Newsletter – October 2024

1. Editorial
2. EUPHA update
3. European Public Health Conference
4. European Journal of Public Health
5. Call for proposals, job opportunities
6. Interesting news
7. Upcoming courses and conferences
8. Interesting publications
9. European Institutions’ news
10. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control news
11. WHO news

1. Editorial

We approach the much-anticipated EPH Conference in Lisbon, and for the first time in EPH’s history, we reached full capacity and had to close registration early. This milestone reflects not only the growing interest in public health across Europe and beyond but also the dedication and passion of all those committed to advancing health and well-being for all.

This momentum speaks to a collective recognition that health challenges—whether from digital stakes, climate change, pandemics, or social inequalities—demand collaboration, innovation, and resilience. 

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We look forward to seeing those of you joining us in Lisbon and continuing to drive meaningful change for public health together.

Let’s make this an EPH conference to remember!

Wishing you a pleasant read.

Dr Iveta Nagyova, EUPHA President, and Charlotte Marchandise, Executive Director

2. EUPHA update

EPH Conference Lisbon 2024 Statement

Next month we will meet at the 17th European Public Health Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, to exchange views on the theme ‘Sailing the waves of European public health: exploring a sea of innovation’. We are committed to advancing public health across Europe. Guided by the theme of innovation, we strive to foster responsible, affordable,  and equitable innovations that address the evolving public health challenges. Our focus on sustainability, collaboration, and citizen empowerment ensures that public health actions are inclusive and impactful, bridging science, policy, and communities for a healthier Europe.
We call upon all stakeholders—public health professionals, policymakers, researchers, advocates, and citizens—to join us in this mission. Together, we can foster responsible, affordable, and equitable innovations to create a sustainable and healthier future for all.

• Promote Innovation: Advocate for inclusive and cost-effective solutions that benefit all sectors of society.
• Develop Sustainable Practices: Implement policies that prioritize sustainability and health equity, addressing the social, environmental, and commercial determinants of health.
• Enhance Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships across sectors and communities to address complex public health challenges through innovative solutions.
• Champion Evidence-Based Policies: Advocate for and implement policies that are rooted in scientific evidence and ensure resilient health systems.
• Empower Citizens: Ensure citizens have access to their health data and are active participants in management of their health care.
• Support the European Health Data Space as a means to improve healthcare delivery and research.

Click here for the statement webpage and the link to the pdf version with supporters.

Joint Written Statement 74^th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe by EUPHA and other Non‐State Actors on Harnessing innovation for public health in the WHO European Region 2025–2030: Preparing for a new strategy

The European Public Health Association (EUPHA) and our co‐signatories commend the WHO’s prioritization of innovation as a core enabler of public health advancement in our region. Today’s health challenges – ranging from a surge in chronic non‐communicable diseases, including mental health problems and rare diseases, antimicrobial resistance, the health needs of children and ageing populations, to urbanization, resurgent vaccine‐preventable diseases, and widening inequalities in health—are complex and demand new transformative strategies. Traditional methods alone are insufficient; we need innovative solutions and a reimagined approach to health that integrates policy, science, and societal engagement. 
Read the full statement here.

Photo left: Left to right: Maria Papadakaki, Section president Injury prevention and safety promotion, Iveta Nagyova, EUPHA President, Charlotte Marchandise, EUPHA Executive Director, Sarah Abitbol, EUPHA Senior policy officer
Photo right: Iveta Nagyova, EUPHA President, Martin McKee, EUPHA Past-President, Charlotte Marchandise, EUPHA Executive Director

EUPHA welcomes and supports the Economist Group’s decision to cease its engagement with the tobacco industry

EUPHA will be happy to re-connect with the Economist Group and work jointly on their health initiatives, which have previously had an important and engaging policy impact. This statement follows the Economist Group’s decision to terminate their relationship with the tobacco industry, which confirms and supports their commitment to public health and public health policies. Read the full statement here.

Ethics and law for good public health praxis and policy

There are plans for a conference / roundtable on Ethics and law for good public health practice and policy, as well as a special supplement of Journal of public health on the issue. This is part of the initiative by EUPHA, ASPHER, Global Network for Academic Public Health, Faculty of Public Health  and other partners through the Public health ethics and law network to further advance the scholarship, the discourse and practice, as part of efforts to build ethicolegal competence and capacity of public health workforce and institutions. Issues to be covered will include: code of ethics and professional conduct for public health professionals and institutions; education and training; moral distress and injury; law, governance for climate action; and other areas.
If you require further information or wish to be participate / contribute to the conference or the supplement please contact: [email protected] 

ExACT has come to an end

The ExACT project (European network staff eXchange for integrAting precision health in the health Care sysTems) has been completed. The project aimed at building a community of academic and non-academic institutions generating high quality, multidisciplinary collaboration by exchanging knowledge in research and training activities on precision health.
EUPHA was a partner in this staff exchange and research project. Between 2019 and 2024, EUPHA hosted over 15 seconded staff who, in collaboration with VUMC (Amsterdam) and Erasmus MC (Rotterdam), worked on joint research agendas and increased their knowledge of the ins and outs of European public health. EUPHA carried out research on the Design and promote innovative citizen engagement models.A scoping review was conducted to identify citizen engagement initiatives in precision health. Findings highlighted a growing interest in digital engagement methods and the necessity for meaningful citizen participation in the evolution of personalized healthcare.Another task focused on assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of citizen engagement models by establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This involved developing a comprehensive set of indicators through focus group discussions with representatives of the ExACT consortium.
A third task EUPHA was involved in focused on developing a citizen engagement model to enhance communication between health professionals and citizens regarding precision health. To achieve this, a systematic review of existing initiatives, programs, and projects in personalized/precision health was conducted. The initiatives were categorized using the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) framework, which defines five levels of public engagement: Inform, Consult, Involve, Collaborate, and Empower. This structured approach helps identify the degree of public involvement in decision-making processes, ensuring that citizen voices are effectively integrated into precision health initiatives.

Research results were published:

Pezzullo AM, Sassano M, Hoxhaj I, PastorinoR, Boccia S. “Citizen Engagement Initiatives in Precision Health in the European Union MemberStates: A Scoping Review.” BMJ Open. 2021 Jul 9;11(7) doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045846. 

More results will soon be submitted to a scientific journal for peer review and publication. 
A summary video presenting the final results of the ExACT project is available here. More information on the project website.

3. European Public Health Conference

17^th EPH CONFERENCE, LISBON, PORTUGAL

Pre-Conferences 11 – 12 NOVEMBER
Main Conference 13 – 15 NOVEMBER
Theme: SAILING THE WAVES OF EUROPEAN PUBLIC HEALTH: EXPLORING A SEA OF INNOVATION

SAILING THE WAVES OF EUROPEAN PUBLIC HEALTH: EXPLORING A SEA OF INNOVATION

NOTICE: Main conference fully boooked

We have closed registration for the main EPH Conference since we have reached the maximum number of people allowed in the CCL with 3,000 delegates. Registration for the full main conference is no longer possible. Also not onsite in Lisbon. THERE IS NO WAITING LIST. Please do not contact registration about this. Registration for pre-conferences and for the Lusofonia Conferencia is still open. Onsite registration for these activities is possible.

Plenary programme

The plenary programme is a true journey of discovery of our theme for this year: Sailing the waves of European public health: exploring a sea of innovation. The journey takes us to the following thematic areas of public health:

Opening Ceremony. Wed 13 Nov. 11:45-12:45 Lisbon time. With Sara Cerdas, Former Member of the European Parliament 2019-2024, Portugal.

Plenary 1 Navigating the AI wave: overcoming barriers and unleashing the potential of AI in transforming European public health. Wed 13 Nov, 14:00–15:00, organised by WHO Regional Office for Europe, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, exploring how AI is transforming disease surveillance, healthcare delivery, and decision-making.

With Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, WHO Euro; Martin McKee, LSHTM; Lorena Boix, Deputy Director-General, DG SANTE, Robert Koch Institute; Dimitra Panteli, Observatory; Keyrellous Adib, WHO Euro; and Stefan Buttigieg, EUPHA Digital health section

Plenary 2 Global Health: how can European public health efforts contribute to global health solutions? Wed 13 Nov, 18:00–19:00. Organised by EUPHA and ASPHER.

With: Iveta Nagyova, President EUPHA; Henrique Barros, President ASPHER; Agnes Buzyn, former Minister of Health, France; Emma Rawson-Te Patu, President WFPHA; Charles Agyemang, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands; Moredreck Chibi, Innovation Lead WHO Euro.

Plenary 3 Tackling health inequalities in times of crisis. Thu 14 Nov, 10:30–11:30, organised by EuroHealthNet.

With: Fran Baum, The Stretton Institute, The University of Adelaide, Australia (by video message); Katarina Ivanković Knežević, Director for Social Rights and Inclusion, DG EMPL; Didier Jourdan, UNESCO Chair, University of Clermont-Auvergne, France; Jill Litt, University of Colorado, USA and Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), Spain; Caroline Costongs, Director EuroHealthNet.

Plenary 4 Harnessing social marketing for interdisciplinary health management: enhancing public health outcomes. Thu 14 Nov, 14:00–15:00, organised by European Health Management Association (EHMA).

With: Tiago Correia, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa and EHMA; Marina Macchiaiolo, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Italy; Stefano Capolongo, DABC Design & Health Lab, Italy; George Valiotis, Executive Director of Health Technology Assessment International (HTAi); Stanislava Boskovic, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London.

Plenary 5 One Health in Europe: from concept to practice. Fri 15 Nov, 10:30–11:30, organised by European Commission.

Keynote speaker Roser Domenech Amado, Director for One Health, DG SANTE. Panellists: Stef Bronzwaer, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA); Barbara Häsler, Royal Veterinary College, UK; Susana Guedes Pombo, Chief Veterinary Officer, Portugal, President World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH); Eva Zažímalová, Co-lead One Health Scientific Opinion.

Closing Ceremony. Friday 15 November, 15:15-16:00. With Ricardo Baptista Leite, President and Founder UNITE, Parliamentarians Network for Global Health.

Pre-conference programme

There are still plenty of places available in the pre-conference programme. The following sessions are the latest additions to the programme:

From insight to impact: advancing equitable vaccination across Europe (VACC), organised by RiseVac, RiverEU and AcToVax4NAM projects. This workshop will present the experience and knowledge from three EU co-funded projects which work with marginalized populations to increase vaccination uptake.

Best practices in EU-wide projects contributing to achieving the objectives of EU Health policies (NFP4) The European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) and Joint Action on increasing the capacity of National Focal Points (NFPs) bring together different actions funded under the EU4Health  and Horizon programmes. The focus is on prevention of non-communicable diseases, including cancer, and on vaccination.

Exploring the European Health Data Space: a journey guided by the HealthData@EU pilot project (EHDS)  This session will showcase how this innovative initiative contributes to unlocking EHDS’s potential for secondary health data use.  

Young Researchers’ Forum (YRF), organised by ASPHER and EUPHA.

You can add a pre-conference to your existing registration by sending an email with your preferred pre-conference to [email protected].

Other pre-conferences deal with thematic fields as cancer prevention; health literacy; Artificial Intelligence; social security, work and health; digital health; strategic foresight methodology; behavioural and cultural insights; prevention and preparedness; syndromic surveillance systems; enhancing your writing skills; and future health scenarios. Detailed information here.

Lunch symposium programme

We are pleased to announce an exciting lunch symposiums programme. Lunch symposiums are held during the extended lunch hours of the conference. Registration not required. Get your lunch in the Exhibition / Catering Area, walk in and join the session. 

Wed 13 Nov, 12:55–13:55 (Lisbon time)

Focus on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in older adults: Disease burden and the potential impact on public health of prevention, organised by GSK

Commercial determinants of NCDs in the WHO European Region: A call to action, organised by WHO Regional Office for Europe

Everything you want to know about EUPHA, organised by EUPHA

Thu 14 Nov, 12:55–13:55 (Lisbon time)

Late breaker Reimagining public health services in Ukraine: leadership and action for change amid the war, organised by USAID, Pact, Swiss TPH, European Institute of Public Health Policy (EIPHP)

Avoiding future Respiratory Tripledemics: what do we need to do collectively in Europe?, organised by Sanofi

Crawl, Walk, Run: a commonsense approach to data and system modernization for public health and disease surveillance programmes, organised by Conduent, Healthcare solutions

Fri 15 Nov, 12:55 – 13:55 (Lisbon time)

Data-driven health policies: Informed decision-making for Cervical Cancer elimination in Europe, organised by MSD

Mapping and changing the food environment in Europe: from theory to practice, organised by the European Public Health Nutrition Alliance (EPHNA)

The making of a Public Health Leader: unveiling leadership journeys, organised by EUPHAnxt, WHO Regional Office for Europe

Conferência de Saúde Pública da Lusofonia

Registration is through the EPH Conference registration panel. The Lusophone Conference is organized by EPH Conference, the Portuguese Association for Public Health (APPSP) and the National Association of Public Health Doctors (ANMSP). Read more here.

Conference venue

The 17^th EPH Conference will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, from 12 – 15 November 2024. Theme of the EPH conference 2024 is: Sailing the waves of European public health: exploring a sea of innovation. The main conference is from 13 – 15 November. Pre-conferences will be held on 11 and 12 November. The 17th EPH Conference will be held at the Lisbon Congress Center (CCL). Click here for a virtual tour.

4. European Journal of Public Health

Volume 34, Issue 5, October 2024

Editorials
Twenty years since the 2004 European Union enlargement: what does it mean for health? 
Rok Hrzic and Helmut Brand
Save the world or disappear: the fate of Public Health in an era of formidable challenges 
Walter Ricciardi

Health Services Research
Spatial disparities in access to NHS dentistry: a neighbourhood-level analysis in England 
Stephen D Clark
Guidelines to practice in hospitals at home: safe and effective continuous infusion pumps substantially increased penicillin use in erysipelas treatment 
Niina Metsä-Simola and others
Comparative evaluation of access to emicizumab (Hemlibra^®) for people with haemophilia A in community and hospital pharmacies in France 
Morgane Cabon and others
Differences in colorectal cancer awareness between screening eligible vs. ineligible Palestinians: a national cross-sectional study 
Mohamedraed Elshami and others

Infectious diseases
Mortality and comorbidities in a Nationwide cohort of HIV-infected adults: comparison to a matched non-HIV adults’ cohort, France, 2006–18 
Alexandre Vallée and others
Coming of age: governance challenges in updated AMR national action plans in the EU 
Daniel E Carelli and others
Changes in Chlamydia trachomatis risk before and after union formation and separation among women of reproductive age 
Niina S Metsä-Simola and others
Designing, piloting and evaluating (through a matched pre- and post-implementation survey) a targeted e-learning resource on antimicrobial resistance for public health professionals 
Hannah M Taylor and others

COVID-19
The reflective measurement model of adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in accordance with normalization process theory (NPT) in coherent and convenient social subgroups: PLS-SEM analysis 
Magda Pletikosa Pavic and others
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on electronic referrals to rapid access clinics for suspected breast, lung and prostate cancers in Ireland 
Niamh Bambury and others
Evaluating changes in the well-being of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal cohort study 
Djoeke Besselink and others

Maternal health
Socioeconomic inequalities in the uptake of postpartum care at home across Dutch neighbourhoods 
Leonie A Daalderop and others
Does social need fulfillment moderate the association between socioeconomic status and health risk behaviours during pregnancy? 
Stella Weiland and others
Effects of home care and e-mobile training/consultancy on women’s postpartum symptoms and breastfeeding self-efficacy: a randomized clinical trial 
Seda Karaçay Yıkar and Evşen Nazik

Overweight/obesity
Temporal trends and educational inequalities in obesity, overweight and underweight in pre-pregnant women and their male partners: a decade (2010–2019) with no progress in Sweden 
Thomas Vogt and others
Associations of neighborhood social cohesion and changes in BMI—The Maastricht Study 
Jeffrey A Chan and others
The Erasmus+ EUMOVE project—a school-based promotion of healthy lifestyles to prevent obesity in European children and adolescents 
Abel Ruiz-Hermosa and others

Tobacco
Are educational aspirations associated with susceptibility to smoking, e-cigarette use, and smokeless tobacco use in adolescence? 
Hanna Ollila and others
The impact of the introduction of tobacco product plain packaging on consumer responses in Ireland: a real-world policy evaluation stratified by socioeconomic groups 
Aishling Sheridan and others

Alcohol and substance use
The prevalence of alcohol-related deaths in autopsies performed in Lithuania between 2017 and 2020: a cross-sectional study 
Laura Miščikienė and others
Academic orientation and cannabis use—findings from a population-based study of Swedish adolescents in upper secondary school 
Isabella Gripe and others

Environment
Editor’s Choice
Environmental impact of dietary patterns in 10 European countries; a cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative dietary surveys 
Ricardo Alves and others
Development and validation of the Environmental Health Literacy Index: a new tool to assess the environmental health literacy among university students 
Maria Fiore and others
Physiological responses to heat exposure in a general population cohort in Denmark: the Lolland–Falster Health Study 
Nikolaj Nøhr and others
Attributable deaths in Austria due to ozone under different climate scenarios 
Hanns Moshammer and others

Correction
Correction to: Impact of different age ranges on the benefits and harms of the breast cancer screening programme by the EU-TOPIA tool 

European Public Health News
Rethinking public health communication 
Charlotte Marchandise and others

5. Call for proposals, job opportunities

Call for Editors’ for the Journal of Health Services Research & Policy

The Journal of Health Services Research & Policy aims to bring together health services research and rigorous policy analysis, and to engage in, and respond to, current policy and scientific debates. JHSRP is a small, niche, non-for-profit journal published by SAGE Publications Ltd. Deadline for initial expressions of interest: 8th November 2024 (early applications may be prioritised). Click here to learn more.

Job vacancies at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)

• Scientific Officer Respiratory Viruses and Legionella. The application deadline expires on 22 Nov 2024.
• Principal Expert Respiratory Viruses. The application deadline expires on 28 Nov 2024.

For more information, please visit the ECDC website here.

6. Interesting news

Personalised Prevention: the PROPHET project elaborates a Strategic Agenda and nine concrete challenges for the future of public health

On October 1, 2024, the first draft of the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) for the EU-funded PROPHET (“a PeRsOnalized Prevention roadmap for the future HEalThcare”) project was unveiled in Stockholm at a dedicated event. The agenda identifies nine major challenges in advancing personalised prevention in healthcare. These include creating a continuous evidence synthesis system, improving data collection and integration, developing suitable infrastructures, and fostering community engagement to build trust. The SRIA also addresses regulatory frameworks, collaboration with the private sector, ensuring equity and access, and tackling ethical, legal, and social issues. Each challenge is followed by specific objectives, concrete actions to overcome them, timelines, assigned responsibilities, clear output indicators and necessary financial resources.
The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders—patient organizations, healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers—who provided critical feedback on the draft. A key feature of the project is its collaborative approach. The SRIA is being developed through a platform that allows all interested actors to register and co-create (PROPHET Stakeholder Forum). Their insights will help refine the agenda as it moves towards its final version, expected by September 2025. Read the press release here.

7. Upcoming courses and conferences

8. Interesting publications

Turning the global health and care workforce crisis into action: the pathway to effective evidence-based policy and implementation

Authors:Tiago Correia, Ellen Kuhlmann, Gabriela Lotta, André Beja, Rita Morais, Tomas Zapata, James Campbell
Int J Health Plann Mgmt, 2024
Click here to read the article.

9. European Institutions’ news

A New Commission

As a reminder:

• The European Parliament (EP) = Elected by the people, represents EU citizens, and helps shape laws.

• The European Commission (COM) = The executive branch, proposes laws, enforces policies, and manages day-to-day EU operations.

• The Council of the EU = Represents Member States, co-decides on laws with the EP.

Every five years, the EU goes through a legislative renewal. In June 2024, the European Parliament (EP) elections resulted in a significant shift towards the right. Following the elections, each Member State proposed two candidates (a man and a woman), and Ursula von der Leyen, re-elected as President of the European Commission in July, selected her preferred Commissioners. These candidates then undergo hearings before the EP, which must approve their appointments.

Once confirmed, the new Commission will set its agenda for the next five years. While the full agenda has yet to be finalized, several indicators suggest a shift in priorities:

• Ursula von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines presented during her re-election bid.

• The selection of Olivér Várhelyi as Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare.

• Várhelyi’s Mission Letter outlining his responsibilities.

• The Mario Draghi report on European competitiveness, commissioned by von der Leyen (in full here) 

• The Strategic agenda 2024-2029 – Consilium of the Council 

These signals point to a shift away from the previous Commission’s focus on the European Green Deal, which aimed for climate neutrality by 2050, toward an emphasis on competitiveness. This change places public health lower on the EU policy agenda. It’s also worth noting that Várhelyi’s confirmation is not guaranteed, as he faces skepticism and opposition within the Parliament.

European Parliaments’ ongoing debates

The SANT and EMPL committees are expected to release a joint report on the healthcare workforce soon, with discussions ongoing about which committee will take the lead on this critical issue.
The Parliament is still debating whether to transfer health responsibilities from the ENVI committee to the newly formed SANT committee. Critics argue that this move could weaken the integrated One Health approach, which links human, animal, and environmental health, potentially undermining holistic public health strategies.

Climate and Environmental Health

Launch of COP16 on Biodiversity. 
The 21st of October marks the launch of COP16 on Biodiversity, where global leaders will gather to address urgent issues related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. This conference sets the stage for new frameworks to protect ecosystems and species worldwide.
Read more here.

COP29 Climate Summit Final Declarations Published

The COP29 Presidency has released the final texts of declarations and pledges for the upcoming UN Climate Summit, setting the groundwork for enhanced global climate commitments. These declarations focus on accelerating climate action and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Read more here.

Digital Health and Innovation

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA) have released a draft strategy and are seeking public input on how to adapt to innovations like personalized medicine and digital health tools, with the goal of improving access and safety of medicines across Europe. 

Mental Health and Well-being

To mark World Mental Health Day, the European Commission is launching an EU Support Package on Stigma and the “In This Together” campaign, backed by €18 million in funding, to break down barriers to mental health care across Europe. Click here to read more.

Resilience and Preparedness

EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA)
The first-ever funding agreement under HERA marks a crucial step in strengthening pandemic preparedness. By investing in vaccine development and stockpiling essential medical supplies, this initiative lays the foundation for a rapid, coordinated EU response to future health crises, ensuring that Europe is better equipped to protect its citizens from emerging cross-border health threats. 
Click here to read more.

Past events & recordings from the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies

Health for All Policies spotlight series: How health and health systems contribute to the SDGs

• The role of the health sector in tackling climate change (SDG13), 1 October 2024
• Health and health system effects on poverty, 8 October 2024 
• Co-benefits from health and health systems to education, 15 October 2024 
• The Observatory’s sessions at the European Health Forum Gastein – The full schedule of our sessions and contributions to EHFG2024 is on our website, with links to recordings.

WHO and European Observatory join efforts to strengthen financing of rehabilitation services in Ukraine

New research launched by WHO Ukraine, in collaboration with the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and the WHO Barcelona Office for Health Systems Financing, will map the current landscape of rehabilitation services in a sample of European countries, with the goal of outlining policy decisions that can strengthen rehabilitation care in Ukraine through its health system’s financing. The study will seek to assess how countries across Europe finance rehabilitation services in health systems and leverage these experiences to inform and shape Ukraine’s own financing of rehabilitation care. Read more here.

10. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control news

Eurosurveillance – Volume 29, Issue 40, 03 October 2024

Rapid communication
Effectiveness of influenza vaccines in children aged 6 to 59 months: a test-negative case–control study at primary care and hospital level, Spain 2023/24
Gloria Pérez-Gimeno, Clara Mazagatos, Nicola Lorusso, Luca Basile, Isabel Martínez-Pino, Francisca Corpas Burgos, Noa Batalla Rebolla, Mercedes B Rumayor Zarzuelo, Blanca Andreu Ivorra, Jaume Giménez Duran, Daniel Castrillejo, Inés Guiu Cañete, ao

Research
Potentially zoonotic pathogens and parasites in opportunistically sourced urban brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) in and around Helsinki, Finland, 2018 to 2023
Tuomas Aivelo, Hussein Alburkat, Nina Suomalainen, Rebekka Kukowski, Petra Heikkinen, Antti Oksanen, Otso Huitu, Rauni Kivistö  and Tarja Sironen
Detection of airborne wild waterbird-derived DNA demonstrates potential for transmission of avian influenza virus via air inlets into poultry houses, the Netherlands, 2021 to 2022
Alex Bossers, Myrna MT de Rooij, Isabella van Schothorst, Francisca C Velkers  and Lidwien AM Smit
Attribution of invasive group A streptococcal infections (iGAS) to predisposing viral infections, the Netherlands, 2010 to 2023
Brechje de Gier, Jan van de Kassteele, Liselotte van Asten, Annelot F Schoffelen, ISIS-AR study group, Mariette Hooiveld, Margreet JM te Wierik, Nina M van Sorge  and Hester E de Melker

Miscellaneous
Eurosurveillance annual theme 2025: Eurosurveillance opens submissions on vaccine-preventable diseases in humans — today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities
Eurosurveillance editorial team

Eurosurveillance – Volume 29, Issue 41, 10 October 2024

Rapid communication
Enhanced laboratory surveillance of respiratory infection disclosed the rapid rise of enterovirus D68 cases, northern Italy, August to September 2024
Elena Pariani, Antonio Piralla, Laura Pellegrinelli, Federica Giardina, Vincenzo Navobi Porrello, Greta Romano, Cristina Galli, Laura Sandri, Guglielmo Ferrari, Sandro Binda, Luigi Vezzosi, Gabriele Del Castillo, Sabrina Buoro, Danilo Cereda, Fausto Baldanti, ao

Systematic Review
Airport and luggage (Odyssean) malaria in Europe: a systematic review
Luisa K Hallmaier-Wacker, Merel D van Eick, Olivier Briët, Hugues Delamare, Gerhard Falkenhorst, Sandrine Houzé, Harold Noël, Javiera Rebolledo, Wim Van Bortel  and Céline M Gossner

Surveillance
Locally acquired malaria: a retrospective analysis of long-term surveillance data, European France, 1995 to 2022
Hugues Delamare, Arnaud Tarantola, Marc Thellier, Clémentine Calba, Olivier Gaget, Paul-Henri Consigny, Frederic Simard, Sylvie Manguin, Elise Brottet, Marie-Claire Paty, Sandrine Houze, Henriette De Valk  and Harold Noël

Research
Early unrecognised SARS-CoV-2 introductions shaped the first pandemic wave, Sweden, 2020
Robert Dyrdak, Emma B Hodcroft, Sandra Broddesson, Malin Grabbe, Hildur Franklin, Magnus Gisslén, Maricris E Holm, Magnus Lindh, Joanna Nederby-Öhd, Johan Ringlander, Martin Sundqvist, Richard A Neher  and Jan Albert
Association between delayed outbreak identification and SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality among long-term care home residents, Ontario, Canada, March to November 2020: a cohort study
Kevin A Brown, Sarah A Buchan, Adrienne K Chan, Andrew Costa, Nick Daneman, Gary Garber, Michael Hillmer, Aaron Jones, James M Johnson, Dylan Kain, Kamil Malikov, Richard G Mather, Allison McGeer, Kevin L Schwartz, Nathan M Stall  and Jennie Johnstone

Eurosurveillance – Volume 29, Issue 42, 17 October 2024

Rapid communication
Epidemiological analysis of confirmed mpox cases, Burundi, 3 July to 9 September 2024
Alexis Nizigiyimana, Francois Ndikumwenayo, Sarah Houben, Martin Manirakiza, Monique van Lettow, Laurens Liesenborghs, Placide Mbala-Kingebeni, Anne W Rimoin, Isaac I Bogoch  and Jason Kindrachuk
Monkeypox Clade Ib virus introduction into Burundi: first findings, July to mid-August 2024
Néhémie Nzoyikorera, Cassien Nduwimana, Leonard Schuele, David F Nieuwenhuijse, Marion Koopmans, Saria Otani, Frank M Aarestrup, Théogène Ihorimbere, Denis Niyomwungere, Armstrong Ndihokubwayo, Idrissa Diawara, Alexis Niyomwungere, ao
Diagnostic and surveillance testing capability for mpox in the EU/EEA, September 2024
Nina Lagerqvist, Jessica Beser, Tamás Bakonyi, Céline M Gossner  and Daniel Palm

Surveillance
Sweden surpasses the UNAIDS 95-95-95 target: estimating HIV-1 incidence, 2003 to 2022
Erik Lundgren, Macauley Locke, Ethan Romero-Severson, Mira Dimitrijevic, Maria Axelsson, Emmi Andersson, Christina Carlander, Johanna Brännström, Hans Norrgren, Fredrik Mansson, Olof Elvstam, Magnus Gisslén, Lisa Fohlin, Anders Sönnerborg, Jan Albert  and Thomas Leitner

Perspective
Highly pathogenic avian influenza management policy in domestic poultry: from reacting to preventing
Timothée Vergne, Mathilde C Paul, Claire Guinat, Mattias Delpont, Brandon H Hayes, Sébastien Lambert , Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt  and Jean-Luc Guérin

Letter
Letter to the Editor: First detection of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis XDR clinical isolate harbouring an RpoB I491F mutation in a Ukrainian patient treated in Germany, October 2023
Florian Heger  and Alexander Indra

Eurosurveillance – Volume 29, Issue 43, 24 October 2024

Surveillance
Increasing trends in hepatitis E hospitalisations in Spain, 1997 to 2019
María Guerrero-Vadillo, Marina Peñuelas, Rocío Carmona, Inmaculada León-Gómez  and Carmen Varela

Research
Contact behaviour before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands: evidence from contact surveys, 2016 to 2017 and 2020 to 2023
Jantien A Backer, Eric R A Vos, Gerco den Hartog, Cheyenne C E van Hagen, Hester E de Melker, Fiona R M van der Klis  and Jacco Wallinga

Perspective
Developing a European framework for the prevention of communicable diseases: three points for attention
Daniel H de Vries, Mandy Geise, Anna Christina Maukner, Piotr Kramarz, Charlotte Deogan  and John Kinsman

Author’s correction
Authors’ correction for Euro Surveill. 2024;29(42)
Eurosurveillance editorial team

11. WHO news

Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge nominated by Member States to serve as WHO Regional Director for Europe for a second 5-year term

The Member States of the WHO European Region have nominated Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge to the office of WHO Regional Director for Europe for a second 5-year term, which will begin in February 2025 after his formal election by the WHO Executive Board. 
Public health priorities for the coming half-decade will focus on critical areas including national health security, mental health, the climate crisis and gender-based violence
Read more here.

Advancing the implementation of the One Health approach in the WHO European Region

The health of humans, animals and ecosystems is linked – this has long been noted. With this interconnectedness comes the risk of spreading many types of infectious diseases, as was highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. An integrated One Health approach addresses these linkages and vulnerabilities, aiming to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems through multisectoral and disciplinary collaboration. 
Read more here.

Alarming decline in adolescent condom use, increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies, reveals new WHO report

New report reveals high rates of unprotected sex among adolescents across Europe, with significant implications for health and safety
An urgent report from the WHO Regional Office for Europe reveals that condom use among sexually active adolescents has declined significantly since 2014, with rates of unprotected sex worryingly high. This is putting young people at significant risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. The new data were published as part of the multi-part Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, which surveyed over 242 000 15-year-olds across 42 countries and regions in 2014–2022.
Read more here.

Accelerating digital health transformation in Europe: a two-year progress report

Digital transformation of health care is picking up across the WHO European Region, according to WHO/Europe’s progress report on the Regional digital health action plan for the WHO European Region 2023–2030. The report is accompanied by a new set of illustrative actions which reflect evolving needs and latest advancements in digital health. It provides an overview of significant progress made to date across all 18 key focus areas outlined in the action plan, driving innovation, improving access to care, and strengthening health systems.
Read more here.

WHO European Region Member States adopt new vision for resilient and sustainable health systems

The 53 Member States of the WHO European Region have adopted a new framework on resilient and sustainable health systems, marking a significant shift in the vision for health delivery across the Region. Building on the Tallinn Charter: Health Systems for Health and Wealth, and on the 2023 Tallinn outcome statement, the new framework is a blueprint for countries to adopt and set out a transformational agenda for strengthening health systems, ensuring that they are resilient, sustainable, and responsive to the diverse needs of populations in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Read more here.

WHO Director-General’s remarks at the 74th session of the Regional Committee for Europe – 29 October 2024

Listen to the opening remarks here.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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