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The European Public Health Association Newsletter - December 2024 |
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Newsletter - December 2024 |
1. EditorialReflecting on a transformative year for EUPHAAs 2024 draws to a close, it’s inspiring to reflect on what we have achieved together as a community dedicated to advancing public health in Europe. This year has been a testament to the strength and reach of our network, with EUPHA connecting 35,000 public health professionals through 85 national member associations. Collaboration and innovation remain at the heart of everything we do. Strengthening the public health communityThe 2024 European Public Health Conference welcomed over 3,200 participants, providing a vibrant platform to exchange ideas, present research, and forge new partnerships. Meanwhile, European Public Health Week reached new heights with 154 events held across 39 countries in 20 languages, demonstrating the true reach of our work. Our EUPHAnxt initiative engaged more than 4,000 early-career professionals, fostering the next generation of public health leaders. In parallel, our 29 thematic Sections have continued to drive impactful contributions through cutting-edge research, thought-provoking workshops, and influential statements and newsletters. Looking ahead to 2025The momentum we’ve built in 2024 is setting the stage for an exciting year ahead. In 2025, we will launch a new 5-year strategy designed to amplify our impact and refine our focus in a rapidly evolving public health landscape. With fresh perspectives from our growing team, we are committed to tackle emerging challenges with renewed energy. And there’s more—in the spirit of creativity and connection, we’re exploring a potential new project that could celebrate our shared achievements in an engaging and unexpected way. Could this be a groundbreaking musical shining a light on public health heroes? Stay tuned to find out! Thank you for your supportEUPHA’s successes are driven by your dedication, expertise, and passion. As we close this chapter, let’s carry forward the collaborative spirit that defines our community into an even brighter future. Here’s to a transformative 2025!
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2. EUPHA updateCongratulations to Dr. Marija Jakubauskienė on Her New PositionWe are thrilled to extend our warmest congratulations to Dr. Marija Jakubauskien on her appointment as Lithuania's new Minister of Health. Dr. Jakubauskien, who is currently serving as the Section President for Public Mental Health at EUPHA, has a long-standing commitment to advancing public health and mental well-being. Her leadership and expertise in the field of mental health will undoubtedly bring valuable insights to her new role. As Section President, Dr. Jakubauskien has been instrumental in promoting mental health as a priority within European public health, advocating for inclusive policies and ensuring that mental health issues are given the attention they deserve. We are confident that her experience in both national and international public health will enable her to continue driving impactful change in her new capacity. We look forward to the continued collaboration with Dr. Jakubauskien in her new role and wish her every success in this exciting new chapter of her career. EUPHA Stands with Mayotte: Call for Health Reserve VolunteersCyclone Chido has devastated Mayotte, a French overseas department located in the Indian Ocean, severely damaging healthcare infrastructure and displacing communities. Mamoudzou Hospital, partially destroyed, is overwhelmed by patients. Santé publique France urgently seeks health professionals and logisticians to join the Health Reserve and support local teams. Needed Profiles: Learn more: Health Reserve Info (in French). EUPHA encourages qualified professionals to support this critical mission in Mayotte. |
3. European Public Health Conference
Next year’s European Public Health Conference 2025, Helsinki, FinlandThe 18th EPH Conference will be held in Helsinki, Finland, from 11–14 November 2025. Pre-conferences will be held on Tuesday 11 November with the main conference running from 12–14 November. Theme of the EPH conference 2025 is: Investing for sustainable health and well-being. Read more about the conference theme here. Abstract Submission Helsinki 2025Abstract submission for the 18th EPH Conference is open from 1 February until 1 May 2025. Abstracts are invited for workshops, oral, pitch and poster presentations. Do not miss the opportunity to share your work with colleagues at the largest public health event in Europe. In collaboration with EUPHAnxt we provide an abstract tutoring programme offering an opportunity for young and/or less experienced abstract submitters to receive feedback from experienced reviewers. Check our website for any updates. Registration Opens 1 April 2025Registration for the 18th EPH Conference in Helsinki opens 1 April 2025 with benefits for EUPHA members. EUPHA members receive a €100 reduction on the registration fees. The condition is that they must have registered with the national public health association in their country that is affiliated with EUPHA before 1 April. Conference VenueThe 18th EPH Conference will be held at the newly renovated Finlandia Hall. The Finlandia Hall was created by the world renowned architect Alvar Aalto as an multi-purpose event centre and meeting place in the centre of Helsinki, next to Töölönlahti Bay. More here.
17th EPH Conference Lisbon 2024The new Eurohealth issue on Sailing the waves of European public health: exploring a sea of innovation, which provides reflections from the 17th European Public Health Conference is now available on the European Observatory website and EPH Conference website. |
5. Call for proposals, job opportunitiesProfessor at the Department of Public Health Aarhus University, DenmarkThe Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University invites applications for one or more positions as professor in research fields of relevance for the Department of Public Health including research related to the four strategic research areas: Applied Public Health, Clinical Public Health, Disease Ethology and Research Methodology and Sport Science. The positions are permanent full-time. Employment is planned to start on 1 August 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter. Survey EurosurveillanceEurosurveillance is a European open access scientific journal devoted to the epidemiology, surveillance, prevention and control of communicable diseases Eurosurveillance is evaluating its strategy and performance in the past 5 years, with the aim to remain relevant to the public health and infectious disease community in the future. The survey will last approximately 10-15 minutes and is entirely anonymous. The responses will only be used to inform the study. Call for contributions to The Digital Public Health ConferenceThe Digital Public Health (DPH) Conference has placed a call for contributions to the main research tracks of DPH 2025. Submission deadline is 29 January 2025. Visit here for more information. |
6. Interesting newsRomania and Bulgaria are now officially part of the Schengen AreaOpening the December plenary session, President Metsola said she was pleased that Romania and Bulgaria will finally join the Schengen free movement zone on 1 January 2025. Court denies TikTok's request to halt enforcement of potential US ban until Supreme Court reviewA federal appeals court on Friday left in place a mid-January deadline in a federal law requiring TikTok to be sold or face a ban in the United States, rejecting a request made by the company to halt enforcement until the Supreme Court reviews its challenge of the statute. Macron has a new prime minister but the same old problemsFrance has a new Prime Minister, François Bayrou, but that does not solve France’s internal political crisis. Croatia MPs debate no-confidence motion in government over graft caseCroatia's 29 December 2024 presidential election will test the standing of the ruling center-right HDZ party, as its candidate faces opposition amidst economic challenges and corruption allegations. Read more here. Romania's pro-Western parties agree to form a majority government after political turmoilRomania: A statement from the new coalition said the parties would potentially support a “common pro-European candidate” in the new presidential elections. It is yet unclear whether Georgescu will be allowed to run in the new vote. German Chancellor Scholz loses no-confidence vote, paving way for electionChancellor Olaf Scholz triggered this path to new elections on 23 February 2025 by firing his finance minister Christian Lindner last month, which led Lindner’s pro-business Free Democrats to quit the government, robbing it of a majority. |
7. Upcoming courses and conferences
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8. Interesting publicationsBehavioural Insights for public health in the EU - A case study in four Member States on embedding behavioural insights into public health policy-makingIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries in the EU / European Economic Area have established applied behavioural and social science, or ‘Behavioural Insights’ (BI), units or networks to make recommendations to decision-makers on actionable policy and communications. On the basis of key-informant interviews in four EU Member States with different administrative systems – Spain, Italy. Mapping and portfolio analysis of EU R&I on environmental determinants of childhood cancerThere are significant gaps in EU-funded research on childhood cancer and environmental determinants. Of 2,757 cancer-related projects, only 51 focus on childhood cancer, with minimal exploration of environmental links. Funding for these topics is limited and few projects address prevention or policy-oriented outcomes. Digitalisation of healthcare - EU support for member states effective overall, but difficulties in using EU fundsThe COVID-19 pandemic made healthcare digitalisation a more important part of our lives. We examined whether the Commission’s actions to support member states in digitalising their healthcare systems were effective. We found that, given its mandate, the Commission supported member states effectively overall. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU policy framework was strengthened. One Health Governance in the European UnionOne Health means recognition that human health, animal health and the health of our environment are inherently connected. They form a common system that demands to be treated as a whole. All too often, policy areas like agriculture, biodiversity and crisis management are treated in isolation, rather than in recognition of their place as part of a larger, interconnected ecosystem. EU4Health programme - How to apply for fundingRead an overview on how to apply here. |
9. European Institutions’ newsCommissionThe new European Commission officially began its mandate on 1 December 2024. As a reminder, here is the new poster of the Commission. While the working program is not expected before mid-February, as it will only be discussed officially on 10 February 2025, health takes center stage early. On 21 January 2025, the Commission will discuss a European action plan on the cybersecurity of hospitals and healthcare providers—one of the priorities outlined in President von der Leyen's political guidelines.More on cybersecurity in healthcare This initiative highlights the overlapping competencies among key Commissioners. Henna Virkkunen (Executive Vice-President) oversees strategic direction on digital resilience, while Hadja Lahbib focuses on health security and policy implementation. Together, they aim to integrate high-level strategy with targeted action in areas like cybersecurity and digital healthcare transformation. However, this overlap—with input from Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi on related portfolios—reflects broader structural challenges in the Commission, potentially complicating coordination and lobbying efforts. On 5 December 2024 the EU will launch the New Health Union Fellowship: DG SANTE's new Fellowship fosters collaboration and training for public health experts to strengthen the European Health Union. European SemesterThe European Semester report, released on 5 December 2024, calls for sustainable health systems, digital transformation, and improved preparedness for emergencies. The next steps focus on Member States implementing reforms to tackle workforce shortages and improve healthcare access, enhancing resilience across the EU. European ParliamentThe Public Health subcommittee has been upgraded to a standing committee, reflecting the increasing importance of health in EU policymaking. A full vote on mandates and membership will take place on 18 December 2024, with further announcements to follow. Details on the new standing committees. CouncilUnder Poland's Presidency, security takes center stage, encompassing health security as a priority. Key focuses include the digital transformation of healthcare, addressing mental health challenges in children, and fortifying EU drug supply chains. In line with the broader emphasis on preparedness, several Member States are proactively equipping citizens for crisis scenarios. For instance, Sweden has released a war preparedness brochure titled In Case of Crisis or War. |
10. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control newsEurosurveillance - Volume 29, Issue 49, 05 December 2024Rapid communication Outbreaks Systematic Review Perspective Letter Author's correction Miscellaneous Eurosurveillance - Volume 29, Issue 50, 12 December 2024Rapid communication Surveillance Nuvaxovid NVX-CoV2373 vaccine safety profile: real-world data evidence after 100,000 doses, Australia, 2022 to 2023 Research Direct and indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality: an individual-level population-scale analysis using linked electronic health records, Wales, United Kingdom, 2016 to 2022 |
11. WHO newsFor the latest news from WHO Europe please visit their website. |
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