As discussed during its Annual General Meeting last month, the European Patients’ Forum is deeply concerned with the very uncertain future of European health collaboration and of the Health Programme post-2020. The five scenarios proposed by the European Commission Mr. Junker in April show that health is not a priority for the European Union.

To voice concerns and initiate what is hoped will be a fruitful dialogue on the future of health at EU level, 39 health organisations, including EPF and several of its European members, sent an open letter to Mr. Juncker on 6th June.

The objective of the letter is to reiterate the view that health is absolutely and unequivocally a central topic for the EU, and to open a dialogue.

Please support and share the open letter found which you will find below. You can also find it here as well as tweets to share at this link.

Dear President Juncker, EU Health Collaboration is crucial for Europe’s future

Brussels, 6 June 2017.

To: Jean-Claude Juncker, President, European Commission

cc: Frans Timmermans, First Vice-President, European Commission

Vytenis Andruikaitis, Commissioner, DG Health & Food Safety

Günther Oettinger, Commissioner, DG Budget & Human Resources

Carlos Moedas, Commissioner, Research, Science & Innovation

EU Health Collaboration is crucial for Europe’s future

Dear President Juncker,

We, the undersigned organisations, representing EU health stakeholders, wish to express our grave concern about the future of health in European policies and programmes, in the light of your White Paper on the Future of Europe, and propose an urgent meeting with you and your services on this topic.

Our determined view, shared by the vast majority of EU citizens, is that health is absolutely and unequivocally a core business of the EU. Protection of a high level of human health and wellbeing is entrenched in the Treaties of the European Union[1]. EU collaboration in the field of health is indispensable for the future of Europe and rebuilding the trust of citizens in the European Union. We need more health to unlock the full potential of economic and social policies.

70% of Europeans want the EU to do more for health, according to the most recent Eurobarometer survey. With such a strong, unequivocal demand from EU citizens for more action in the field of health, it is essential that this is not only maintained, but actually enhanced. The EU needs to continue deliver results that make a tangible difference in the daily lives of its citizens and thus re-establish people’s trust in its institutions.

Health protection and improvement is a great success story of the European Union

Life expectancy is rising across the EU. Accession to the Union is positively correlated with health gains and longer lives. Without EU level action and support of the Health Programme, EU citizens would be more at risk from health threats. Whilst there is a need for continuous improvement, protection standards for patients, consumers and workers are amongst the highest in the world, thanks to EU legislation. Indeed, European integration and collaboration has brought great benefits for our health and provides vital resources for our health services: free movement of health professionals, health technologies and patients. We are assured of our right to treatment in other member states, under common minimum safety and quality standards. We are also reassured that, thanks to cross-border collaboration, highly specialised expertise will be shared across borders, as the EU has just embarked in one of its most promising transnational initiatives, the European Reference Networks for Highly Complex and Rare Diseases – an area not only where EU-wide strategies are effective, but also where the added value of EU action is striking.

This is thanks to EU legislation, rights and protections which complement national laws.

It is impossible to imagine a functioning internal market which does not consider and protect the health of its citizens, patients and consumers. Economic growth can only be built by healthy and resilient populations.

EU coordinated health action saves lives and reduces the burden of disease

By facilitating closer cooperation, the EU has saved countless citizens’ lives and contributed to their improvement. The Health Programme is a vital enabler for health policy formulation and for effective implementation and it has, over several years, triggered shared good practices on complex health topics for which EU cooperation is essential (such as patient safety and quality of care), encouraging upward convergence.

The conclusions of the previous Health Programme evaluation were extremely positive, with evidence of its impact beyond its relatively modest (financial) size, and exchange of knowledge and experience between member states which would not otherwise have taken place. Moreover, it “made it possible to develop many activities… where the economic situation and budget restrictions would not have allowed them to be made a priority” – now more critical than ever, when national health budgets are under even more pressure. The Programme was seen as providing value for money, and particularly important for ensuring a human rights-based approach to health policy.

We are therefore profoundly concerned that some of the scenarios in your White Paper on the Future of Europe would even consider reducing European action, cooperation and legislation and to step back from the protection and improvement of our health in Europe.

Instead, this role must be enhanced in the future through a new robust and ambitious Health Programme, convening member states to cooperate on health, underpinning vital collaboration with other institutions such as WHO and OECD and supporting health research.

Unprecedented health and social challenges can only be tackled at a European level

There has never been a stronger case, or a more vital moment for Europe to work together to protect our health.

Whilst life-expectancy has improved, the years gained are often lived in relatively poorer health due to the proliferation of preventable chronic diseases, compounded by huge disparities that persist within and between member states. Average life expectancy is 12 years shorter for a man in Lithuania than in Italy. Discrimination and inequality remains widespread when it comes to access to healthy living conditions and healthcare. For example, the lives of Roma people and refugees are expected to be 10 years shorter than national averages and homeless women in Europe die on average at just 43 years of age because of the multiple health disadvantages they face. The Lisbon Strategy included a target of adding two healthy life years across the EU by 2020, a target that still needs to be met.

Europe is facing important health threats which must become a top priority for this Commission. Our precious, life-saving antibiotics are declining in effectiveness. Antimicrobial resistance is taking hold more rapidly around the world than expected. No single country can tackle that challenge alone. Bacteria and drug resistance cannot be stopped by borders. The alternative if we fail to act is unimaginable: 10 million deaths globally every year by 2050[2]. Rich countries will not be immune. Those of us from countries which take high quality healthcare systems for granted arguably have the most to lose.

National governments were expecting, and calling for, European Commission support in the form of a chronic disease strategy. The majority of Member States want more EU action for health, especially disease prevention and support to increase the safety, quality and efficiency of care, to aid their own efforts to make their health systems more sustainable.

Common challenges to Europe’s health systems require common action

National governments remain responsible for their health systems, but European health systems face common challenges – a necessary shift from disease-focused, hospital-centred care to person-centred, long-term chronic disease management where patients, families and communities play a key role.

Member States thus need cross-border support, in the form of expertise, coordination, exchange of data, evidence and best practices, and programme financing.

National governments cannot address the threats to health and health services alone. We face common challenges from drug-resistant infections, spikes in chronic diseases, obesity, alcohol-related harm, infectious diseases, emerging technologies, rising prices of medicines, and inequities in access to healthcare, that can be tackled together far more effectively.

Looking ahead: Commit to Health and Sustainable Development

Looking ahead, the EU must not shy away from stronger engagement in the field of health. On the contrary, the challenges we are facing and the opportunity to continue demonstrating to European citizens the added value of the EU action on health, compels health to become a EU flagship policy that promotes stronger protection for patients and consumers and ultimately improves people’s lives.

If the EU steps back from protecting patients and consumers and improving our health it would irreparably damage the institutions’ credibility and trustworthiness.

Therefore, a strong future Health Programme is crucial, not least to ensure that voices from civil society – patients, consumers, health professionals, epidemiologists and technical experts – are represented in policy dialogues which build on all available evidence and expertise.

For this we need strong high-level leadership inside the Commission, with specific responsibility for health. Mainstreaming health in other Commission Directorates will not work without stimulus, guidance, knowledge, expertise, and leadership from a strong Directorate for Health.

This is evidenced by recent developments on the Digital Health Agenda, and the symbiotic relationship between DG SANTÉ and DG CONNECT. Other EU policies will be jeopardised without an appropriate health policy lens. Efforts around the Social Pillar and the European Solidarity Corps are not replacements for health leadership within the Commission but rather, should be highly complementary measures to ensure maximum impact on the ground.

The EU has committed to deliver the UN Sustainable Development Goals both within the EU and globally, with a key goal on health.

Health is also high on the international policy agenda – the G20 under Germany’s leadership is discussing antibiotic resistance. This is because health and access to good quality healthcare and social care are primary concerns for everyone. Yet international institutions lack the mechanisms for real implementation that make a difference to people’s daily lives.

This makes the EU’s role – and the necessity to do more, not less – absolutely key. This also requires health leadership and expertise within the Commission working in concert with the health community.

In conclusion:

We call for an enhanced EU action in the field of health that brings the EU closer to its citizens, by protecting patients and consumers and improving people’s health. We call for a EU action on health that fosters cross-country collaboration, integrates the action of Member States and helps them to address the unprecedented challenges we are facing. We call for EU action on health supported by a robust EU Health Programme and the leadership of a dedicated Directorate in the European Commission.

We request a meeting with you at your earliest convenience to explore these issues in more detail and agree a viable way forward.

Yours sincerely,

Archie Turnbull, President, European Public Health Alliance

Marco Greco, President, European Patients’ Forum

SIGNING ORGANISATIONS (in alphabetical order)

Alzheimer Europe ⧫ Association Internationale de la Mutualité ⧫ European Alcohol Policy Alliance (Eurocare) ⧫ European Alliance of Neuromuscular Disorders Associations (EAMDA) ⧫ European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) ⧫ European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) ⧫ European Cancer Leagues (ECL) ⧫ European CanCer Organisation (ECCO) ⧫ European Cancer Patient Coalition (ECPC) ⧫ European COPD Coalition (ECC) ⧫ European Disability Forum (EDF) ⧫ European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA) ⧫ European Federation of Families of People with Mental Illness (EUFAMI) ⧫ European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless (FEANTSA) ⧫ European Federation of Salaried Doctors (FEMS) ⧫ European Health Management Association (EHMA) ⧫ European Haemophilia Consortium (EHC) ⧫ European Institute for Women’s Health (EIWH) ⧫ European Liver Patients’ Association (ELPA) ⧫ European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP) ⧫ European Network of Fibromyalgia Associations (ENFA) ⧫ European Network for Smoking and Tobacco Prevention (ENSP) ⧫ European Parkinson’s Disease Association (EPDA) ⧫ European Partnership for Improving Health, Equity & Wellbeing (Eurohealthnet) ⧫ European Patients Forum (EPF) ⧫ European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) ⧫ European Umbrella Organisation for Psoriasis Movements (EUROPSO) ⧫ Fertility Europe ⧫ France Assos Santé ⧫ Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks-Europe (GAMIAN Europe) ⧫ Health Action International (HAI) ⧫ International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF) ⧫ Lung Cancer Europe ⧫ (LuCE) ⧫ Mental Health Europe (MHE) ⧫ Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM) ⧫ Rare Diseases Europe (Eurordis) ⧫ Retina International ⧫ Royal College of Physicians (RCP London) ⧫ Smoke Free Partnership (SFP)

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1 day ago
LUPUS EUROPE

Only one day left for the great day!

🌟 Don't miss our webinar on digital health & patient care! 🌟

⏲️ Time is running out to secure your spot at our transformative webinar.

💻 In this rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, digital health is the way forward, and we want you to be at the forefront of this revolution.

Here's a glimpse of what awaits you:

✅ Engage in enriching discussions led by the esteemed Dr. Philipp Bosch.
✅ Explore the boundless potential of technology in advancing healthcare.

🗓️ Date: September 28th (tomorrow!).
🕗 Time: 20:00 CET.

This is your opportunity to be part of a digital health revolution that's shaping the future of patient care.

Join us and empower yourself with the knowledge that can transform lives! 📱🏥

The webinar will also be streamed live on Facebook. 🎥

Secure your spot now by registering:
📧 Email: secretariat@lupus-europe.org

If you have registered for Zoom already, please ensure you attend via Zoom 🤗.

See you at the webinar!
... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago
LUPUS EUROPE

‼️ Exercise is not only fundamental to general health but especially vital for individuals facing rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) like #lupus.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity is a significant global health risk, underlining the importance of staying active for overall well-being.

👩‍⚕️ EULAR, recognising this critical link between physical activity and health, has taken proactive steps by convening a task force to study the impact of lifestyle behaviours, including exercise, on RMDs.

Their evidence-based recommendations emphasise the undeniable benefits of exercise for individuals dealing with RMDs, including lupus ⬇️:

1️⃣ Engaging in regular exercise not only promotes general health but also directly impacts RMD symptoms and progression. It's a win-win for your health!

2️⃣ Exercise significantly improves pain, fatigue, function, and overall quality of life for individuals with RMDs like lupus. Your efforts today can yield a better tomorrow.

3️⃣ Try to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Health professionals should urge individuals with RMDs to steer clear of prolonged physical inactivity, as sedentary behaviour is linked to detrimental health effects in both the general population and those with RMDs.

4️⃣ Aim, at least, for that moderate intensity! Aerobic and strengthening exercises, performed at the right levels, can truly make a difference in managing lupus and its effects on your body.

5️⃣ Remember, it's never too late to start. Exercise is safe and a step towards enhancing your health, even if you've been less active before. Every step counts!

6️⃣ Whether in a group or alone, find what works best for you. The community and support can make a difference, but what matters most is finding what motivates you to keep moving.

🦋 If you're dealing with lupus, know that exercise can be a game-changer for you too, especially for managing symptoms and enhancing your quality of life.

📷 Embrace the power of exercise in managing lupus and share your journey using #kicklupus.

Let's inspire and support each other towards a healthier and more active life despite the challenges of lupus! 💪

ard.bmj.com/content/82/1/48
... See MoreSee Less

‼️ Exercise is not only fundamental to general health but especially vital for individuals facing rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) like #lupus.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity is a significant global health risk, underlining the importance of staying active for overall well-being.

👩‍⚕️ EULAR, recognising this critical link between physical activity and health, has taken proactive steps by convening a task force to study the impact of lifestyle behaviours, including exercise, on RMDs. 

Their evidence-based recommendations emphasise the undeniable benefits of exercise for individuals dealing with RMDs, including lupus ⬇️:

1️⃣ Engaging in regular exercise not only promotes general health but also directly impacts RMD symptoms and progression. Its a win-win for your health!

2️⃣ Exercise significantly improves pain, fatigue, function, and overall quality of life for individuals with RMDs like lupus. Your efforts today can yield a better tomorrow.

3️⃣ Try to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Health professionals should urge individuals with RMDs to steer clear of prolonged physical inactivity, as sedentary behaviour is linked to detrimental health effects in both the general population and those with RMDs. 

4️⃣ Aim, at least, for that moderate intensity! Aerobic and strengthening exercises, performed at the right levels, can truly make a difference in managing lupus and its effects on your body.

5️⃣ Remember, its never too late to start. Exercise is safe and a step towards enhancing your health, even if youve been less active before. Every step counts!

6️⃣ Whether in a group or alone, find what works best for you. The community and support can make a difference, but what matters most is finding what motivates you to keep moving.

🦋 If youre dealing with lupus, know that exercise can be a game-changer for you too,  especially for managing symptoms and enhancing your quality of life. 

📷 Embrace the power of exercise in managing lupus and share your journey using #KickLupus.

Lets inspire and support each other towards a healthier and more active life despite the challenges of lupus! 💪

https://ard.bmj.com/content/82/1/48Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

1 CommentComment on Facebook

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1 week ago
LUPUS EUROPE

Physical activity (PA) is crucial for everyone, but it holds even greater importance for individuals dealing with lupus and other chronic autoimmune diseases.

Lupus presents unique challenges, and maintaining an active lifestyle can significantly impact the well-being of those living with this condition.

🔵This week, let's highlight the unique benefits of physical activity for individuals with lupus:

1️⃣ Management of Chronic Conditions: 💪 Regular physical activity can help prevent and manage comorbidities like cardiovascular risk and osteoporosis.

2️⃣ Pain Management and Mobility: 🏃Exercise has been proven to enhance joint flexibility, reduce pain, and improve mobility in patients with lupus.

3️⃣ Mental Health and Coping:🧘‍♀️ Exercise can be powerful tool for managing mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

4️⃣ Maintaining Healthy Weight: ⚖️ Regular physical activity can aid in weight management and contribute to a healthier body mass index, which is crucial for managing lupus symptoms effectively.

5️⃣ Improving Fatigue Levels: 🏋️ If you live with fatigue, include exercise as part of your treatment!

6️⃣ Enhancing Bone Health: 🦴 Exercises can improve bone density, helping to mitigate the risk of osteoporosis.

7️⃣ Empowerment and Self-Efficacy: 🌟 Achieving fitness milestones and goals can boost self-efficacy and provides a sense of accomplishment and confidence.

🔴 For individuals with lupus, it's essential to work with healthcare professionals to design a personalized exercise plan that takes into account their specific symptoms, limitations, and overall health status. While staying active is beneficial, the type and intensity of exercise should be tailored to the individual to ensure a safe and effective approach to managing lupus.

That is why we, in collaboration with certified physical therapists, have created a 𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺. Designed in five levels, this program has received endorsement from renowned European Lupologists. Check it out now! ➡️ www.lupus-europe.org/me-lupus/

🌈 Your journey to improved well-being can begin with us!

Let's #kicklupus together!💪

Always consult a healthcare provider before beginning any exercise regime
... See MoreSee Less

Physical activity (PA) is crucial for everyone, but it holds even greater importance for individuals dealing with lupus and other chronic autoimmune diseases.

Lupus presents unique challenges, and maintaining an active lifestyle can significantly impact the well-being of those living with this condition.

🔵This week, lets highlight the unique benefits of physical activity for individuals with lupus:

1️⃣ Management of Chronic Conditions: 💪 Regular physical activity can help prevent and manage comorbidities like cardiovascular risk and osteoporosis.

2️⃣ Pain Management and Mobility: 🏃Exercise has been proven to enhance joint flexibility, reduce pain, and improve mobility in patients with lupus.

3️⃣ Mental Health and Coping:🧘‍♀️ Exercise can be powerful tool for managing mental health issues like depression and anxiety. 

4️⃣ Maintaining Healthy Weight: ⚖️ Regular physical activity can aid in weight management and contribute to a healthier body mass index, which is crucial for managing lupus symptoms effectively.

5️⃣ Improving Fatigue Levels: 🏋️ If you live with fatigue, include exercise as part of your treatment! 

6️⃣ Enhancing Bone Health: 🦴 Exercises can improve bone density, helping to mitigate the risk of osteoporosis.

7️⃣ Empowerment and Self-Efficacy: 🌟 Achieving fitness milestones and goals can boost self-efficacy and provides a sense of accomplishment and confidence.

🔴 For individuals with lupus, its essential to work with healthcare professionals to design a personalized exercise plan that takes into account their specific symptoms, limitations, and overall health status. While staying active is beneficial, the type and intensity of exercise should be tailored to the individual to ensure a safe and effective approach to managing lupus.

That is why we, in collaboration with certified physical therapists, have created a 𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺. Designed in five levels, this program has received endorsement from renowned European Lupologists. Check it out now! ➡️ https://www.lupus-europe.org/me-lupus/ 

🌈 Your journey to improved well-being can begin with us!

Lets #KickLupus together!💪

Always consult a healthcare provider before beginning any exercise regimeImage attachmentImage attachment+6Image attachment
1 week ago
LUPUS EUROPE

Last Monday, we held an Interim Review Meeting online with our National Members. We were thrilled to see so many familiar faces! 😃

During the meeting, we gave an update on the progress of Lupus Europe initiatives and discussed priorities for 2024. We were also delighted to hear from our members about the great activities they are undertaking in their own countries and communities.

We were astonished by the passion and commitment of our members, and we are grateful for their continued support of Lupus Europe. We know that together, we can support each other as we work towards a fulfilling life for all people with lupus in Europe, until we have reached a world without lupus💪.

We want to thank everyone who attended the Interim Review. Your participation and contributions were invaluable. We also want to remind you that our communication channels are always open. Do reach out to us whenever you need anything!

Together, we are stronger 🙌
... See MoreSee Less

Last Monday, we held an Interim Review Meeting online with our National Members. We were thrilled to see so many familiar faces! 😃

During the meeting, we gave an update on the progress of Lupus Europe initiatives and discussed priorities for 2024. We were also delighted to hear from our members about the great activities they are undertaking in their own countries and communities.

We were astonished by the passion and commitment of our members, and we are grateful for their continued support of Lupus Europe. We know that together, we can support each other as we work towards a fulfilling life for all people with lupus in Europe, until we have reached a world without lupus💪.

We want to thank everyone who attended the Interim Review. Your participation and contributions were invaluable. We also want to remind you that our communication channels are always open. Do reach out to us whenever you need anything!

Together, we are stronger 🙌

1 CommentComment on Facebook

It was a beautiful and interesting meeting.Thank you all.

LUPUS EUROPE Uniting people with Lupus throughout Europe
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