Issue 3 , October 2007

In this edition



Welcome


Tackling the mental health challenge

Tackling the mental health challenge


By Clive Needle, Director of EuroHealthNet



World Mental Health Day on 10 October reminds us that there is no health without mental health. This year’s focus on culture and diversity is timely for the Portuguese EU Presidency initiatives on health and migration.

Good mental health and well-being is crucial to the quality of life of European individuals and communities. We know that 14 % of the global burden of disease is directly attributable to mental disorders. That underestimates the real burden: there is growing evidence of links with physical health problems and the impact is vast on many more people as carers, relatives or friends.

The moral case for action is clear. So too is the need to promote good mental health to help achieve social cohesion and economic goals. At EU level this has long been recognised in successive action programmes, not only in public health but also for research, anti discrimination, employment, education and other initiatives. Networks have been established, good practices exchanged, problems considered. But much more remains to be done.

The EC is seeking to define its role, priorities and capabilities to support member states and civil society. The follow up to a consultation on a Green Paper is keenly anticipated.

Read more on this focus



News from the EU


EU research projects on influenza

This publication details past and ongoing EU-funded activities in influenza research, as a means to respond rapidly to such incidences as the spread of bird flu and human sporadic cases of H5N1.

EFSA to study food additives and hyperactivity in children

EFSA to consider new UK study on behavioural changes associated with certain food colours.


All News



Reporting from across Europe


3

Portugal

Role of a starch-rich diet in copying the gene coding for the starch metabolising enzyme amylase


Germany

Strengthening care and research for patients with dementia


Austria

World Alzheimer Day: optimal care required for those affected



EU Press Releases




All Press releases



Forthcoming Events


15th EUPHA conference, "The Future of Public Health in the Unified Europe" (11-13 October)

The overall theme covers the whole field of Public Health - from health policy to practice, from infectious diseases to health promotion and from lifestyle to health systems.

EAMHID 6th European Congress on Mental Health in Intellectual Disability (11-13 October 2007)

The congress will have a focus on practice and research related to mental health issues in intellectual disability.

EU National AIDS Coordinators Meeting (12-13 October 2007)

This meeting on AIDS under the Portugese EU Council Presidency aims at 'Translating principles into action' in the WHO European Region and EU Neighbouring Countries.

8th International Health Impact Assessment Conference (16-17 October 2007)

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland will host the 8th International Health Impact Assessment conference.

Aspher - Strengthening Public Health Services in Europe (26-28 October 2007)

This Conference will allow participants to exchange experiences, to analyze, review and debate the Public Health subjects like health protection, disease prevention and health promotion


All Events



New Publications


3



What's New on Health-EU

3

Tuberculosis in the air


Focus

World Mental Health Day (10 october 2007)


Activities at EU level

Health-EU - Health EU - Mental Health


News

Report of the IMHPA Conference “Joining forces across Europe for prevention and promotion in mental health”



Other interesting links

3

MHE - Mental Health Europe

Promotes positive mental health, the prevention of mental distress and the protection of human rights of patients, their families, and carers


EUFAMI - European Federation of Associations of Families of People with Mental Illness

EUFAMI aims at achieving a continuous improvement, at European and local level, of the quality of care and welfare for people with a mental illness, and the level of support for their family and friends


GAMIAN - Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks - Europe

Works to improve the recognition and availability of treatments for mood disorders and anxiety disorders


Alzheimer Europe

Alzheimer Europe is a non-profit organisation which aims to improve the care and treatment of Alzheimer patients through intensified collaboration between its member associations.


ECCL - European Coalition for Community Living

ECCL is a Europe-wide initiative working towards the social inclusion of people with disabilities by promoting the provision of comprehensive, quality community-based services.





Health-EU. The Public Health Portal of the European Union

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