Health Within and Beyond Welsh Borders May 2016
Welcome Welcome to the May issue of the IHCC European and international e-bulletin! This month’s issue will provide you with information on the 2016 No Tobacco Day, the World Health Assembly, Welsh activity within and beyond Welsh borders, in addition to new publications and opportunities. Follow the IHCC on Twitter for regular updates #IHCCWales and on the IHCC Website. Welcome to the May issue of the IHCC European and international e-bulletin!
Content
In Focus Europe
Get ready for plain packaging This year’s World No Tobacco Day on 31 May focuses on plain packaging - a measure recommended by the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Plain packaging reduces the attractiveness of tobacco products, restricts use of tobacco packaging as a form of tobacco advertising and promotion, limits misleading packaging and labelling, and increases the effectiveness of health warnings. Smoking is one of the main causes of avoidable premature death in the UK and Wales. 20% of adults still smoke in Wales. After Australia’s successful example in 2012 the UK will be among the first countries in the world along with Ireland and France, to implement plain packaging in May 2016. These laws come on top of European Directive governing manufacture, presentation (including packaging) and sale of tobacco and related products. To encourage full implementation of the WHO Framework Convention at the European level – a Region with one of the highest smokers prevalence in the world, Member States of the WHO European Region met on the 28-29 of April in Ashgabat to discuss the 2015 Roadmap of actions to strengthen implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in the European Region 20152025. Find out more about this year’s World No Tobacco Day campaign on WHO’s website and read about plain packaging in the UK on the Action on Smoking and Health website. Resources to help smokers quit are also available on the Stop Smoking Wales website.
World Health Assembly 2016 From 23 to 28 of May, the 194 Member States of the World Health Organisation will meet in Geneva for the 69th World Health Assembly. Among the agenda items to be discussed are Health in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals agenda, the new report of the Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity, tobacco control, and the preparation of the 2018 third High-level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases. The agenda and documents related to each items as well as the live webcasts and recordings of the sessions are available on the WHO website.
New European Scientific Advising Committees Appointed The newly appointed Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks (SCHEER) held their inaugural meeting in Luxembourg On 28 April 2016. These committees are appointed for 5 years to provide independent scientific advice to the European Commission on issues relating to consumer safety, public health and the environment. Find out more on the SCCS and the SCHEER website.
Sustainable Development and the ‘war on drugs’ On 19-21 April 2016 the United Nations convened a UN General Assembly Special Session on Drugs (UNGASS). This was a key opportunity to address the impacts of prohibitionist drug policy on poverty, health, violence, the environment, corruption and women. However, no revolutionary changes were adopted. Find out more on the UNGASS website or read the post on the BOND website.
Chernobyl: Thirty Years On On 26 April 2016, the world marked 30 years since the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident in Ukraine - the disaster that affected millions of people with an impact on the entire humankind by changing the nations attitudes to nuclear safety on a global scale. In Wales, over 300 farms remained under restrictions for nearly 26 years after the incident in order to protect from irradiated animals. The accident led to an in-depth revision of international radiation safety standards, strategies for improving the nuclear safety, approaches to emergency response and mitigation of consequences. Find out more on the WHO website.
In Focus Wales
Here we would like to share recent examples of Welsh activities, collaborations, events and other work related to protecting, improving and promoting health and wellbeing and reducing inequalities linking to Europe and the world. If you are a Welsh health or related professional involved in such international work and would like to share it with your colleagues, please, email international.health@wales.nhs.uk. All contributions welcome!
New IHCC Team member—Global Health Strategy Jamie Jones-Mead joined the International Health Development Team to work on a Global Health Strategy for Public Health Wales. The development of the strategy will involve Wales-wide consultation, branching to external international stakeholders. Jamie said: “I am pleased to join the International Team as the Project Manager responsible for putting together Public Health Wales’ Global Health Strategy. My professional background is in youth and community work with a keen interest in International Relations. I would like to offer my extensive ‘on the ground’ experience as a practitioner directly working with people and communities and numerous organisations across Wales and internationally. Throughout my career I have managed a range of projects and strategies which include international projects and health projects which will enable me to bring a unique perspective to the work of the team”.
Trieste Delegation Visit Wales Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB) and Trieste Mental Health Services have signed the first formal Mental Health International Twinning Agreement in Wales. As part of the Trieste twinning agreement a staff exchange programme has been agreed between Trieste and HDUHB which has been active for over a year now. Delegates from Trieste have recently visited Hywel Dda as part of the exchange programme, hoping to learn in particular from Specialist Child and Mental Health Services being delivered within HDUHB, and also the varying mental health services commissioned from the 3rd Sector. The visiting delegates are planning to use the information gathered during their trip to develop and strengthen these services in Trieste. Read the full article on the IHCC website.
The Wellbeing of Future Generations Act Highlighted at the International Association of National Public Health Institutes Meeting Dr Quentin Sandifer, Executive Director of Public Health Services/Medical Director, Public Health Wales presented at IANPHI's European meeting April 14 in Bilthoven, Netherlands on the Well-being of Future Generations Act "Well-being is a product of many complex and integrated factors at various levels including environmental, economic, societal, cultural and personal." He noted that children with adverse childhood experiences such as verbal, physical or sexual abuse, living in households with challenges that might include parental separation, domestic violence, alcohol/drug abuse, mental illness and incarceration, have lower economic, educational and health outcomes. "The Well Being of Future Generations Act integrates, on a local level, the services of various disciplines in an integrated and coordinated way," he said. Find out more on the IANPHI website.
NHS Wales shares improvement work with International Audience The work of NHS Wales organisations to deliver even better care and improved patient outcomes and experience was shared with healthcare professionals from around the world at the 2016 International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare from 12-15 April. The Forum offers opportunities to learn and share good practice with people working in healthcare across six continents.
Opportunities
Funding European Regional Funding – North-West Europe—Third Call for Proposals This European Territorial Cooperation Programme aims to make the North-West Europe area a key economic player and an attractive place to work and live, with high levels of innovation, sustainability and cohesion. The third call is running from 18 April – 27 May 2016 The themes covered are: Innovation Low Carbon Resource & materials efficiency Find out more on the North-West Europe website.
Atlantic Area – First Call for Proposals This European territorial cooperation programme funds transnational cooperation projects among Atlantic regions of 5 European countries, in the fields of Innovation & competitiveness; resource efficiency; territorial risks management; biodiversity and natural & cultural assets. The first stage of this call is running from 26 April to 31 May. This is a two-stage process. Priorities covered are: Stimulating innovation and competitiveness Fostering resource efficiency Strengthening the territory's resilience to risks of natural, climate and human origin Enhancing biodiversity and the natural and cultural assets Find out more on the Atlantic Area website.
URBACT – Third Call for Networks This European Territorial Cooperation programme aims to foster sustainable integrated urban development in cities across Europe. Transnational exchange and learning networks for European cities – funded under the current call - are one of the core strands of activities of the URBACT programme. The third Call is running from 22 March to 22 June 2016 The types of networks funded are: Implementation Networks: supporting cities with the delivery of an existing integrated urban strategy/ action-plan Find out more on the URBACT website.
The Ireland Wales Co-operation Programme The Ireland Wales Co-operation programme supports businesses and organisations across both nations. This programme operates on an open call basis. The fund focuses on innovation, climate change, cultural and natural recourses, and heritage and tourism. For more information, please go to the WEFO website.
ECHO Funds The European Commission's Humanitarian aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO) is the Commission’s department in charge of EU relief assistance within and outside the EU. It operates through various financial instruments, including project grants, public procurement and support to volunteering overseas. Visit ECHO’s website for further information.
Horizon 2020 Under its main research funding programme Horizon 2020, the European Commission DG Research and Innovation has published a series of calls and prizes under the topic of “societal challenges”. The topics and deadlines are specific to each call.
Other European Funding Opportunities European Structural and Investment Funds These funds are part of the European Union’s Regional Cohesion Policy. During 2014–2020 Wales will benefit from around £1.8bn European Structural Funds investment to fund projects covering East Wales, West Wales and the Valleys. This programme operates on an open call basis and covers the following themes: Research and innovation The competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises Renewable energy and energy efficiency Connectivity and urban development Tackling poverty through sustainable employment Skills for growth Youth employment and attainment Please go to the WEFO website for further information.
The Third health Programme—2016 Work Plan The Third Health Programme is the main instrument the European Commission uses to implement the EU health strategy. The call is based on the third programme for the Union's action in the field of health (2014-2020) and the 2016 Annual Work Programme. The 2016 work plan sets out details of the financing mechanisms and priority areas for action to implement the programme. The current call is running until 2 June 2016
Visegrad Grants Programme The purpose of the fund is to facilitate and promote the development of closer cooperation among citizens and institutions in the region and with other countries, especially in the Western Balkan and Eastern Partnership regions. The fund operates several grant programs, and also awards individual scholarships, fellowships and artist residencies. The themes covered include science and research; education; youth exchanges; cross-border; cooperation; culture; tourism promotion The deadline for small/standard grants (EUR 0-6,000) is 1 June 2016. The deadline for university studies grants (EUR 10,000-40,000) is 10 November 2016. Find out more on the Visegrad Fund website.
Child Family Health International Scholarships and Fellowships 2016 Child Family Health International (CFHI) is offering fellowships and scholarships opportunities to students and recent graduate interested in global health issues and addressing inequities. The scholarship application cycle for autumn 2016 program opened on May 1, 2016. Find out more on the CFHI website.
Publications and Tools A Global Charter for the Public’s Health—the Public Health System: role, functions, competencies and education requirements European Journal of Public Health (2016) Keywords: global public health, globalisation, social, environmental and behavioural health determinants Find out more on the EJPH website.
Trends in Adult Body-Mass Index in 200 Countries from 1975 to 2014
NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (2016) Keywords: obesity, epidemiology, non-communicable diseases Find out more on the Lancet website.
Worldwide Trends in Diabetes since 1980 NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (2016) Keywords: diabetes, epidemiology, non-communicable diseases Find out more on the Lancet website.
Global Report on Diabetes WHO (2016) Keywords: diabetes, epidemiology, non-communicable diseases, policy, prevention, care Find out more on the WHO website.
Value-based Healthcare in the UK Economist Intelligence Unit (2016) Keywords: health technology assessment, value-based care, UK Find out more on The Economist website.
Strategies Across Europe to Assess Quality of Care
European expert group on health systems performance assessment (HSPA) Keywords: health technology assessment, value-based care, comparative study, Europe Find out more on the European Commission website.
European Reports on Quality and Safety Standards for Human Blood, Tissues and Cells European Commission (DG SANTE) Keywords: European legislation, regulation, human blood, tissues and cells, implementation, quality, safety Find out more on the DG SANTE website
Adding Value to the NHS through EU Engagement NHS Confederation European Office (2016) Keywords: adding value, EU affairs Find out more on the NHS Confederation website.
Eurohealth Observer – the changing role of nursing European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (2016) Keywords: nurse education, European Union, nurse migration, EU accession, EU framework Find out more on the WHO website.
Fairness for Children: A League Table of Inequality in Child Well-Being in Rich Countries UNICEF (2016) Keywords: Research report card, bottom-end inequality, well-being Find out more on the UNICEF website.
Upcoming Conferences and Events Sustainable Societies: Health and Social Investment in the EU EuroHealthNet Brussels, 7 June 2016 Keywords: sustainable development, health, Europe Find out more on the EuroHealthNet website
European Development Days: 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development European Commission Brussels, 15th - 16th June, 2016 Keywords: collaboration, sustainable development Find out more on the European Commission website.
Towards a more prudent use of antibiotics in the European Union ARNA, NIVEL The Netherlands, 17 June 2016 Keywords: antibiotics, good practice, prudent use Find out more on the NIVEL website.
6th European Conference on Migrant and Ethnic Minority Health, EUPHA MEMH 2016 EUPHA Oslo, 23 - 25 June 2016 Keywords: Migrant and Ethnic Minority Health, equity, policy Find out more on the EUPHA website.
UCL Health and Society Summer School: Social Determinants of Health University College London London, 4-8 July 2016 Keywords: public health, Social Determinants of Health, epidemiology, health inequalities, health policies, governance Find out more on the UCL website.
Wales Africa Health Conference Wales for Africa Health Links Network Cardiff, 6 July 2016-05-04 Keywords: Health, Africa, Sustainable Development Goals Find out more on eventbrite.
High-level conference on working together for better health and wellbeing WHO Europe Paris, 11-12 July Keywords: equality, social outcomes, children, adolescents Find out more on the WHO Europe website.
Erasmus Summer School Erasmus MC Netherlands Institute for Health Siences The Netherlands, 10-28 August 2016 Keywords: scientific, research, health, knowledge Find out more on the Erasmus website.
4th International and Interdisciplinary Conference on Health, Culture and the Human Body Universitat Bremen Bremen, Germany 08-09 September 2016 Keywords: migration, health, joint discussion Find out more on the Leibniz-Institut website.
Public Health England Annual Conference 2016 Public Health England Warwick, 13-14 September 2016 Keywords: Public Health, England, research, science, health interventions Find out more on the Public Health England website.
European Public Health Conference: All for Health – Health for All EUPHA Austria, 9-12 November Keywords: public health, research, training, education Find out more on the EUPHA website.
Expertise Opportunities Seminars LSHTM Health Economics seminar series LSHTM Keywords: health economics, training, healthcare, methodology Find out more on the LSHTM THETA website.
Consultation EU Health Policy Platform European Commission Keywords: policy, European Union, health, stakeholder involvement Find out more on the EU Health Policy platform website.
EU Horizon 2020 ‘Science with and for Society’ Work Programme 2018—2020 European Commission Keywords: policy, funding, research, priorities, Europe Deadline for submission: 4 July 2016
Expression of Interest Young Speakers at the European Public Health Conference EUPHA Keywords: public health, conference, young people, presentation For further information, contact Monica Aberg-Yngwe at EuroHealthNet.
Expertise Call for interest for the European Reference Networks (ERN) for Rare and Complex Diseases European Commission, ERN Board of Member States Keywords: rare diseases, best practices, European cooperation, healthcare Deadline: 21 June 2016 Useful resources: EU Health programme website, Manual for ERNs, ERN Board of Member StatesManual for ERNs Further information on the European Commission website
Host Bid to host the 16th World Congress on Public Health (2020) World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) Keywords: event, conference, public health, international, hosting, bid, national public health associations Deadline for bid submission: 31 October 2016 Find out more by contacting the WFPHA office in Geneva.
Award 10th European Health Award European Health Forum Gastein Keywords: public health, healthcare, Europe, demographics, diversity Deadline: Submission by 27 May 2016; Results announced in September 2016 Prize: ₏10,000 Further information on the Gastein Forum’s website
International Organisations and Newsletters Cynnal Cymru/Sustain Wales Get up to date on events, training and consultancy from Sustain Wales by reading their newsletter.
Wessex Global Health Newsletter To keep in touch with the Wessex Global Health Network and receive regular updates, read the latest issue of their newsletter or sign up on their website.
WHO Europe Get up to date with public health news from around the WHO European Region by reading the WHO Europe’s most recent e-bulletin.
WHO Regions for Health Network This bulletin provides up to date information on the work developed by WHO’s RHN network, the latest issue featuring the Wales Study Visit and other relevant gatherings.
WHO Panorama Public Health Panorama provides a platform to scientists and public health practitioners for the publication of lessons learned from the field, as well as original research work, to facilitate the use of evidence and good practice for public health action.
EuroHealthNet Through the publication of its magazine, EuroHealthNet aims to explain its projects, its objectives and its ways of working. Go to the EuroHealthNet magazine website to find out more.
European Regional and Local Health Authorities (EUREGHA) EUREGHA is a network of 14 European Regional and Local Health Authorities focused on public health and health care. Read the latest news on the EUREGHA website.
European Commission: SANTE Health-EU View the SANTE Health EU newsletter on the European Commission website for information on, News from the EU, EU Press Releases, EU Health Award for NGOs, Forthcoming events, New publications and Reporting from across Europe.
European Public Health Association (EUPHA) The latest issue of EUPHA’s newsletter, available on their website, provides the latest updates in Public Health, including the upcoming European Public Health Conference in 2016 and the 6 th European Conference on Migrant and Minority Health MEMH 2016.
European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing Read the latest newsletter on Active and Healthy Ageing on the European Commission website.
NHS Confederation NHS confederation offers a variety of newsletters that can be subscribed to by registering on their website.
NHS Confederation Europe The NHS Confederation European Office e-bulletin lets you know about policy, funding and the sharing of knowledge.
WEFO Horizon 2020 Horizon 2020 in Wales e-News (coming soon): A regular focused update on the latest news and topics relevant to Welsh organisations seeking Horizon 2020. For more information visit the WEFO website.
Contact Us
Email International.health@wales.nhs.uk Telephone 02921 841938 Post International Health Coordination Centre c/o Public Health Wales Hadyn Ellis Building Maindy Road Cardiff CF24 4HQ Website www.internationalhealth.nhs.uk Twitter @IHCCWales