European Public Health News.

Abstract

In this edition of the Public Health News, EUPHA’s executive director addresses the European Health Data Space and the promises it holds for (public) health research as well as the challenges that lie ahead during the development of this infrastructure. Geller et al. from WHO Regional Office from Europe look at human trafficking and the role of health workers in the identification, treatment and protection of trafficked persons and those at risk. Finally, Staines and Barnhoorn invite the readers to submit abstracts for the next European Public Health Conference in November 2023 in Dublin. The theme of this year’s conference is Our Food, Our Health, Our Earth: A Sustainable Future for Humanity. One of the key elements of the European Health Union is the creation of the European Health Data Space (EHDS). The EHDS is a health-specific data sharing framework establishing clear rules, common standards and practices, infrastructures and a governance framework for the use of electronic health data by patients and for research, innovation, policy-making, patient safety, statistics or regulatory purposes. It is aimed to improve healthcare delivery across the EU, by empowering people to control their health data in their home country or in other EU countries; offer a consistent, secure, trustworthy and efficient framework for the secondary use of health data; and foster a genuine single market for digital health services and products.