European Public Health Alliance

European Public Health Alliance (EPHA)

The European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) is a prominent European non-profit association headquartered in Belgium. It serves as a nexus for non-profit organizations operating in the realm of public health across Europe. Boasting a membership comprising 92 organizations spread across 21 European countries, EPHA has solidified its position as a leading advocate for public health in Europe. Monika Kosinska currently holds the pivotal role of Secretary General within the organization.

Membership

Membership within the EPHA is categorized into two distinct tiers:

• Full Members: These are primarily Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that are entrenched in the public health sector, contributing directly to the field through various interventions and initiatives.
• Associate Members: This category encompasses a broader spectrum of non-profit entities such as academic establishments, professional entities, as well as regional or local authorities. Their contribution, while not exclusively focused on public health, synergizes with the overarching goals of the EPHA.

Historical Overview

EPHA's inception in 1993 was a watershed moment in Europe's health landscape. The formation of the alliance was directly influenced by the ratification of the landmark Maastricht Treaty in 1992. This treaty was revolutionary as it was the inaugural instance wherein the European Community was endowed with distinct responsibilities in the domain of health protection.

Subsequently, the European Community Amsterdam Treaty further expanded the European Union's (EU) jurisdiction over health matters. Article 152 of this treaty emphasized not just the protection but also the promotion of health for European citizens. This was a progressive step from the limited scope defined in Article 129 of the Maastricht treaty.

Role and Impact

The EPHA operates as a potent advocate for robust public health policies at the European level. It facilitates the interaction of its member organizations, fostering collaboration and a unified front on pivotal health issues. Through its strategic engagements, EPHA strives to influence policy-making, ensuring that public health remains at the forefront of the European agenda.

Conclusion

As Europe grapples with an ever-evolving health landscape, entities like the EPHA play a pivotal role in shaping health policies and frameworks. By unifying the voice of various non-profits across Europe, the EPHA ensures that public health remains a top priority, promoting a holistic well-being for all European citizens.

See also

• Health care
• Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection
• EUPHIX

References

• Lamping, W., & Steffen, M. (2019). European Union and Health Policy. The Palgrave International Handbook of Healthcare Policy and Governance, 231-245.
• Greer, S. L., & Löblová, O. (2017). European integration in the era of permissive dissensus: Neofunctionalism and agenda-setting in European health technology assessment and communicable disease control. Comparative European Politics, 15(6), 394-413.
• Maastricht Treaty. (1992). Official Journal of the European Communities.
• Amsterdam Treaty. (1997). Official Journal of the European Communities.

External links

• European Public Health Alliance
• European Community Treaties: articles 152 and 95 EC