Starting on 13 September 2021, health ministers and high-level representatives of partner organizations and civil society from across the WHO European Region will gather online for the 71st session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC71).
Taking place in a virtual format for the second year running, this year’s agenda covers a wide range of health issues including: lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, recommendations and conclusions of the report by the Pan-European Commission on Health and Sustainable Development, and the role of primary health care. It will also see sessions on 2 flagship initiatives of the European Programme of Work 2020–2025 (EPW) – “United Action for Better Health in Europe”: the European Immunization Agenda 2030 and the Mental Health Coalition. Both the Director General and the Regional Director will report on WHO’s actions and the state of health in the world and the European Region.
In addition to these topics, delegates will discuss how to strengthen WHO, make its financing more sustainable and further improve its support to countries. They will also appoint new members to WHO governing bodies and committees at regional and global levels, and accredit non-state actors who play a crucial role in WHO’s work across the Region.
Following the plenary session, a range of briefings and side events are organized, scheduled on 16–17 September, to foster discussions on a variety of topical health issues, such as climate change and health, the health of people with disabilities, health in prisons, access to affordable medicines, and alcohol control policies.
The plenary session, as well as the briefings and side events, will be streamed live, starting at 9:00 Central European Summer Time on Monday 13 September 2021. Participants are also invited to follow WHO/Europe’s official social media accounts, and engage in the conversation online using the hashtag #RC71CPH.
European Programme of Work
This year’s session of the Regional Committee will build support and seek endorsement for the launch of two of the EPW’s flagships.
One of these, the European Immunization Agenda 2030, envisions a world where everyone, everywhere, at every age fully benefits from vaccines for good health and well-being. Immunization has proven crucial in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the full potential of vaccines to protect more people from vaccine-preventable disease is still to be realized.
In addition, a session on mental health brings together delegates and ministers ahead of the planned launch of the Mental Health Coalition flagship later this year. Improving support for, and investment in, already under-resourced mental health services has taken on a greater urgency as a result of the pandemic. The long-term effects of lockdowns, fears for personal health and safety, and isolation from close family and friends are yet to be seen and pose a pressing concern for health authorities.
The discussions at RC71 will build on the recent declaration made at the Athens Mental Health Summit in July of this year, where health authorities reaffirmed their commitment to existing resolutions on mental health, a key part of achieving universal health coverage.
Learning for the future from the COVID-19 pandemic
One of the pillars of WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work, as well as the EPW, focuses on ensuring more people are better protected from health emergencies. COVID-19 constitutes a health emergency that has been affecting billions of people around the world for over 20 months.
This session will draw on the experiences and expertise of health authorities across the Region, highlighting the lessons learned from the pandemic so far. It will also consider where improvements can be made to inform the current response and ensure we are better prepared for future public health threats that have a far-reaching impact on health and other systems and the societies they serve.
Report of the Pan-European Commission on Health and Sustainable Development
In 2020, WHO/Europe convened a commission of political, economic and scientific leaders chaired by Professor Mario Monti, President of Bocconi University and former Prime Minister of Italy and European Commissioner, and supported by a scientific advisory board, with the task of rethinking policy priorities in the light of pandemics. Following a year of research and reflection, the Commission has produced its final report with several objectives and related recommendations to guide governments in responding better to health threats. Delegates will have an opportunity at RC71 to consider and respond to the report’s conclusions and recommendations.
Transforming primary health care
During the pandemic, primary health care systems have responded to the unprecedented surge in health and care needs, while ensuring the continuity of essential services. Throughout the summer, WHO/Europe has published “country vignettes” – showing how primary health care systems in countries have shaped this transformation.
By showcasing the vignettes, WHO/Europe seeks to promote cross-country exchange of information and experiences, to inspire action among decision-makers and accelerate ongoing reforms in primary health care.
Health and care workers
The year 2021 has been designated the International Year of Health and Care Workers by WHO – recognizing their dedication to providing care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the crucial role they play in supporting health and social care systems around the world.
A ministerial briefing will take place on the need to invest in the training and professional development of health workers. Sustainable investment will be required to build a resilient health and care workforce — essential to achieving universal health coverage.
