending cervical cancer, reducing alcohol consumption, and pushing for accelerated action to tackle tuberculosis, HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in particular the need to invest in research, diagnostics, treatment and rehabilitation for those suffering from long COVID, will also feature in discussions, as will the current monkeypox outbreak and the health impacts of the war in Ukraine.
Two years since the European Programme of Work, 2020–2025 (EPW) – United Action for Better Health in Europe – was endorsed by all 53 Member States, the meeting will also provide an opportunity for delegates to reflect on progress since 2020 and understand where action is needed to meet citizens’ expectations and to ensure that quality health care is accessible and affordable for all.
The Regional Committee is WHO/Europe’s decision-making body, and the annual gathering is the premier meeting on public health in the European Region, convening health ministers, heads of state and government, representatives of international bodies and nongovernmental organizations, as well as other dignitaries. They meet to discuss and endorse regional policies, activities, and financial plans to improve the health and well-being of the almost 1 billion people living in the WHO European Region.
[ad_2]
Source link
