Workshop: Bridging the health divide across the Mediterranean: an agenda for public health research and polic

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Develop 3-4 areas for intensified collaboration The Mediterranean region has a rich history and is home to some of the earliest civilisations. Today, the Mediterranean is often in the news as a result of tragic events and unrest including conflict and loss of lives at sea. Political meetings such as the South EU summit of Southern European leaders and the 5 + 5 EuroMed are useful events to highlight the priority policy issues of this region. Yet, health has rarely been at the forefront of the political agenda for the Mediterranean. The migrant crisis comes as a timely reminder that there exists a full continent on the other side of this sea and border countries from Africa, themselves in active processes of reform and change, should be seen as neighbours with whom the European public health community needs to collaborate. The purpose of this workshop is to shine a light on the health divide across the Mediterranean, to highlight key epidemiological, health systems and global health governance issues of priority to the region. It aims to stimulate an initial discussion for a public health research and policy focus on the Mediterranean region which could eventually lead to a call for action and a programme of activities at international level. Our neighbours share with us several public health challenges, from financing of health systems, epidemiological transition toward NCD diseases, environment and life style risks, human resources for health challenges and migrant issues from other parts of the continent. Marseille, as the conference location, provides a unique opportunity to debate and exchange with the three Maghreb countries facing the southern border of Europe. Key messages Maghreb health systems are in transition, all three rather different, but rather close to some European and EU health systems regarding financing, priorities, social and regional inequalities in access to health services, aging and NCD growth pressure. How can they become a part and contribute to the very active European Public Health analysis and benchmarks on optimizing health systems performance? Part of the health crisis regarding migrants in Europe is also an issue for health care systems in Maghreb countries. Are there ways to collaborate, to implement real collaborative and joint actions? Maghreb countries face a very specific crisis because of European policies of attracting health professionals: the brain drain is a significant issue, endangering the capacity of the Maghreb health systems. Do we foresee solutions to it? Maghreb countries face the same transition as Europe toward chronic diseases’ increased burden due to global changes in lifestyles and exposure to globalized health risks, But also thanks to improved health care and longer life expectancies. Fighting an increase in some risk factors can only be global or regional, with joint actions in need of forgetting the presence of the sea. Chronic disease is also an issue for international organizations: for example, such discussion could bring the three WHO regional officers involved around the Mediterranean Sea closer.