WHO warns: Health progress in Europe is stalling
Progress on health in Europe has stalled, and in some areas it has worsened, according to the World Health Organization's (WHO) latest report. Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, urges governments to keep health a top priority and avoid complacency.
In 2002, 75,647 children under five died in Europe, including Russia, Türkiye and the Caucasus - many from preventable causes such as inadequate immunisation. Infant mortality rates varied widely, from 2.2 deaths per 1,000 births in Belgium to between 10.4 and 18.1 in parts of Eastern Europe.
Mental health remains a major problem, affecting one in five young people. Girls are particularly at risk: 15-year-old girls in Flanders score only 49/100 for mental well-being, compared to 62 for boys. Belgium is also among the top five countries for suicide rates (14 per 100,000). WHO attributes this to social media and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and calls for urgent action.
Non-communicable diseases - including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases - remain the leading cause of death, often linked to unhealthy lifestyles. Europe has the highest alcohol consumption in the world (8.8 litres per adult), and a quarter of adults smoke. WHO is calling for stronger action, particularly to raise awareness of the link between alcohol and cancer.
"Health must remain high on the agenda. We cannot take progress for granted"
Access to healthcare and misinformation are additional challenges. Measles cases are projected to reach 58,000 in 2023 - 30 times as many as last year - due to declining vaccination rates. Meanwhile, health systems are under increasing pressure from climate change and an ageing workforce, with 30 per cent of doctors now over 55.
"Health must remain high on the agenda," warns Kluge. "We cannot take progress for granted."
© BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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