European Public Health Association

European Public Health Association (EUPHA)

The European Public Health Association (EUPHA) is a non-governmental organization committed to improving public health in Europe through advocacy, networking, research, and training. Founded in 1992, EUPHA plays a crucial role in influencing policy, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration among health professionals, and enhancing the visibility of public health issues on the European agenda.

History

EUPHA was established with the aim of strengthening the impact of public health professionals in Europe. Since its inception, the organization has grown significantly, both in terms of membership and its influence on public health policies across the continent. EUPHA's history reflects a continuous effort to address the evolving public health challenges facing Europe, from communicable diseases to non-communicable conditions, health inequalities, and the impacts of climate change on health.

Mission and Goals

The mission of EUPHA is to build a stronger European public health community that is well-equipped to tackle the health needs of the population. Its goals include:

• Enhancing the evidence base for public health policy and practice through research and analysis.
• Advocating for health-promoting policies at both the European and national levels.
• Facilitating knowledge exchange and capacity building among public health professionals.
• Promoting equity in health across all European countries.

Activities

EUPHA's activities are diverse and aimed at achieving its mission and goals. These include:

• Organizing the annual European Public Health Conference, a key event for public health professionals to network, share research, and discuss emerging health challenges.
• Publishing the European Journal of Public Health, a peer-reviewed journal that disseminates research findings and policy discussions relevant to public health in Europe.
• Developing position papers and policy briefs on critical public health issues.
• Collaborating with European and global partners to advocate for public health priorities.

Membership

EUPHA's membership comprises national public health associations, individual members, and institutional members from across Europe. This broad membership base allows EUPHA to represent a wide range of perspectives and expertise in public health, enhancing its capacity to address complex health challenges.

Impact

EUPHA has made significant contributions to advancing public health in Europe. Its advocacy efforts have influenced European health policies, particularly in areas such as tobacco control, health inequalities, and the integration of health considerations into other policy areas. Through its conferences and publications, EUPHA has facilitated the dissemination of innovative research and best practices in public health.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its achievements, EUPHA faces ongoing challenges, including the need to adapt to emerging health threats, the increasing complexity of public health issues, and the varying capacities of public health systems across Europe. Looking forward, EUPHA aims to strengthen its role as a leading voice in European public health, advocate for sustainable health policies, and continue to build the capacity of the public health workforce.