World Health Organization

World Health Organization

What is health?

A basic capability that gives value to life (Amartya Sen, Nobel Laureate in economic sciences)

Number one desire of men and women everywhere (Millennium Poll, 2000)

Reflects impact of economic, social and environmental conditions (Millennium Development Goals)

Determinant of individual, family community and national development

Much more than health care


What is happening under our feet?

Health inequalities

Rising health care costs

Pressures to reduce public expenditure

Complacency in the face of new threats to health

Ageing

Dissatisfaction with health services

Consumer approach vs. population health


“There is too little debate in Europe about the future…

“Specialist communities debate the specifics. Even here, the agenda is often short-term and insufficiently coordinated.

“Outside the specialist community, there is largely SILENCE.”

Is this also true for HEALTH?


WHO’s Role

Adding value to EC action

EU issues in the global text

Science-based evidence for standards and policy options

International consensus on responses to public health crises

Examples of good practice


WHO’s Role

Adding value to EC action (cont.)

Policy dialogues and technical advice

Monitoring trends in health and health determinants

Technical support for the Programme of Community action in the field of public health


WHO’s Role Working in synergy with the European Commission

DG SANCO DG Environment

DG Research DG Development

DG RELEX DG Trade

DG Enterprise

Providing technical opinions to European Parliament rapporteurs


Would these be useful? Commission on Macroeconomics and Health (CMH) for Europe

• Demonstrate the value of health

• Guide to resource allocation

Periodic review of health in Europe – big picture

Summarising totality of EC action that impacts on health coherence

Applying open method of coordination to achieve better health outcomes

Improve quality of technical advice to MEPs

Documents

World Health Organization