1. Health promotion and disease prevention: key policies for regional development Michael Hübel Head of Unit, Health Determinants, Directorate-General for Health and Consumers European Week of Regions and Cities: Prevention Workshop 7th October 2008

2. Health Means Wealth Source: M. Suhrcke, M. McKee, R. Sauto Arce, S. Tsolova, J. Mortensen The contribution of health to the economy in the EU, Brussels 2005

3. ‘The Contribution of Health to the Economy -Higher productivity - healthy people produce more per hour worked -Higher labour supply – plus healthy people work for longer -Skills people in better health benefit more from training -Capital formation if people expect to live longer and in good health they may save more

4. Risks of an unhealthy workforce A unhealthy population means less labour supply through: More sick leave Fewer people employed More retirement due to ill health Germany: 18 million work days lost to depression In 2002 (cost for employers € 1.59 billion) Ireland: labour force participation 61% lower for men with chronic diseases Germany: 4 x more men leave labour force at earliest possible age if ‘disabled’

5. Health Means Wealth Healthier citizens reduce strain on healthcare systems – Health systems account for 9% of GDP in the EU But also: Healthy Adults: more likely to be in the workforce more productive work and live longer and save more for retirement Healthy Children: better schooling outcomes and education less school absenteeism and early drop-out  a more competitive economy

8. Lower life expectancy- More treatable mortality

9. Lower life expectancy more preventable mortality

10. Rights, Discrimination, Differences in Treatment by Status, Ethnic Group etc. Income, Working Conditions, Access to Education, Health Services Psychological and social stress Health Behaviour – smoking, alcohol, eating, Disease, Injury, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Mental Causes Causes of the Causes Environmental Risks

11. Regions are key actors for health Health competence Action on Determinants of Health Involving citizens, stakeholders, local and national government, and EU

12. What can regions do? Leadership Policy priority Social, environment and economic policies Health promotion and disease prevention emphasis on lower income and educational groups Targeted action on marginal groups Equitable Health care system Cooperate: good practice, share experience, capacity….

13. EU action Facilitate exchange between Member States Models of good practice – Health Programme 2008-2013 EU Health Policy Health in other EU policies

14. Policy Context EU Health Strategy 2007 Four Principles Shared health values – including citizen empowerment and participation Health is the greatest wealth Health in all policies Strengthening EU voice in global health Three objectives Fostering good health in an ageing Europe Protecting citizens from health threats Supporting health systems and technologies Implementation Structured cooperation with Member States Cooperation and partnerships with stakeholders

15. ‘A high level of health protection in all Community policies and activities’ Health strategy 2007: ‘Healthy ageing’ across life cycle EU action across health determinants - nutrition and physical activity, tobacco, alcohol, mental health, …. Health inequalities and socio-economic issues Key settings (schools, the workplace,…) and population groups (children, the elderly) Health to be taken into consideration across EU policy areas

16. Health in other policies Regional policy – health in guidelines for use of structural funds Social policy – health and social protection, ESF Youth

17. Next steps Further development of use of structural funds to support health in regions Opportunities in health programme Enhanced cooperation with MS (acknowledging regional dimension) Health inequalities communication

18. Thank You!