Promoting Cycling Can Save Lives and Advance Health Across Europe Through Improved Air Quality and Increased Physical Activity
On World Bicycle Day, celebrated on 3 June, WHO highlights a new master plan that calls countries to acknowledge cycling as an equal mode of transport and to double the level of cycling by 2030.
The Pan-European Master Plan for Cycling Promotion provides a set of recommendations to reallocate space for cycling and walking, improve active mobility infrastructure, increase cyclist and pedestrian safety to reduce fatalities, develop national cycling policies, and integrate cycling into health policies and urban and transport planning.
High rates of childhood obesity alarming given anticipated impact of COVID-19 pandemic
In some countries of the WHO European Region, 1 in 3 children aged 6 to 9 years is living with overweight or obesity. Mediterranean countries have the highest rates of obesity, but the situation there is starting to improve.
These are some of the findings of a new WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) report on the fourth round of data collection (2015–2017). The report gives the latest data available on 6- to 9-year-olds in 36 countries in the Region. A questionnaire collecting data from 2021 on the impact of the pandemic will follow from some countries.
Statement – More Europeans now vaccinated against COVID-19 than have had the virus
Statement by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe
As I speak to you today, I must express my heartfelt condolences to every family affected by this pandemic. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and in particular with the people of India and their battle against a horrific surge of COVID-19. I call upon the countries of the WHO European Region to do everything they can, however they can, to support India, and I thank those who have already provided help.
EIW 2021 statement – Getting closer together – one vaccination at a time
Statement by Her Royal Highness, The Crown Princess of Denmark
The past year has been dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought tragedy, suffering and frustration to so many, and which will leave its mark on our society for many years to come. To help us put this pandemic behind us, we have our hopes firmly pinned on the new vaccines that have been developed in record time.
Statement – Surging pandemic surpasses 1 million deaths in the WHO European Region
Press statement by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe
Good morning and good afternoon,
Among the silver linings of COVID-19 is the fact that it has emphasized the urgent need to ensure equitable access to health care.
World Health Day: Putting Equity at the Heart of COVID-19 Recovery
COVID-19 has affected us all, but some have fared worse than others simply because of the jobs they do and the insecurity of their living conditions and livelihoods.
People who have been hit the hardest are also among those least protected by national policies and systems, and the pandemic has brought their precarious situation into sharp focus.
One year of WHO/Europe’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic
24 January 2021 marks 1 year since the first cases of COVID-19 were detected in the WHO European Region. The Regional Incident Management Support Team (IMST), WHO/Europe’s COVID-19 response mechanism, had been activated the day before, as countries in the Region were getting ready in case the “novel coronavirus” detected in China reached them.
Statement – Update on COVID-19: WHO/Europe calls for action on post-COVID conditions/“long COVID”
Press statement by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe
Good morning,
To date, close to 38 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the WHO European Region, as well as 850 000 deaths.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to spread at very high rates across Europe, with 2 variants of concern continuing to displace other variants, increasing their reach and challenging us to continue to do more.
Aron Anderson – Cancer Ambassador for WHO/Europe
On 4 February 2021, cancer survivor, inspirational leader and motivational speaker Aron Anderson was announced as WHO/Europe’s Cancer Ambassador.
Since losing the use of his legs after his cancer diagnosis at the age of 8, Aron has made it his life’s mission to not let his wheelchair be an obstacle. Instead, he has embarked on a series of ambitious adventures, from hiking the world’s highest mountains and parachuting from airplanes to cycling across Europe and skiing across Antarctica to reach the South Pole.
United Action Against Cancer, a pan-European movement from grassroots to government
4 February 2021
On 4 February 2021, World Cancer Day, WHO/Europe will call for a pan-European movement, United Action Against Cancer, with a vision to eliminate cancer as a life threatening disease. The movement will call for action at many levels – from the grassroots to governments – to contribute actively to eliminating the threat of cancer. The movement will build on a set of signature solutions – cost-effective, evidence-based policies and measures which aim to maximize impact at country level. These signature solutions will be introduced at the event.