THE REPORT OF THE 38TH PLENARY MEETING OF THE SOUTH-EASTERN HEALTH NETWORK (SEEHN), 14-15 DECEMBER 2016, CHISINAU, REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

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The 38^th Plenary Meeting of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) was held on 14-15 December 2016 in Chisinau as the second High Level Pre-Forum Meeting with SEE National Health Coordinators, the Directors of the SEE Regional Health Development Centres and partners, organized jointly by the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova and the SEEHN Secretariat.

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The 38^th Plenary reviewed the level of preparation for the forthcoming Fourth SEE Health Ministerial Forum to be held on 03-04 April 2017 in Chisinau, discussed possible challenges facing the Forum and took important decisions, in particular related to the approval and signing of the Forum´s outcome documents: the Chisinau Pledge;  the Framework for the development of the SEE Health Strategy 2030 in line with the UN SDGs 2030; the Memorandum of Understanding on the SEEHN on its STATUTES of 2016, and the Standard Operational Procedures of the SEE Health Network.

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The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the Member States’ political commitment to the SEE regional collaboration, the needs for reforms in the light of the European Framework Health 2020 and the UN SDGs 2030 and further extend of the collaboration by identifying common targets for the SEEHN progress.

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38 SEEHN PLENARY REPORTnAnnex 1 Presentations at the PenarynAnnex 2 List of technical documents discussed at the 38 PlenarynAnnex 3 Programme – 38 PlenarynAnnex 4 List of Participants – 38 Plenary

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European Public Health Association – Newsletter, First Edition, 2017 is available for reading and using

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The European Public Health Association (EUPHA) Newsletter, First Edition, 2017, was just posted and is available on the following link: https://ephconference.eu/repository/publications/Newsletter_January_2017.pdf

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The First Edition´s highlight is the new long-term Cooperation Agreement concluded and approved recently between the EUPHA and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

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This Newsletter’s First Edition is, also, a resource for important recent updates in research developments in areas such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), health inequalities, etc. It presents shortly a brief overview of the European Journal of Public Health content and the newly launched website for easy access.

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The newsletter has gathered and presented an excellent snapshot of the upcoming courses and conferences related to public health in 2017. Particular space is dedicated to the 10^th European Public Health Conference: ‘Sustaining resilient and healthy communities’ to be held in the period of 1 – 4 November 2017 in Stockholm. The abstract submission starts from 1 February 2017.

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It is particularly convenient and interesting as well to find in one place all the latest news launched by the European Commission, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) , the World Health Organization, as well as of the newest interesting publications and other media news on health matters.

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Finally, call for proposals and job opportunities section might be checked.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

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The First Announcement

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Call for Newcomer Applications, 2016

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DOWNLOAD CALL NOTICE HEREnnDOWNLOAD YOUNG FORUM GASTEIN NETWORK BROCHUREn

YOUNG FORUM GASTEINn27 September – 1 October 2016, Bad Hofgastein, AustriannCall for applications, Newcomers Scholarship 2016

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The Young Forum Gastein Scholarship was initiated in 2007 by the International Forum Gastein (IFG), with the support of the European Commission. The scholarships enable young health professionals to attend the EHFG conference to learn about the latest health developments in Europe and meet and debate with European and global health experts. A limited number of scholarships (covering registration fee, travel and accommodation expenses) are available for applicants fulfilling the requirements described below.

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Requirements:

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• Citizenship of one of the 28 EU member states or candidate countries or EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland);

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• Age limit of 35 years or under on 27 September 2016;

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• Proficiency in English (oral and written);

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• Hold a Masters degree in a health related subject;

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• Relevant work experience of at least 2 years (full time) in the field of health/public health (policy or research);

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• Proof of current work in the field of public health (for a university or national research institute, a government ministry or for a non-governmental organisation – or if your employer will cover your costs, for a private company);

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• For 2016 a limited number of places are also available for young professionals working in a health role in industry, however scholarships to cover the costs of participating must in this case be borne by the employer at the time of your application.

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By applying for the Young Forum Gastein scholarship the applicant confirms his/her availability to undertake an active role before and during the conference. This is a pre-condition for being accepted as a scholar. Available tasks may include participation in presentations, panel discussions, reporting on the event,contributing to the conference web-blog, conducting interviews, tweeting, writing news articles etc. Please note that the Young Forum Gastein programme at the EHFG 2016 commences one day before the official start of the EHFG conference, on Tuesday 27 September. Activities will take place up to and including the evening of Friday 30 September, with travel home on Saturday 1 October.

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To apply, please fill out then– Newcomer – YFG Personal Details Form by clicking here andn– submit the following documents in English:

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1) CV: Please submit a full Curriculum Vitae;n2) English Proficiency: Please submit proof of very good command of oral and written English (i.e. a formal certificate/qualification demonstrating proficiency in English OR proof of publications or other written work in English OR employer confirmation of your English ability and regular use of English in your day to day work);n3) Passport Scan/Copy: Please submit a photocopy of your passport or identity card for proof of your nationality and age (age limit of 35 years of age or under on 27 September 2016).n4) Letter of Support: Please submit a brief letter from your manager on your organisation´s headed paper confirming that:na) You are working in the field of public health and have at least 2 years full time work experience in this field;nb) Your manager supports your application and if you are selected as a Young Forum Gastein scholar in 2016 your organisation will grant you leave to participate in the Young Gastein programme and attend the EHFG from Tuesday 27 September to Saturday 1 October 2016. (For information and planning purposes, Young Forum Gastein starts on Tuesday 27 September 2016, one day before the EHFG officially commences, and depending on flight availability some participants may need to arrive on Monday 26 September).nc) If you are applying from industry, please also include in this letter confirmation that your employer has agreed to cover your costs if you are selected (approximately 1,800 Euros).

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Only full applications will be considered. Scholars will be selected based on the merit of their applications andnto ensure a balanced participation from countries, representatives of science, public administration, civil societynand industry, and a suitable mix of Young Forum Gastein alumni and newcomers. We will inform applicants ofnthe outcome as soon as we can, usually by the end of June.

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Please fill out the YFG Personal Details Form and send Josef Wenninger  Josef(at)ehfg.org the above documents in electronic format by midnight on Monday 16 May 2016. 

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Announcement

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nPurpose of the post:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         The SEEHN secretariat is an institution of the Network that provides technical, managerial and administrative support to the activities of the Network. Under general supervision of the Head of the Secretariat and the direct supervision of the Finance Officer, the incumbent of the post is responsible for the efficient management of the administrative and operational functions involved in the day-to-day running of the Secretariat of SEEHN and the optimal utilization of financial and human resources.nn Objectives of the post:n

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• To ensure efficient and continuous administration and operation of the SEEHN secretariat.

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nImplement the SEEHN operational plans agreed at the plenary meetings of the network, within a road map of activities.n

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• Ensure timely reporting to the Network and the Executive Committee on program implementation activities.

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nDescription of duties:nProvide support to the SEEHN staff for the management and control of all administrative services and operations. Such services and operations include, procurement, human resources conference, workshops and events  management, and office space and equipment arrangements;nReception duties:n

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• Answer telephone calls, send, receive and file faxes and office mail

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• Provide information in response to visitor or telephone inquiries

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• Call the appropriate office to obtain information on specialized and technical questions

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• Direct authorized visitors to the proper offices, verify and arrange appointments

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• Preparing/organizing the office for scheduled group meetings.

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nFile Management:n

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• Receive and send project mail

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• Maintain employee contact files

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• Photocopy materials as required

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• Assist in office supply procurement.

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• Perform written translation of various materials, including incoming and outgoing mail;

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• Assist with logistics for Activities, seminars and other events (request offers from vendors, lodging and travel arrangements, rental equipment, interpreters etc. in coordination with the respective member states staff);

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• Arrange travel for employees and transportation and accommodation for visitors and consultants;

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nMeeting Administrationn

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• Arrange, coordinate and lead administrative preparation for meetings, seminars, workshops, including letters of invitation, costs

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• calculation and travel requests; assisting with preparation of documents, dispatching of materials and liaising with participants and

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• others involved.

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• Prepare presentations using PowerPoint and other software packages on own initiative or on the basis of instructions.

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• Schedule weekly team and ad hoc meetings, according to schedules and need; taking and preparation of minutes.

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• Obtain briefing and background materials for meetings, seminars, workshops, etc. to be attended by the team’s professional

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• staff, checking their availability and ensuring they have the appropriate briefing files and documents.

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nEducation: nnEssential: University degree in public or business administration, finance or a related field. Desirable: Qualifications in management and/or administration, experience in WHO activity, or in other international organizations.nnFunctional Skills and Knowledge: n

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• Essential: Sound knowledge of office management, administration, human resources, finance/accounting and budget.

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• Excellent spreadsheet and writing skills with Microsoft Office TM Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office, Internet applications and strong communication skills are required.

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• Desirable: Specialized knowledge of international organizations administrative rules, procedures and practices is an asset.

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nLanguages: n

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• Essential: Fluent knowledge of English (both written and verbal);

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• Desirable: Good knowledge of the languages of the 10 SEEHN countries and other European languages

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nExperience: n

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• Essential: At least 1 year of experience preferably  at international level in office management and general administration.

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n The position will be a short-term, three to six months with a possibility of extension. All details such is duration of the contract and remuneration will be discussed with the most successful/qualified candidate.nnCandidates are invited to submit their candidacy letter accompanied by their CV and any other proves of their skills and competences to the SEEHN Secretariat to Maria Ruseva at rusevamaria33@gmail.com and Natasha Lazovska at natasha@on.net.mknn nn 

Health at the RCC Second Donors Coordination meeting, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 23 March 2016

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On 23 March the SEE Health Network participated at the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Second Donors Conference held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was represented by its current Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) by its two leading Bosnian representatives, the National Health Coordinators (NHC) Dr. Amela Lolic and Dr. Goran Cerkez.

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The RCC Second Donors Conference discussed various important issues related to the implementation of the SEE 2020 Strategy “Jobs and Prosperity in a European Perspective” endorsed in October 2013. For the first time in the history of the region and beyond health has found its appropriate place and visibility in the “Inclusive Growth” Pillar with four health objectives and respective measures.

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During the Conference plenary sessions the SEEHN Senior Representatives pointed out that:

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• The network has both its political and technical dimensions and mechanisms responsible for implementing regional health actions of common interest often called as “multisectorial project”, such as health and tourism, health and education, E-health or health and security;

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• The region and Europe live in time of terrorism, threats and bioterrorism in that context;

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• Health has an important role to play in implementing the SEE 2020 Strategy particularly in the time of the global and European refugee crisis with the movement of thousands of migrants to the EU; health has an important role;

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The SEE ministries of health do work in line with the SEE Growth Strategy 2020 as well as for achieving the goals of the WHO European health policy framework 2020 and the EU “Health in All Policies” approach.

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The SEEHN Senior Representatives highlighted that by reducing the funding for health care and public health actions the region reduces funding for development, prosperity and progress as health is a contributor for health, wealth, well-being and prosperity rather than only a consumer, which is usually the general understanding. A sick person consumes significant resources and often mobilizes the public, family and social services.

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For all above reasons, the SEEHN Senior Representatives and the Bosnian Presidency appealed to the RCC and the donors present in Sarajevo to support several important health and public health areas that are already part of the SEE 2020 Strategy as follows:

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• Cross-border Public Health and Emergencies preparedness including communicable diseases surveillance and control, antimicrobial resistance, emergencies and joint actions to mitigate natural disasters, man-made disasters as well as the issue of the huge influx of migrants to the SEE region;

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• Strengthening the health systems and public health capacities to fight the epidemics of noncommunicable diseases and mental health disorders in the region (including improving quality of health services and introducing high technologies such as transplantations and improved donor collection and exchanges as started already) that are the main factor contributing to improving health and well-being and, thus, contributing to better productivity of the human/labor capacities in the region;

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• Working on the health workforce outstanding issues and their mobility as the health sector is one of the biggest “employers” of the region with close to 10% of its workforce.

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Ten years onwards: Comparison of the South Eastern European regional public health strategy 2004 and the South Eastern European 2020 strategy

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The South Eastern European Journal of Public Health (SEEJPH) published the “Ten years onwards: Comparison of the South Eastern European regional public health strategy 2004 and the South Eastern European 2020 strategy” article, written by Christiane Wiskow, Maria Ruseva and Ulrich Laaser, which strives to show the ongoing regional collaboration that has continuously contributing to the development of the public health in the South Eastern Europe (SEE) region since 2000 when the public health collaboration in SEE (PH-SEE) was initiated.nnThis article gives an overview of the two frameworks for regional collaboration in the area of public health, such is the framework developed in 2004 by a network of public health professionals and academics, and another one developed by the SEE Health Network as an integral part of the SEE 2020 strategy, both with reviewed situation analysis using the SWOT methodology.nnThe comparison is made regardless the differences in structure and wording, showing that both strategies are consistent in the majority of their goals and actions which includes improving equity in health with a focus on vulnerable and low-income groups, hence improving health for all, strengthening human resources for health and public health, respectively and strengthening and improving intersectoral cooperation and governance. In addition to the commonalities, there are also apparent differences between the two strategies in the aspects of social participation, regional public health information, the cross-border public health and the quality improvement.nnNevertheless, despite the time lag of nearly ten years, the commonalities of the strategies for regional public health collaboration are very significant and the differences between them are partially due to the different development context. The authors of this article are giving conclusion that the collaboration between the two networks, FPH-SEE and SEEHN particularly in the area of public health education, could be of mutual benefit and will contribute in further strengthening for the improvement of regional health information.nn nnOn the link below you can read the full article published on the SEEJPHnnTen years onwards: Comparison of the South Eastern European regional public health strategy 2004 and the South Eastern European 2020 strategy

The Regional Cooperation Council’s “Voice of the Region” competition

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In April 2015, in the effort to increase public engagement in policy making, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) announced a competition “Voice of the Region”, inviting citizens to take part and give their views through essay, video or photography on issues they face in everyday life. The competition was organized in 8 rounds on different topics, enriching the debate with an invited expert view on each of them.nnAs part of the long-term fruitful cooperation with SEEHN and the importance of recognizing health and well-being as contributor to the economic growth, one theme was dedicated to health, debating on whether compatible systems in the region mean better quality of life. Giving the opportunity for everyone to write articles and be part of the competition RCC opens doors for people to inform themselves and do some health research.nnDr Maria Ruseva, an international expert on public health and health systems together with Gergana Koleva an international public health consultant had written their expert view underlining the need of involving the non-health sectors and industries in the process of achieving the goal of every country which is ensuring a better quality of life for its citizens. They say this is necessary because of the explicit risks to health certain services and products carry – risks which often materialize as diseases and impose a health and economic burden on individuals and societies only years later when damages are harder to reverse than to have had prevented in the first place. Very important point of view is recognizing the need of investing in health which contributes to sustainable growth at the same time as it limits societal exposure to health risks through appropriate policies and actions. This is the reason why in Bulgaria, the Ministry of Health recently announced a plan to introduce a tax on foods with salt and sugar content above the allowed levels. The proposal follows similar public health taxes launched in Hungary in 2011 (known as the “chips tax”) and in Finland the same year (known as the “sweet tax”). It aims to signal to food manufacturers to shift to healthier product alternatives or face declining demand, and at the same time serves as a behavioral nudge to consumers to encourage better eating habits.nn nnVladan Racic’s essay “Nothing but health…” was chosen as winner of the round 8 of the Voice of the Region Competition. His winning arguments emphasize that neither money, education or power would matter without health, and thus prevention is very important: “There is an old adage “value your health now before it’s too late””. Being the voice of the region for health, Vladan wrote that it is necessary that those in power realize that health is the most important factor of a society.nn nnOn the links below you can read:n

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• Health – compatible systems in the region mean better quality of life? – Expert View by Maria Ruseva and Gergana Koleva

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• Nothing but health… – Essay by Vladan Racic, 26 years, Banja Luka

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• http://www.rcc.int/seeds/focus_archive – Other themes

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Migration and health in the focus of the High Level Meeting of the SEEHN

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Under the current SEEHN presidency of the Ministry of Health of Albania, the Minister of Health of the Republic of Albania and current President of the Network Mr. Ilir Beqaj, organized a high-level Meeting and the 36^th Plenary of the South-eastern Europe Health Network on December 10-11, 2015 in Tirana, Albania. Following up on the previous two Ministerial meetings held in Skopje and Belgrade, it brought into focus the topic of “Strengthening health systems for universal health coverage towards improved health and wellbeing”.nnThrough open and lively discussion, the senior representatives focused on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the state of art in each one of the SEE countries, their challenges, actions and the potential for joint regional activities in 2016 and onwards. A number of common challenges were identified that pose barriers to achieving the goals of UHC, for example, insufficient monitoring and evaluation capacities and inadequate health workforce. The High Level Meeting requested extended technical support from WHO Regional Office for Europe which will involve both UHC and people-centred integrated health services delivery.nnThe major humanitarian crisis and the emerging health risks that Europe and the SEE region are facing due to the displacement and migration of populations across the Region, caused by natural and manmade disasters, require both stronger sub-regional presence in the regional discussions on health and other health-related issues that might affect the health systems and economies of the SEEHN Member States in the coming decades, and well-informed and well-implemented government policies.nnWith this in view, the meeting provided the high level representatives of SEEHN member states with the opportunity to share their own national challenges, needs and ideas for potential regional actions in the framework of the Network and the SEE Regional Cooperation Process and to agree on joint regional and national actions for securing universal health coverage in the context of migration and health and health security needs and challenges, thus reaffirming their political commitment to the sub-regional collaboration in the SEE.nnFinally, the intensive regional collaboration, its discussions and several important decisions paved the way towards further increasing the efficacy of the SEEHN in 2016, the next Fourth SEE Ministerial Forum in 2016 to be held in Chisinau under the auspices of the Government of the Republic of Moldova.nn

Countries of Southern Europe find common ground on Health Information

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As part of the Albanian presidency of SEEHN (South East European Health Network), a two day workshop was held in Tirana, Albania, entitled Improving data for policy. Members of the Network, which includes representatives from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Israel, Montenegro, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, sent senior health information experts, leaders and decision-makers to participate. Principal topics were strengthening health information systems and also vital registration systems, recording essential information such as births and deaths.nnShared goals and shared challengesnnAs well as providing a forum for networking and exchanging ideas, the workshop was an opportunity to discuss models of health information networks operating in the European Region and also to enable partner countries to discuss such models for the SEEHN community, identify common ground and challenges that could be addressed collectively.nnAt the workshop, participants were unanimous in their recommendation that SEEHN countries should establish a health information network – a clear recognition of the importance of health information in establishing an evidence base for decision making in health policy. WHO will be organizing a workshop next year where countries will agree on the modus operandi and terms of reference of such a network.nn nnLinksn

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• http://www.euro.who.int/en/about-us/south-eastern-europe-health-network-seehn

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• http://www.euro.who.int/en/countries/albania

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n nnLocations for postingn

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• http://www.euro.who.int/en/about-us/south-eastern-europe-health-network-seehn

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• http://www.euro.who.int/en/countries/albania

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• http://www.euro.who.int/en/data-and-evidence/news/news/news

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n nnPhoto gallerynn

High-level meeting on refugee and migrant health successfully organized in Rome, Italy

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On 23-24 November 2015 in Rome, Italy, upon request at the 65^th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe this September, the Italian Government and its Ministry of Health hosted a WHO High-level meeting on refugee and migrant health.nnThe attending Ministers and senior representatives of Member States of the WHO European Region discussed about the numerous public health challenges posed by large-scale movements of refugees and migrants to transit and destination countries. Ms Beatrice Lorenzin, Minister of Health of Italy, opened the meeting with a short statement conveying His Holiness Pope Francis’ welcoming to the Conference and calling on Ministers to bring wisdom, strength and peace to the discussions. She also, paid tribute to the health workers who are stepping up for the challenges of the health service regarding the constantly increasing numbers of refugees and migrants arriving at Italy’s boarders. Representatives of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the European Commission, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the International Organization for Migration also took part and attended this meeting.nnThis high-level meeting provided an opportunity for defying the main public health and health system challenges that the host countries are facing such as, preparedness for immediate response and efficient acceptance of large groups that are complex, resource-intensive and potentially socially disruptive.nnDr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, highlighted that this is not a new phenomenon but the scale of migration is and the ageing population and migration are the two demographic factors that will shape the health challenges of the European Region in the 21st century. She explained that the meeting is for the public health aspects of migration – not the political or security aspects. As a WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Jakab stated that we as a Region must seek to ensure that all countries are adequately prepared and organized to withstand the added pressures of supporting a mass influx of people, while at the same time protecting the health of their resident populations.nnIn her concluding comments, Dr Jakab reaffirmed: “As the European public health community, we must do what we can to respond to the needs of those fleeing, to see that they are cared for in both the short and longer terms, and that our health systems are able to deal effectively and humanely with these extra demands, whilst continuing to offer full services to resident populations. We have the tools and knowledge to succeed.”nnDr Santino Severoni, Coordinator of the Public Health Aspects of Migration in Europe (PHAME) project at WHO Regional Office for Europe, addressed the changing face of migration into the European Region and the focus areas of the PHAME project. He said that the goals of the PHAME project are to reduce excess mortality and morbidity, minimize the negative impacts of migration, avoid disparities in health status and access and ensure the rights of refugees and migrants to health care.nnIn addition, the panel discussion on the public health aspects of migration defining the challenges presented by communicable and non-communicable diseases. Panellists placed the focus on health care, social services and education which must coordinate to provide effective support, particularly to the most vulnerable. They emphasized the commitment to provide universal access to health services, including services on arrival or on transit routes that are typically provided by NGOs. Dr Nedret Emiroglu, Director of the Division of Communicable Diseases and Health Security at WHO/Europe noted that refugees are more vulnerable on diseases than local population.nnClosing the meeting, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab thanked the Government of Italy for hosting the event and noted that the Regional Office can support Member States in coordinating efforts and working on many of the tasks identified during the meeting.nnThe migration and health will also be one of the main topics of the 36th Plenary Meeting of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) that will take place in Tirana on December 10th, 2015.nnLinks:n

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• Full Opening speech by Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe 23 November 2015, Rome, Italy

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• Statement by Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe- Population movement is a challenge for refugees and migrants as well as for the receiving population

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