Our goal

More resilient and inclusive public health systems.

Rationale for the support

Well-functioning public health systems are a precondition for economic and social cohesion. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fragility of national health systems and exacerbated existing structural challenges. It underscored the urgent need to address health security gaps and strengthen preparedness for health emergencies. Despite unparalleled EU financial support in the health area, including through the European Health Union and the EU4Health Programme 2021–2027, many health systems still struggle to provide sustainable healthcare, and inequalities in life expectancy and the burden of diseases remain. Widening regional disparities in access to healthcare exist both within and between countries, and gender inequalities in health persist.

Health inequality is shown to reduce economic and social productivity and lead to higher healthcare and welfare costs. COVID-19 triggered a significant increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression, especially among children and youth, calling for more integrated and innovative approaches to policy and service delivery. Furthermore, a spike in antibiotic use during the pandemic has accelerated the already alarming levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Finally, climate change and economic challenges continue to affect the social determinants of health and overall healthcare funding. This has a negative impact on the resilience of health systems, health equity, and outcomes.
 

Areas of support

  • Public health systems development, including health emergency preparedness, community-based healthcare, and access to primary healthcare.
  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
  • Mental health and the promotion of mental wellbeing and healthy lifestyles, with a focus on children and youth.
  • Women’s health, including through promoting universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, and responses to domestic and gender-based violence.
  • Capacity building and patient involvement with a focus on strengthening patient rights.

How the objective will be addressed

A human rights-based approach to health is central to achieving the programme area objective and should guide all health programming. This approach provides a set of clear principles for designing and assessing policy and health service delivery. It targets discriminatory practices and unjust power relations at the core of unequal health outcomes. In this context, integrating a gender perspective into the design, implementation and evaluation of programmes is important to promote equality.

As the principal agents of structural change, government agencies, public health institutions, hospitals, and local authorities are key to achieving the programme area objective.

Key actors and beneficiaries

Patients’ associations, civil society, academia, and organisations of healthcare professionals are important partners, with Donor partners providing specialised support in programme and project development and implementation. Coordination and cooperation with international organisations can add value to the activities supported.

Health programmes will benefit diverse groups of people, placing special emphasis on disadvantaged areas and groups, including women and girls, children and youth, LGBTIQ+ persons, and Roma.