EKHA Monthly Newsletter

April 2019

EKHA Activities

Thematic Network Update

Take part in the 1^st Thematic Network webinar on “Improving organ donation and transplantation in the EU.”

Register here to share your ideas and comments on EKHA’s Joint Statement.

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Should you have any questions, please e-mail sophie.bruno@ekha.eu

EUROPEAN KIDNEY FORUM – Save the Date

EKHA invites you to attend the 6th Annual European Kidney Forum on Tuesday, 25 June at the Renaissance Hotel in Brussels.

Hosted by the MEP Group for Kidney Health, this Policy Roundtable aims to gather patients, carers, providers, foundations, researchers, policy makers and health authorities to foster dialogue about the challenges and opportunities for organ donation and transplantation across EU, regardless of condition. 

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ECDA supports call to action led by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) on medicine access and shortages

Shortages of inexpensive essential medicines is an under-addressed issue, despite its grave impact on patients. “While medicines can be replaced by other drugs, not all patients are equally sensitive to specific drugs, many have contra-indications, and stand-ins are often more expensive” -EKHA Chair Prof. Vanholder

Member States report difficulties in tackling this problem alone, further highlighting the need for a coordinated and centralised approach.

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EKHA Insights: MEP Group for Kidney Health 

The European election will take place from the 23^rd till the 26^th of May, 2019. With this important shift in the policy landscape just weeks away, here’s our take on what to expect.

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EU Policy

DG SANTE Health Programme

2019 Work Plan

On 1 April, the Commission’s Health Programme was released. The Work Programme for 2019 is built around the 4 priority areas, while addressing the dimension of health inequalities as a cross-cutting issue. Priority 4 specifically focuses on promotion of health and prevention of non-communicable diseases

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HORIZON EUROPE Receives Sign Off

The legislation setting out the details of the EU’s research spending from 2021 received sign off following the trilogue deal last month. MEPs had their final chance to air views on the program before they voted to confirm the deal; the Council signed off on 15 April. The deal sets the operational objectives and types of activities envisaged for Horizon Europe, including launching a European Innovation Council and a new research mission on cancer.

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 COMMISSION EU HEALTH AWARD

The Commission announced an EU Health Award to reward cities, schools and NGOs with the best initiatives to fight childhood obesity. Those eligible can submit their proposals to the Commission until May 13 at 11 a.m., and the three winners can claim their €100,000 prizes in October.

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Romanian Presidency – Informal meeting of EU Health Ministers

On 14-15 April, the Romanian Health Ministry organised the Informal Meeting of EU Health Ministers, under the auspices of the Romanian Presidency. Chaired by Romanian Health Minister Sorina Pintea, the debate was attended by more than 140 delegates from the Member States of the EU.

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 GERMANY DEBUTS OPT-OUT ORGAN DONOR PLAN

German Health Minister Jens Spahn presented a plan to fight Germany’s organ transplant backlog. Under the plan, citizens would by default be listed as organ donors unless they explicitly opt-out.

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Upcoming Activities