Council urges Commission to take action on health determinants
The Council of the European Union has welcomed the European Commission's commitment to developing a broad health strategy following its presentation of a proposal for a new health programme which includes a specific strand of action aimed to address health determinants in the EU. The strategy comprises health promotion and disease prevention initiatives, underpinned by inter-sectoral policy. In addition, the Council agrees with the Commission's belief in a need to set up a health monitoring system to build up knowledge in this field. 'The European Community must make a contribution towards ensuring a high-level of health protection,' the Council agrees, citing genetic, biological, lifestyle and behavioural, environmental, social, economic and political factors as some of the key challenges in this area. The Council has paid particular attention to the outcome of a series of debates on health determinants in the EU, which took place earlier this year. These put particular emphasis on mental health and the health of young people, and on tobacco, alcohol and nutrition, suggesting a number of measures to address the maladies they cause. Now, says the Council, the Community should consider in which areas it could take the most effective action, then design and implement appropriate strategies in close cooperation with the Member States. But 'the main focus of the Community strategy must be on tackling health inequalities,' says the Council. It is now encouraging the Commission to complete the evaluations of its existing health programmes, which could be used to help plan and start-up the new programme. In addition, it is calling on the Member States' support in implementing the new policies at both national and Community level.