Europe is experiencing a constant health crisis.
Europe has entered a permanent health crisis and not just as a result of COVID.This was stated by Hans Henry P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, in an interview published in the Health Daily. are other long-term crises that often go unnoticed, but they compromise the health of millions of people and burden European health systems, such as non-communicable diseases, including cancer, heart disease, alcohol and tobacco related diseases and the obesity epidemic.
In recent years, crises have become more frequent, especially those related to climate change and emerging infectious diseases, with a growing rate of spread. Also, on the other hand. the war in Ukraine, compounded by attacks on health facilities and caregivers, is triggering a massive mental health crisis.They are all examples of what the European Health Forum Gastein called a “permacrisis”, that is, a permanent crisis state, of which COVID-19 is the most visible pandemic, but not the most deadly.
According to the WHO Regional Director for Europe, this new normality requires a “double-track” response: on the one hand, we urgently need to prepare for health emergencies such as pandemics, climate-related crises and conflicts; On the other hand, existing health systems and essential services need to be strengthened to address the ongoing crisis of non-communicable diseases and HIV. This dual-track approach should guide the WHO and Europe in the near future.
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