Informal Meeting Of The EPSCO Council Regarding Public Health
Today marked the beginning of the first informal council meeting under Belgian Presidency. Mrs. Laurette Onkelinx, Belgian vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health chaired the meeting between Public Health Ministers of the European Member States, Mr. John Dalli, European Commissioner charged with Health and Consumer Policy, Mrs. Zsuzsanna Jakab, Regional Director of the WHO for Europe, and the Directors of the EMA and ECDC.
This meeting addresses a number of important issues that cause concern to a large number of European citizens: the fight against cancer, management of the H1N1 flu pandemic, and health security.
Laurette Onkelinx stated: "The economic and financial crisis which we are currently experiencing could mean a threat to ambitious health policies. This informal meeting is therefore very important."
The first issue tackled Monday morning was the fight against cancer.
"I am satisfied that the last countries that were not involved in the European partnership for the fight against cancer which was launched by the Commission, today clearly announced their intention to do so. All Ministers of Public Health praised the initiative and stressed their willingness to jointly accomplish the stated goals. It pleases me furthermore especially that all member states are engaging to execute long-term national cancer plans", according to Laurette Onkelinx.
These plans will address prevention, screening and customized care for cancer patients. Additionally, the European Ministers of Public Health agreed to maximum effort to ensure that screening will be available for population segments at risk for breast cancer, colon cancer and cervical cancer.
All participants emphasized the need to erase existing inequalities in this respect, and in respect to access to innovating molecules. The fight against tobacco also remains a high priority. Finally, the member states are seeking to collaborate in a more cohesive approach to cancer research and have asked the European Commission to create a framework to accomplish this.
Second topic of discussion on Monday morning was management of the A/H1N1 flu pandemic.
The informal meeting was preceded by a conference of European experts (July 1 and 2): 300 representatives from all over Europe and other invited countries – experts and high-level government officials, representatives of the World Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the European Medicines Agency all participated in the conference.
The discussions were quite lively, with no topics off-limits and were extremely positive.
At the start of the meeting, Laurette Onkelinx stated: "We have been quite fortunate that the flu pandemic has been mild. This is our opportunity to pose questions and learn our lessons to be better prepared for a worse crisis in the future."
The ministers agreed on the following 5 priorities:
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The conclusions of the Conference will be transmitted to the Executive Committee of the WHO
This Committee is currently studying the internal structures of the WHO and manages the international health regulations and the flu pandemic crisis. Input from the European Member States constitutes an important element for improving existing procedures and mechanisms.
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Revision of the Pandemic Readiness Plan of the EU
The ministers agreed to revise the Pandemic Readiness Plan for the European Union to reflect the results of the Executive Committee of the WHO and the changes in global cooperation.
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A fast registration procedure and more rapid information about vaccines
The availability of vaccines and population vaccination posed significant challenges. Even though European institutes and agencies started early with preparations to accommodate early registration procedures, it was clear, once the pandemic started, that there is room for improvement. Especially with respect to communication and messages to the public about the nature of these procedures and the manner of execution.
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Development of procedures for common acquisition of vaccines and antivirals
Supply of vaccines and antivirals took centre stage in the discussions in all Member States. The ministers requested that the Commission should develop a procedure for common acquisition on a voluntary basis. The Commission responded immediately to the request: Commissioner Dalli announced that he would submit a proposal in the fall for a common acquisition platform on a voluntary basis.
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Joint management of the pandemic
Solidarity is crucial in times of crisis. To facilitate access for all citizens that are at risk to vaccines and antiviral treatments, Member States of the European Union must show solidarity among themselves and with the rest of the world. The ministers agreed to cooperate with the Commission and its agencies, but also with the WHO, to develop better procedures.
Laurette Onkelinx concluded: "Tomorrow we continue our discussions tackling a broader spectrum of topics: health security. I am convinced that the lessons we learn from the flu pandemic must be used to better prepare Member States and to encourage better cooperation during times of crisis concerning other problems of public health."
