Health In Europe
Welcome to the Health In Europe podcast from the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Our Region is broad and diverse. We work with fascinating and driven individuals and groups. This podcast is about hearing their stories and how it might impact your day-to-day life.
S7 E3 · Mon, March 17, 2025
Medevac
Crisis and conflict dominate the headlines. The ongoing war in Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory have brought death, destruction and displacement. But among the major disasters and conflicts. It's important to look for the stories of the people who are helping. As we mark over 5,000 medical evacuations from Ukraine, in this episode of Health in Europe, we'll share stories about some of the sick and injured people who have been transported away from war zones and other emergencies, and of their welcome, medical treatment, recovery and eventual repatriation. We'll also explore the Region's Emergency Medical Teams to learn about people who, with sometimes only hours notice, drop everything to travel to emergency zones. Who are they and what motivates them?
S7 E2 · Thu, March 06, 2025
Celebrating Women in Science
Stories of strength and dedication to mark International Women’s Day For International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of three remarkable women working at the forefront of global health. Margaux Mesle, Ana Paula Coutinho Rehse and Harsh Lata work for the WHO Regional Office for Europe’s World Health Emergency programme (WHE) which sits at the centre of global coordination, preparation and response to disease outbreaks and emergencies. Their journeys into science, their challenges, and their advice for future generations are both inspiring and enlightening.
S7 E1 · Wed, February 26, 2025
How To Talk to Children About Suicide
When we hear the word suicide, many of us instinctively recoil. The word is taboo in everyday life. For family members who have lost somebody to suicide, this stigma can make grieving even more complex. People may struggle to explain the loss and how they feel about it to friends, colleagues, and other family members. But how do you explain suicide to a young child? What words should you use? How do you support them? In June 2024, Ireland's National Office for Suicide Prevention published an illustrated children's book called Safe Harbour, to help parents and carers talk to children bereaved by suicide. The book, written by Patricia Ford and illustrated by Bronna Lee, encapsulates much of what suicide bereavement is about, navigating a world that is both completely new and oddly normal. For this episode of Health in Europe, we are looking at suicide bereavement with Safe Harbour as our compass. DOWNLOAD SAFE HARBOUR: You can download the book and its resources at https://www.childhoodbereavement.ie/safeharbour PLEASE NOTE: This episode of Health in Europe covers the theme of suicide and contains an account of suicide bereavement. If you are thinking of ending your life, please reach out to family and friends or to a local suicide helpline. If you are unsure of helplines in your area, please visit: https://findahelpline.com
S6 E8 · Mon, September 09, 2024
Learning lessons from the last pandemic
In this turbulent world, it’s tempting to move on and forget the difficult days of COVID-19. Although the impact of the COVID pandemic is far-reaching, and for many, ongoing, as priorities shift, people are thinking less about the last pandemic or the possibility of another one. We risk falling into yet another cycle of panic and neglect. In episode 6 of Not If, But When, we ask, what are the challenges for the public health experts trying to apply the lessons of the last pandemic, and working to strengthen the global systems for preventing future ones? We speak to Catherine Smallwood, former WHO Regional Office for Europe’s Senior Emergency Officer and Programme Manager (Emergency Operations), about the systems in place that guide health emergency preparedness and response. We hear from Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme, about why, despite increasing and overlapping emergencies, he’s optimistic that the world will find ways to work together to combat global threats.
S6 E7 · Tue, August 20, 2024
Dengue
In tropical and subtropical countries, the virus causing dengue is spiking. Close to an historic high of over 6 million cases and more than 7,000 dengue-related deaths were reported in over 80 countries and territories in 2023. Most places in Europe remain too cool to favour the mosquito or the virus, but imported dengue cases have been rising in the European region and the impact of climate change appears to be shifting the picture. To find out more about dengue and the family of viruses it belongs to, called arboviruses, Alice Allan speaks to Marc-Alain Widdowson, high threat pathogens technical lead at the WHO Regional Office for Europe and medical entomologist Luca Facchinelli. To learn more about Italy’s work on dengue prevention and communication, she speaks to Flavia Riccardo, an epidemiologist in the Infectious Disease Department of the Italian National Institute of Health, and her colleague from the Institute’s press office, Pier David Malloni.
S6 E6 · Fri, August 02, 2024
Influenza past, present and future
The first of the three influenza pandemics that occurred in the 20th century is estimated to have killed over 50 million people. Based on scientific advances, what do we know about the 1918-20 pandemic? What lessons does it teach about preventing pandemics and containing outbreaks when they do occur? Richard Pebody, director clinical and emerging infections of the UKs health security agency, explores the deadly 1918-20 pandemic. Thorsten Wolff, head of the Division for Influenza and other Respiratory Viruses, talks us through the scientific discoveries that helped to explain the virus that caused the 1918-20 pandemic, and the ongoing work of the National Influenza centre in Berlin. Nicola Lewis, Director of the Worldwide Centre for Influenza at the Francis Crick Institute, UK, explains their work to monitor seasonal flu and pick up changes in flu strains that could have pandemic potential.
S6 E6 · Tue, June 25, 2024
Mpox
The 2022 mpox outbreak has taught public health authorities a lot about the value of working with communities on important areas like testing, vaccination, and risk communication. Lessons that can be applied to other disease outbreaks. Mpox is back in the news; there are sporadic clusters of cases in our region, and, in Central and West Africa, two strains of the virus continue to cause suffering and death. In this episode, we speak to Rosamund Lewis, Emergency Manager & Technical Lead for the global mpox response at WHO Headquarters, about the current situation. Cristiana Salvi, who leads the Risk Communication and Community Engagement unit for WHO regional Office for Europe explains the importance of community insights in the mpox response. We also hear from epidemiologist Mateo Prochaska Nunez on the combination of factors that brought the outbreak under control and the measures needed to keep the virus in check.
S6 E5 · Fri, May 24, 2024
H5N1 - The Bird Flu
In this episode, we are putting a special focus on the H5N1 bird flu. We explore the ongoing efforts to prepare for future pandemics by speaking with experts like Peter Sousa Hoejskov, who explains the constant risk of zoonotic diseases jumping from animals to humans, and Maria van Kerkhove, who emphasizes the importance of global surveillance and preparedness in the face of potential influenza pandemics. The discussion sheds light on how close human-animal interactions, even in regions like Europe, keep the threat of these diseases ever-present. The insightful contributions from leading scientists provide a comprehensive understanding of why we must remain vigilant and proactive. Tune in to Health in Europe with host Alice Allan to discover what’s being done to protect us all from the next pandemic - not if but when. (Interviews for this podcast were recorded in early May 2024)
S6 E4 · Thu, May 16, 2024
The Journey of a Student Nurse
We turn our attention to the world of nursing through the compelling lens of Stefanie Fernandes and Francisco Ferraz. Francisco, a passionate third-year nursing student from Portugal, brings us into the heart of his journey—navigating the intricate balance of emotional connections and the systemic challenges within healthcare. From his night shifts in the pediatric intensive care unit to the poignant stories that shape his vocation, Francisco's experiences offer a raw and insightful look at the realities of nursing. This episode not only highlights the indispensable role of nurses but also underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to better support these healthcare heroes. Join us as we dive into the essence of what it means to care, to endure, and to strive for change in a profession that is both profoundly rewarding and undeniably demanding. Find out more about nursing: https://www.who.int/europe/health-topics/nursing
S6 E3 · Wed, May 08, 2024
Disease X
What are we doing to prepare for the next pandemic? We go behind the scenes at WHO and some of the European region’s major public health institutions to understand what the most likely causes of future pandemics could be and what strategies are in place to avert them. We talk to the experts applying the lessons of previous pandemics and focus in on the systems in place to spot threats and reduce their impact. We speak to the legion of public health experts getting on with the not very glamorous, but incredibly important work of emergency preparedness— experts in surveillance, genomic sequencing, epidemiology and more. The people who are containing outbreaks and laying the groundwork to mitigate the effects of pandemics, not if, but when they occur. With Dr Maria van Kerkhove on Disease X, Dr Gail Carson on pandemic preparedness and Roland Driece on the Pandemic Accord. Find out more about the Pandemic prevention, preparedness and response accord: Pandemic prevention, preparedness and response accord (who.int)
S6 E2 · Tue, April 23, 2024
EPI at 50: Unpacking the Past, Present, and Future of Global Immunization
This week marks the 50th anniversary of the WHO's Expanded Programme on Immunization, now known as the Essential Programme on Immunization, or EPI. This initiative has been a driving force behind the quest for fair access to life-saving vaccines for every child, irrespective of their geographical or socioeconomic circumstances. Over the past half-century, EPI has played a crucial role in shaping our battle against preventable diseases. But this is not a self-congratulatory episode, celebrating EPI’s triumphs. We will also examine the persistent challenges of inequitable vaccine access, growing skepticism towards immunization, and the future of global health collaboration. We are going to dissect successes, confront the hurdles, and question what's next for this vital global health programme. Find out more: 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) (who.int)
S6 E1 · Fri, February 23, 2024
Outbreak Alert: Understanding the Measles Surge
There is an alarming resurgence of measles. In the WHO European Region, a startling uptick has been observed, with now over 50,000 cases reported across 41 Member States during 2023. This is a staggering increase from the 941 cases recorded throughout 2022, marking a more than fiftyfold escalation. Measles is a highly contagious virus. It can spread rapidly through breathing, coughing, or sneezing by an infected individual. The consequences of this disease can be severe, often leading to serious complications and, tragically, even fatalities. In addition to the suffering caused by measles, containing outbreaks is costly and detracts from other health care services. Of course, an illness which can last two weeks or more also impacts families directly. In a Region in which 33 countries are considered to have eliminated measles what are the reasons behind this surge in measles cases and what strategies are we exploring for curbing the spread of this virus. Joining us for discussion is Robb Butler, the Director of Communicable Diseases, Environment and Health at the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Find out more: https://www.who.int/health-topics/measles
S5 E7 · Fri, December 15, 2023
Resilience Redefined: Advocating for inclusive healthcare
In the latest 'Health in Europe' podcast, we explore Jack Kavanagh's transformation from a sports enthusiast to a disability rights advocate following a spinal cord injury. WHO talks with Jack for a deep dive into creating inclusive health systems. This episode goes beyond Jack's personal journey, addressing the societal need for health systems that cater to all, highlighting inclusivity, equity, and diverse needs. Find out more about Health and Disabilities on the WHO/Europe website: https://www.who.int/europe/health-topics/disability
S5 E6 · Wed, November 15, 2023
Art Meets Health: Unveiling the healing power of creativity in combatting NCDs
We explore the transformative synergy of art and health, and how art can positively help tackle noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) – from cardiovascular diseases to cancer. Join us as we discuss the healing potential of art interventions with experts from WHO/Europe's Special Initiative on NCDs and Innovation and Behavioural and Cultural insights units. Read more in the new WHO/Europe report “Learning from the arts” here: The power of healing: new WHO report shows how arts can help beat noncommunicable diseases
S5 E6 · Wed, November 15, 2023
Art Meets Health: Unveiling the Healing Power of Creativity in Combatting NCDs
We explore the transformative synergy of art and health, and how art can positively help tackle noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) – from cardiovascular diseases to cancer. Join us as we discuss the healing potential of art interventions with experts from WHO/Europe's Special Initiative on NCDs and Innovation and Behavioural and Cultural insights units. Read more in the new WHO/Europe report “Learning from the arts” here: The power of healing: new WHO report shows how arts can help beat noncommunicable diseases
S5 E6 · Fri, June 23, 2023
Managing airborne diseases in prison
Have you ever wondered what it's truly like to be in prison? As we reflect on the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, this podcast takes you on a thought-provoking journey to life behind bars, encouraging you to empathize and understand the realities faced by incarcerated individuals. Because the truth is, prisons are not isolated entities but integral parts of our society.
S5 E5 · Thu, May 25, 2023
The Fourth Dimension: What we talk about when we talk about quality of care
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals act as a vital catalyst, urging countries worldwide to strive for Universal Health Coverage. This encompasses the twin objectives of providing financial risk protection and ensuring equitable access to high quality essential health care services. But how exactly do we define quality of care? To shed more light on this important topic, WHO/Europe has launched a brand new podcast called "The Fourth Dimension", which is entirely dedicated to quality of care. This podcast is produced and hosted by our expert team in Athens, Greece, who specialize in this field. For this episode of Health In Europe, we are going to play you the premiere episode of "The Fourth Dimension". If you enjoy it, we encourage you to follow the Fourth Dimension on your favourite streaming service (or from wherever you get your podcasts). Enjoy! More about Quality of Care from WHO: https://www.who.int/health-topics/universal-health-coverage/quality-of-care#tab=tab_1 CREDITS Hosted by: Thanos Myloneros Edited by: Thanos Myloneros and David Barrett Health in Europe Theme Music by: Ben King
S5 E4 · Mon, May 08, 2023
The danger of childhood obesity: how can we bring it down?
One in three school-aged children in the WHO European Region are living with overweight or obesity, and countries are working hard to break and reverse this trend. In this episode, Julianne Williams, WHO technical officer for Noncommunicable Diseases at the WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of NCDs, and Mirjam Heinen, WHO consultant working for the same Office, talked to us about best evidence-based practices that can help. LINKS Childhood obesity in European Region remains high: new WHO report presents latest country data: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/08-11-2022-childhood-obesity-in-european-region-remains-high--new-who-report-presents-latest-country-data Report on the fifth round of data collection, 2018–2020: WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI): Report on the fifth round of data collection, 2018–2020: WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) WHO European Obesity Report 2022: https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/9789289057738 CREDITS Hosted by: Aleksandra Olson and Igor Kryuchkov Edited by: Igor Kryuchkov and David Barrett Sound design by: David Barrett Music: Science Marimba by Gavin Linnihan, Cool Cats Marimba by Howard Parker Theme Music by: Ben King
S5 E3 · Thu, April 27, 2023
Can vaccines prevent cancer?
This episode of Health in Europe focuses on a very important question – can vaccines prevent cancer? We know that cancer is a complicated and elusive disease. According to WHO, cancer is the leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 10 million deaths in 2020. So, the potential to prevent some types of cancer through vaccination is quite literally life-saving. Dr. Nino Berdzuli, the Director of the Division of Country Health Programs at the WHO Regional Office for Europe, has extensive experience in public health. In this episode, Dr Berdzuli talks sheds light on how vaccination programmes can support and strengthen health systems, the progress made by the WHO European Region in addressing cancer, and how vaccines can prevent certain types of cancers – such as cancers caused by HPV. The conversation is led by our media officer, Bhanu Bhatnagar. More about Cancer: https://www.who.int/europe/health-topics/cancer#tab=tab_1 More about Vaccines and Immunization: https://www.who.int/europe/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization More about WHO/Europe: https://www.who.int/europe/home?v=welcome
S5 E2 · Tue, April 04, 2023
Mind Over Matter: The Influence of Behavioral and Cultural Factors on Health Outcomes
Behavioral and cultural insights utilize social sciences to tackle ongoing health issues - from vaccine uptake to antimicrobial resistance to obesity and other noncommunicable diseases. In this conversation Bhanu Bhatnagar, Press and Media Relations Officer at WHO Regional Office for Europe, spoke with Dr Saad Omer, Director of the Yale Institute for Global Health, during a Twitter spaces event to find out more about why behavioural and cultural insights matter to public health.
S5 E1 · Sun, February 26, 2023
Training surgeons in hostile environments
In this episode we hear from Dr Moez Zeiton – a trauma surgeon who’s worked with WHO in Iraq and now is a trainer with the David Nott Foundation, teaching surgeons how to treat trauma patients in some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable.
S4 E2 · Wed, November 30, 2022
Are young people really the ‘problematic’ drinkers in the WHO European Region?
Alcohol harms everyone and there is no safe limit to alcohol consumption when it comes to health. A new episode of the ‘Health in Europe’ podcast gives the mic over to young people who discuss the harms and policies that are needed with input from Dr Carina Ferreira-Borges, Programme Manager for Alcohol and Illicit Drugs, WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases. Notes: Space Invaders : Young people's views about alcohol digital marketing https://www.who.int/europe/multi-media/item/space-invaders-young-people-s-views-about-alcohol-digital-marketing A SAFER European Region free from harm due to alcohol https://www.who.int/europe/multi-media/item/a-safer-european-region-free-from-harm-due-to-alcohol European framework for action on alcohol 2022–2025 https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/361662
S4 E1 · Thu, November 17, 2022
Eliminating cervical cancer
More than 30,000 women die from cervical cancer in the WHO European Region every year. But cervical cancer is a preventable disease and elimination of cervical cancer is within our reach. In this episode, we speak with Allison Ekberg, Advisor on Health Policy and hear interventions from Dr Nino Berdzuli, Director of the Country Health Programme at the WHO Regional Office for Europe. Notes Eliminating cervical cancer in the WHO European Region https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/362396/72bg17e-Roadmap-CervicalCancer.pdf What is the Global strategy on cervical cancer? https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240014107 HPV and cervical cancer https://www.who.int/teams/immunization-vaccines-and-biologicals/policies/position-papers/human-papillomavirus-(hpv)
S3 Enull · Mon, June 27, 2022
What do we mean by quality of care?
Quality of care is an important part of any health system. In this episode, we speak with Dimitra Panteli, of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, and Dr Joao Breda, head of a new WHO office in Athens focusing on quality of care, to find out more about WHO’s work in this area. Show notes: How can health technology assessment contribute to quality of care? https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/news-room/events/item/2022/03/08/default-calendar/how-can-health-technology-assessment-contribute-to-quality-of-care What role do clinical guidelines play in quality of care? https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/news-room/events/item/2022/03/15/default-calendar/what-role-do-clinical-guidelines-play-in-quality-of-care How can using financial incentives improve quality of care? https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/news-room/events/item/2022/03/22/default-calendar/how-can-using-financial-incentives-improve-quality-of-care
S3 Enull · Thu, May 19, 2022
Managing mass casualty incidents
In this episode, WHO/Europe’s Press and Media Relations Officer, Bhanu Bhatnagar, speaks with Professor Johan von Schreeb about his experience dealing with mass casualty incidents during times of war as well as his work with WHO to train health workers and specialists who may face such devastating and overwhelming situations. Show notes: The importance of mass casualty training in the context of the Ukraine war: Interview with Professor Johan von Schreeb: https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/ukraine-emergency/news/news/2022/05/the-importance-of-mass-casualty-training-in-the-context-of-the-war-in-ukraine-an-interview-with-professor-johan-von-schreeb
S3 Enull · Tue, May 03, 2022
Launch of the 2022 European Obesity Report
Not a single country in the WHO European Region is on track to stop the rise in obesity by 2025 – that’s according to the 2022 European Obesity Report. What’s more, the report highlights serious risks to people’s health – including a stark warning obesity might overtake smoking as the main risk for preventable cancer. In this episode we dig more into the report and find out what countries can do to reverse this trend. Show notes: Obesity causes cancer and is major determinant of disability and death, warns new WHO report: https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/Life-stages/pages/news/news/2022/5/obesity-causes-cancer-and-is-major-determinant-of-disability-and-death,-warns-new-who-report New WHO report: Europe can reverse its obesity “epidemic”: https://www.euro.who.int/en/media-centre/sections/press-releases/2022/new-who-report-europe-can-reverse-its-obesity-epidemic WHO European Regional Obesity Report 2022: https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/noncommunicable-diseases/obesity/publications/2022/who-european-regional-obesity-report-2022
S3 Enull · Thu, April 28, 2022
An outbreak of polio is declared over
As we mark European Immunization Week – WHO confirms that a polio outbreak in Tajikistan has ended following a comprehensive response. We speak with Dr Shahin Huseynov to find out how this was achieved. While Dr Siddhartha Datta speaks about the importance of vaccine equity as we continue to face COVID-19. SHOW NOTES: Comprehensive outbreak response successfully stops spread of polio in Tajikistan: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/28-04-2022-comprehensive-outbreak-response-successfully-stops-spread-of-polio-in-tajikistan European Immunization Week 2022: https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/events/item/2022/04/24/default-calendar/european-immunization-week-2022 European Immunization Week 2022 – celebrating progress and addressing new challenges in the control of vaccine-preventable diseases: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/26-04-2022-but-for-the-covid-19-vaccine--i-might-not-be-here-now----the-difference-the-jab-has-made-to-someone-at-high-risk-of-severe-disease “But for the COVID-19 vaccine, I might not be here now” – the difference the jab has made to someone at high risk of severe disease: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/25-04-2022-european-immunization-week-2022---celebrating-progress-and-addressing-new-challenges-in-the-control-of-vaccine-preventable-diseases
S3 Enull · Fri, April 22, 2022
Training the next generation of laboratory leaders
Labs form an often unseen yet crucial part of any health system. In this episode we find out more about the role of laboratories in health, their day-to-day work as well as what WHO and partners are doing to train up the next generation of laboratory leaders – including a recent training in Kazakhstan. Show notes: Preparing the next generation of laboratory leaders: https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/Health-systems/laboratory-services/news/news/2022/2/preparing-the-next-generation-of-laboratory-leaders Global Laboratory Leadership Programme (GLLP): https://www.who.int/initiatives/global-laboratory-leadership-programme
S3 Enull · Fri, February 25, 2022
Looking back on the Economics of Ageing
You may remember a couple of weeks ago we spoke about the Economics of Ageing webinar series. In this episode, we speak with Dr Jon Cylus of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies about the webinars and what comes next. S how notes: Where do we find the money to fund healthcare for an ageing population? [ https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/news-room/events/item/2022/01/18/default-calendar/where-do-we-find-the-money-to-fund-healthcare-for-an-ageing-population ] Can the costs of caring for an ageing population be controlled? [ https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/news-room/events/item/2022/01/25/default-calendar/can-the-costs-of-caring-for-an-ageing-population-be-controlled ] Is the politics of ageing creating conflict between generations? [ https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/news-room/events/item/2022/02/01/default-calendar/is-the-politics-of-ageing-creating-conflict-between-generations ]
S3 Enull · Tue, February 15, 2022
Caring for children with cancer
In this episode we speak about a new report from WHO/Europe on inequities in treatment for childhood cancer in the Region and hear from Aron Anderson, WHO/Europe’s Ambassador on Cancer who himself beat cancer at a young age. Show notes New WHO report highlights scale of childhood cancer inequalities in the European Region: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/15-02-2022-new-who-report-highlights-scale-of-childhood-cancer-inequalities-in-the-european-region WHO European Report on Inequalities in Childhood Cancer: https://www.who.int/europe/publications/m/item/childhood-cancer-inequalities-in-the-who-european-region-2022-report
S3 Enull · Tue, February 08, 2022
Screening for cancer – not an easy solution
Screening for diseases like cancer may seem a simple solution to catch the disease before it becomes serious. But in this episode we find out how complicated screening for cancer is. Show Notes When is screening for cancer the right course of action? LINK: https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/noncommunicable-diseases/cancer/news/news/2022/2/when-is-screening-for-cancer-the-right-course-of-action A short guide to cancer screening. Increase effectiveness, maximize benefits and minimize harm (2022) LINK: https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/noncommunicable-diseases/cancer/publications/2022/a-short-guide-to-cancer-screening.-increase-effectiveness,-maximize-benefits-and-minimize-harm-2022 WHO Candid Conversations - Aron Anderson and Sue Cohen LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XavsJ1tc4iY
S3 Enull · Fri, January 28, 2022
Marking two years of COVID-19
Earlier this week marked two years since the first cases of COVID-19 were detected in the WHO European Region. In this episode we speak with a frontline healthcare worker, the importance of vaccination and find out what it was like to coordinate the emergency response in the Region. Show notes: Laura Lupi, COVID-19 nurse: together, we can beat this virus [ https://www.euro.who.int/en/countries/italy/news/news/2020/4/laura-lupi,-covid-19-nurse-together,-we-can-beat-this-virus ] Two years of COVID-19: What it takes to run an emergency response across 53 countries [ https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/pages/news/news/2022/01/two-years-of-covid-19-what-it-takes-to-run-an-emergency-response-across-53-countries ] Living with COVID-19 – 2 years on [ https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19/news/news/2022/01/living-with-covid-19-2-years-on ] The Omicron variant: sorting fact from myth [ https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/pages/news/news/2022/01/the-omicron-variant-sorting-fact-from-myth ] Celebrating the CSO Initiative: building community readiness, response and resilience to emergencies [ https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/pages/news/news/2022/01/celebrating-the-cso-initiative-building-community-readiness,-response-and-resilience-to-emergencies ]
S3 Enull · Thu, January 20, 2022
The Economics of Ageing
Population ageing is often seen as bad for the economy and unsustainable for health systems. But is this really the case? Debora Miranda, Communications Officer at the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies speaks about a new webinar series focusing on the economics of ageing. And in part two - WHO’s European Office for the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) look at big data and its potential impact on the future of NCD diagnosis and treatment. Find out more about the Economics of Ageing webinar series and sign up for the next sessions: https://eurohealthobservatory.who.int/observatoryweeklywebinars_new?pastpage=1 Read about big data and the new NCDs dashboard: https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/Life-stages/pages/news/news/2022/01/noncommunicable-diseases-in-53-countries-whoeurope-presents-new-visual-data-tool/
S3 Enull · Thu, January 13, 2022
What’s the latest on Omicron?
In this episode we speak with Dr Catherine Smallwood, WHO/Europe’s COVID-19 incident manager, to get the latest on the Omicron variant which continues to cause record cases across the Region. And WHO’s European Office for the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases explore how we can stay healthy in the metaverse. Watch the full COVID-19 briefing on the WHO/Europe YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DilcsteUr88 Want to know more about staying healthy in the metaverse? Check out this article on the WHO/Europe website: https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/Life-stages/pages/news/news/2022/01/healthy-metaverse-how-can-we-promote-health-online/
S2 E8 · Wed, December 15, 2021
#Digital4NCD: Digital solutions for health
The first episode in a mini-series of podcasts created for the Digital Solutions for Noncommunicable Diseases Conference in Moscow discusses how digital solutions can help us stay healthy and improve our health.
S2 E7 · Fri, September 17, 2021
Ensuring the health and well-being of people in prison
In this episode we hear from health workers and NGOs about what steps can be taken to provide healthcare to people in prison, leaving no-one behind in health
S2 E6 · Thu, September 16, 2021
The voices of health workers
In this episode, we speak with three young health care workers from across the Region about the challenges they’ve faced during COVID-19 and their hopes for their future, providing care to communities in need.
S2 E5 · Thu, June 24, 2021
Building fairer, healthier societies: part two
In this episode, we speak with representatives of health authorities in Slovenia and with "Nobody Left Outside" - a collective of organizations representing some of the most marginalized groups - about the importance of health equity, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.
S2 E4 · Fri, May 21, 2021
Building fairer, healthier societies part one: an interview with Public Health Wales
In this episode we speak with Dr Tracey Cooper, Chief Executive of Public Health Wales and Christine Brown of WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development about the need to place health equity at the centre of the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic
S2 E3 · Thu, March 25, 2021
Flutopia: Part Three
In this third and final episode, we’re building flutopia – exploring different ways that health authorities work to increase flu vaccination rates among populations.
S2 E2 · Fri, February 26, 2021
Flutopia: Part Two
In part one of flutopia, we explored why the annual flu vaccine is so important. In the second episode of this three-part series we speak with Dr Richard Pebody about how flu vaccines are made.
S2 E1 · Wed, February 17, 2021
Flutopia: Part One
Each year people are encouraged to get a flu vaccine to protect them from seasonal influenza. But why do we need a flu vaccine? Find out in the first episode of our three-part series ‘Flutopia’
S1 E11 · Fri, December 18, 2020
Migrant health: working to leave no-one behind
In this episode, we speak with Dr Alex Schneider of Life4me+, a charity that worked with WHO to ensure access to healthcare and treatment among migrant workers living with HIV who suddenly found themselves unable to travel due to restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This episode explores the multiple barriers migrants face when accessing healthcare and the long-term impacts these can have.
S1 E10 · Thu, December 10, 2020
Schooling during COVID-19
The education of children and young people around the world has been deeply affected by COVID-19. The closing of schools in response to the pandemic highlighted a number of existing inequalities as well as putting a mental strain on many. In this episode we speak with Emilia, Frida and Malika – youth advisers to the technical advisory group on schooling during COVID-19 - about a survey they conducted among young people around the Region, highlighting the concerns of young people at this time.
S1 E9 · Fri, October 23, 2020
The fight to eradicate polio
Earlier this year, wild polio was declared eradicated from Africa. This fantastic achievement brought humanity one step closer to globally eradicating a disease that once took millions of lives every year, and still today affects many survivors in their daily lives. The victories against polio are hard-earned and it’s an ongoing battle to keep the virus from returning.
S1 E8 · Fri, September 18, 2020
United Action For Better Health
Earlier this week, Member States endorsed the European Programme of Work at WHO/Europe’s 70th Regional Committee. Linking to the three key priorities of the Global Programme of Work – protecting more people from health emergencies, promoting health and well-being and ensuring more people have access to universal health coverage. We spoke with WHO/Europe’s Regional Director, Dr Hans Kluge, about how the EPW was formed and what it means for the work of WHO/Europe over the next five years.
S1 E7 · Wed, September 09, 2020
Transforming health care with digital health
Digital health offers solutions that offer the potential to strengthen health systems, but it also raises a number of important questions. In this episode, we speak with Clayton Hamilton about the importance of technology to the future of healthcare in our Region and why it is one of four flagships areas for WHO/Europe in the coming years.
S1 E6 · Wed, September 02, 2020
Realizing the potential of immunization
Immunization has played a crucial role in reducing mortality and the unnecessary suffering of people as a result of vaccine-preventable diseases across the European Region. Yet it retains great potential to help us build even healthier, more prosperous societies. The third of four episodes highlighting flagships for WHO/Europe, this week we talk to Dr Siddhartha Datta, Programme Manager Vaccine-preventable Diseases and Immunization at WHO’s Regional Office for Europe, about vaccines and immunization. Find out more at http://www.euro.who.int
S1 E5 · Wed, August 26, 2020
Establishing a mental health coalition
Mental health is an important part of personal health. It’s estimated that millions of people in the WHO European Region are living with mental health conditions. Tragically, 140,000 people lose their lives to suicide each year in our Region – a stark reminder that we have much work to do on mental health. In this episode, the second of four on flagship areas for WHO/Europe, we speak with Dan Chisholm, Programme Manager focusing on Mental Health and Mental Disorders at WHO/Europe.
S1 E4 · Wed, August 19, 2020
Tailoring Health with Behavioural and Cultural Insights
Behavioural and Cultural Insights draw on a range of fields to understand the different drivers and barriers to health. In this, the first of four episodes on flagship areas for WHO/Europe ahead of the 70th Regional Committee, we speak with Katrine Habersaat, Nils Fietje and Anastasia Koylyu about Behavioural and Cultural Insights and how they can be used to help create more effective health interventions. Find more info at http://www.euro.who.int
S1 E3 · Wed, July 29, 2020
Building a hepatitis free future
We speak with Patrick Hoffmann, a former nurse at a prison in Luxembourg who worked with colleagues to improve testing and treatment for a range of diseases, including hepatitis among the prison population. This included a tattoo studio where inmates could learn safe tattooing techniques under the supervision of health care workers. This is just one example in a compendium of good practice released by WHO/Europe on World Hepatitis Day. We also hear from Dr Masoud Dara, Coordinator for Communicable Diseases and Programme Manager of the Joint Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis Programme at WHO/Europe.
S1 E2 · Wed, July 15, 2020
Saving lives, preventing trauma
500,000 people are killed in the WHO/European Region as a result of violence and injury each year. That means approximately one person every minute loses their life to violence and injury. In this episode, we speak with Jonathon Passmore, Programme Manager of Violence and Injury Prevention at WHO’s Regional Office for Europe in Copenhagen, about a new report on violence and injury.
S1 E1 · Tue, June 23, 2020
What's in the bottle?
Would you buy or consume a product without knowing what's in it? What about one that's known to cause a range of diseases including cancer? Would you expect these products to carry a warning or at least a list of ingredients? Welcome to the Health In Europe podcast from the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Our Region is broad and diverse. We work with fascinating and driven individuals and groups. This podcast is about hearing their stories and how it might impact your day-to-day life.
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