1. 1 Health & Consumer Protection Directorate General On the way to a EU Health strategy: results of the reflection process Bernard Merkel Head of the Health Strategy Unit 13 December 2004

2. 2 Today’s presentation

3. 3 1. Why a health strategy Where we are

4. 4 1. Why a Health Strategy What we need: A consistent, long-term, strategic approach to guide health policy encompassing all SANCO health activities mainstreaming health into all EU policies with clear policy objectives and deliverables that responds to citizens’ expectations that reflects the new Constitution  A stronger, comprehensive, coherent EU health policy

5. 5 1. Why a Health Strategy Public Health Programme Threats What we have: Policy actions example: Co-operation between health systems InformationDeterminants ECDC

6. 6 2. The reflection process What is it? Open consultation on future health strategy (15 July - 15 October) Aim: help Commission shape future action Based on Mr. Byrne ’ s reflection paper and its recommendations for action Over 180 contributions from citizens, stakeholders, national and regional authorities

7. 7 2. The reflection process What was it about? How to achieve good health for all focus on promotion and prevention bridge the health gap/ make health an economic priority put health at the centre of policy-making build partnerships for health

8. 8 3. What stakeholders want Stakeholders want I. A consistent health policy II. A proactive approach (prevention and more..) III. A voice in policy-making, money, info

9. 9 3. What stakeholders want I.A consistent EU health policy They ask the Commission to: Make all policies good for health Use Health impact assessment Take bigger international role Tackle health inequalities/ new Member States

10. 10 3. What stakeholders want II.A pro-active approach: focus on promotion yes, but not only They ask the Commission to: Start early: focus on youngsters Address smoking Be innovative Limit responsibility/ tackle determinants Balance treatment versus promotion Tackle important diseases

11. 11 3. What stakeholders want They ask the Commission to: Involve them systematically Support/sponsor civil society Balance different interests Improve PHP: user-friendly/more money Match ambition and resources Provide better/more information III. A voice in policy making (and money and more information)

12. 12 3. What stakeholders want List of participants in reflection process Individual contributions (184) Report on results Reflection paper http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/ph_overview/ strategy/reflection_process_en.htm For more information

13. 13 4. What do we do now? Shape a new Health strategy built on lessons learnt reflecting reflection process with everybody on board A consistent, long-term, strategic approach to guide health policy

14. 14 4. What do we do now? Shaping a health strategy Possible key areas promotion and prevention mainstreaming health encouraging health investment bridging health gap Working together