EUPHA Connect - March 2025

Standing up for science, standing up for public health

This past month has been a stark reminder of why we do what we do. I (Charlotte) had a simple accident - a fall - that turned into a firsthand experience of the incredible dedication of healthcare professionals. From the paramedics who arrived swiftly to the doctors and nurses who provided expert care, each person played a vital role in my recovery. It was a humbling moment and a powerful testament to the importance of strong, well-supported health systems and the people who sustain them. Public health is not an abstract concept - it is lived every day, in moments of crisis and care.

One other thing I witnessed closely was the immense burden carried by caregivers, showing incredible resilience while facing significant risks to their own health. During COVID-19, we applauded these heroes, but applause is not enough. We must do more to support those who care for us. We need well-trained, compassionate communities and peer-to-peer support to face the challenges ahead, whether it’s an aging society, floods, climate change, or war. This includes recognizing the unsung heroes in our communities, like the woman who, following my accident, picked me up off the street, called for paramedics, stayed with me, and covered me with a blanket. Her kindness was a reminder of how vital community care is, particularly in times of crisis.

Yet, even as we celebrate the dedication of health workers, we cannot ignore the mounting challenges facing public health and science itself. Attacks on scientific integrity are increasing worldwide, undermining research, evidence-based decision-making, and ultimately, population health. These threats are not confined to one country or region; they have global consequences. That is why EUPHA proudly supports the Stand Up for Science movement, advocating for independent, publicly funded research free from political interference.

Earlier this month, we hosted a crucial webinar on this issue, bringing together experts to discuss how Europe can take a leadership role in safeguarding scientific knowledge, skills, and resources. If you missed the live session, you can watch the recording here. Now, more than ever, we must stand together - across disciplines, across borders - to protect the foundations of public health.

Tit Albreht , EUPHA President

Charlotte Marchandise , Executive Director

European Public Health Week 2025: event submission now open!

The event submission platform for European Public Health Week (12–16 May 2025) is now open. We invite organisations and individuals across Europe to contribute by hosting an event aligned with this year’s theme: "Innovation for Resilience: Shaping a Sustainable Future."

Events may take various forms, including webinars, workshops, local initiatives, and policy discussions, and can be held in-person, online, or hybrid. To support organisers, we have developed an event guidebook with practical guidance on planning and promotion.

We encourage you to take part and help advance the public health dialogue. Submit your event by 5 May 2025.

Upcoming EUPHA Section webinars

Our Sections continue to be busy, bringing together experts from across Europe and beyond to discuss key public health challenges, share insights, and explore solutions. Join upcoming sessions to stay informed and engage with the latest research and policy developments.

• Using Co-design to reimagine the regulation of digital drug information infrastructures in the EU

4 April, 11:00 – 12:00 CET Organised by the Foresight Section

This webinar will explore the potential of co-design methodologies to address the regulatory challenges surrounding digitizing drug safety information. Click here to register.

• Yogurt consumption is associated with poorer sleep outcomes cross-sectionally, but not long-term

24 April, 16:00 – 17:00 CET Organised by the Chronic Disease Section

While the effects of sleep on diet are well-documented, growing research suggests that diet may also influence sleep quality. This webinar will examine a study investigating the relationship between dairy consumption and sleep health. Click here to register.

EUPHA experts featured in 20 Minutes on public health and anti-science trends

Charlotte Marchandise and Martin McKee have been featured in 20 Minutes discussing the historical lessons from the 1930s and the dangers of anti-science policies. Their insights highlight the importance of evidence-based decision-making in public health and the risks posed by political narratives that undermine scientific integrity.

Read the full article in 20 Minutes (in French).

Enhancing leadership skills in public health – new EJPH supplement available

The European Journal of Public Health (EJPH) has published the first of a two-part supplement focused on enhancing leadership skills in public health. This collection of articles explores key strategies, challenges, and innovations in leadership development, equipping public health professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to drive meaningful change.

We invite you to explore the latest research and insights that can help strengthen leadership capacity in the public health field.

Read the supplement here.

EUPHA Health and Care Workforce Mid-term Conference

On 20-21 March 2025, experts gathered in Budapest, Hungary, for the EUPHA Health and Care Workforce Section Mid-term Conference, focusing on innovation, resilience, and policy solutions for workforce challenges. Representatives from WHO Europe, the European Commission, academia, and research institutions shared insights through keynotes, panel discussions, and presentations.

Key discussions

• Day 1 focused on workforce optimization, skills development, and strategies to improve mental well-being among healthcare professionals.
• Day 2 explored policy advocacy, resilience, and geographical disparities in workforce distribution.

Five takeaways:

1. Addressing work-related stress and burnout is a priority.
2. International collaboration is key to sustainable workforce policies.
3. Task shifting and multi-disciplinary teamwork help tackle workforce shortages.
4. Digital skills training and AI integration enhance efficiency and patient care.
5. Young healthcare professionals should play a larger role in decision-making.

The conference successfully gathered experts from around the world to discuss current challenges in the health workforce and explore future strategies for their sustainability, emphasizing innovation, resilience and strategic policy-making across Europe.

EUPHA contributes to the European Commission's Foresight Strategy

EUPHA has contributed to the European Commission’s Strategic Foresight 2025 consultation, advocating for resilience, preparedness, and cross-sector collaboration in public health policymaking. Through its Foresight Section, EUPHA highlights the importance of anticipating and addressing future health challenges before they emerge.

A forward-looking approach is essential as Europe faces rapid changes, from climate and digital transformation to security risks and demographic shifts. To strengthen public health resilience, EUPHA recommends:

• Embedding foresight-driven policymaking in EU health strategies.
• Strengthening scenario planning for geopolitical, climate, and technological risks.
• Investing in AI-driven early warning systems.
• Integrating public health foresight into security, digitalization, and climate policies.
• Developing EU-wide frameworks for pandemic preparedness and antimicrobial resistance.

Public health foresight is key to security, sustainability, and resilience. Read more about our recommendations.

EUPHA contributes to the European Internal Security Strategy

EUPHA, in collaboration with GLEPHA, is advocating for a prevention-first, evidence-based approach that places public health at the core of European security policy. The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and the spread of misinformation have highlighted vulnerabilities in Europe’s security landscape. A strong and equitable security strategy must recognize that protecting public health is essential for maintaining peace and stability.

Our key recommendations include:

• Integrating public health into security policies to promote equity-driven, climate-conscious decision-making.
• Strengthening the public health workforce to enhance crisis response and resilience.
• Creating joint training programs for law enforcement and public health professionals to improve cooperation.
• Tackling misinformation by enforcing stronger regulations on digital platforms.

Security is about people, communities, and resilience. Read more about our contributions to the strategy.

EUPHA President speaks at Greece Cancer Summit

EUPHA President Tit Albreht recently spoke at the Fifth Annual Greece Cancer Summit, joining a panel on the importance of National Cancer Plans (NCPs) in the EU. NCPs are key to effective cancer prevention, treatment, and care, yet their implementation varies across countries.

The discussion explored successful national strategies, Greece’s scientific priorities, and whether its plan meets the needs of patients and healthcare professionals. Panelists also considered how the EU can hold member states accountable for implementation and how monitoring tools, such as dashboards, can track progress.