The changing context of public health in Europe

Abstract

Abstract From a public health perspective there is much to celebrate. Europe enters the third decade of the 21st century with a population that has never been healthier. Advances in knowledge, from basic sciences to public health, have transformed our ability to tackle the diseases that afflict our populations. It would be easy to become complacent. Yet, at the same time, our world is transforming rapidly and profoundly. Changing demographics, globalization, technological developments, climate change, shifting public opinions on the value of scientific evidence, a political arena that increasingly seems to focus on highlighting differences rather than looking for common ground: all these trends result in massive and complex societal challenges, which will place great strain on our public health and health care services. In addition, deep and persistent health inequalities within and between countries continue to demand action. New threats (e.g. fake news) are surfacing, old threats (e.g. measles and TB) are coming back and EUPHA and its members need to adapt. This presentation will survey the changing public health landscape in Europe and globally, highlighting key issues for EUPHA to address.