Cancer

[EPT] Tobacco - Directive (Revision) - European Commission Proposal Revision of The Tobacco Products Directive (3 May 2013)

European Commission Proposal Revision of The Tobacco Products Directive. The Tobacco Products Directive (2001/37/EC) regulates the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products in the EU 27 Member States. This notably covers the use of health warnings on packs, the prohibition of descriptions such as ’mild’ or ’light’, the maximum tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide yields, and the prohibition of the sale of tobacco for oral use. In February 2012, the (...)

Health improves unequally within and among European countries

Every three years the World Health Organisation (WHO) publishes its report on European Health. This year its report has a special focus on well-being. "The European Health Report 2012: Charting the Way to Well-Being", released by the WHO Regional Office for Europe on March 13, reveals some bitter-sweet data: even if there have been important health improvements in the European Region, the inequities across and within the countries are persistent. According to the WHO Regional Director for (...)

Women and cervical cancer in the EU

On the occasion of the European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, the European Institute of Women’s Health (EIWH), an EPHA member, presented its policy brief "Women and cervical cancer in the EU: promoting cervical cancer prevention" emphasising the need to reach a consensus across the European Union to put an end to the existing disparities between Member States. With 31 300 women developing the disease and 13 600 dying of it every year in the EU, cervical cancer remains the second (...)

[Lunch debate] The Battle against Tobacco, Cancer and Heart Disease, Feb. 19, European Parliament (Brussels)

The battle against tobacco, cancer and heart disease - Tuesday, 19 February 2013, 12:00-15:00. Jointly organised by the European Parliament MEP Heart Group and MAC (MEP Against Cancer). [Press Statement] In the fight against Tobacco, Cancer & Heart Disease, the new Tobacco Directive is a battle that cannot be lost. Programme - The Battle against tobacco, cancer and heart disease. February 19th – EP (Brussels) Report - The Battle against tobacco, cancer and heart disease The (...)

[Joint Press Release] Tobacco Products Directive very unlikely to increase illicit trade

On 22 January, in Brussels, tobacconists and newsagents demonstrated to express their opposition to the draft Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). They claim that, if adopted, the text will increase counterfeiting and the parallel market (1). Experience has proven that illicit trade of cigarettes is prompted by supply and price rather than by the packaging of the product. Tobacconists state that the directive provisions on 75% coverage of health for cigarette packs will make them “quasi (...)

[Press Release] The revised Tobacco Directive - the beginning of the end of tobacco industry led policy-making?

19 December, Brussels – EPHA welcomes today’s release of the revised Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) by Health Commissioner Borg. With stronger measures on e-cigarettes, tobacco flavouring and the shape of cigarettes and packs, this proposal is good news for the further protection of people’s health across Europe. Among other proposals, the Directive recommends pictorial health warnings that cover 75% of cigarette packs. Whilst it is to be applauded as a great move to (...)

CAMbrella urges coordinated approach to Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) research

The final CAMbrella conference took place on 29 November 2012, showcasing the fruit of the 3-year pan-European CAM research project - the long-awaited ’’Roadmap for European CAM Research’’ that includes the findings of the work packages and provides conclusions and recommendations for a future research agenda. To kick off the conference, Dr. Wolfgang Weidenhammer, CAMbrella project coordinator based at University of Munich, recalled that CAMbrella is a so-called (...)

WHO agrees on 25% decrease target in non-communicable diseases-related premature mortality by 2025

On 9 November 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) Member States agreed on a list of global targets to be achieved by 2025. The goals have the general objective of decreasing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 25%, the so-called "25 by 25". The framework consists of nine global targets and 25 indicators. Initiated by recommendations from a WHO Working Group on non-communicable diseases targets back in July 2011, and after a series of open consultations, WHO Member (...)

EPHA contribution to the Commisison consultation on Urban Mobility

EPHA strongly believes that urban mobility policies have a considerable impact on the population’s health and that the current EU framework represents an opportunity to fight against the burden of chronic non-communicable diseases now and in the future. EPHA shared its concerns and suggestions for future improvement in its contribution to the Commission consultation on the implementation of the Action Plan on Urban Mobility. While the European Commission Action Plan on Urban Mobility (...)

Alcohol advertising to be banned in Russia

The Russian Federation has just passed a bill banning alcohol advertising on a broad range of platforms. The public health community strongly welcomes the move. In an attempt to curb Russia’s chronic alcohol abuse problems (the country has double the WHO critical level of use) the State Duma, Russia’s lower house, passed in mid-July a bill restricting alcohol advertising on a wide range of platforms. This measure will be implemented in a two-fold process: Since 23rd July 2012 (...)