The European Health Union was established in 2020, with the goal of strengthening health systems and prioritizing patient care. This newfound collaboration between European countries has been a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the importance of coordination in protecting public health. In response to this crisis, the EU ensured that all its citizens had equal access to safe and effective vaccines under the same conditions.
The theme for World Health Day this year is ‘My Health My Right’, emphasizing that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right for all individuals. This principle has been instrumental in shaping the formation of the European Health Union and has influenced its efforts towards establishing a robust system for handling cross-border health threats. The EU has also worked towards strengthening various agencies responsible for public health, such as the European Medicines Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, as well as reforming pharmaceutical legislation to ensure timely access to affordable medicines.
Furthermore, the EU’s Global Health Strategy aims to improve global health outcomes by investing €4.4 billion until 2027. The belief is that good public health is essential for building strong economies and societies worldwide. Commissioner Kyriakides’ statement on World Health Day highlights the importance of continued efforts towards achieving a healthy future for all individuals and nations alike.
To learn more about overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, building a Health Union, European Health Union, public health policy, and Commissioner Kyriakides’ statement on World Health Day, please visit the provided links.
