An example of intersectoral collaboration: the EU model. European Commission Health and Consumers Directorate-General (DG SANCO)

Transcription

1 An example of intersectoral collaboration: the EU model European Commission Health and Consumers Directorate-General (DG SANCO)

2 The European Union: 27 Member States 3 Candidate Countries

3 European Institutions Council of the European Union = Member States European Parliament = elected representatives European Commission = the administration

4 Who does what? The EU Member States lay down basic legislation in Council Implement harmonised legislation in their countries The Commission ensure implementation and application of legislation proposes the adoption of new measures to Council and the European Parliament adopts its own measures, when it has the authority to do so (management of crises!) follows scientific advise - Scientific Committee/Food Safety Authority/ECDC

5 Basis for intersectoral collaboration at EU level between veterinary, food safety and public health authorities Organisation of the responsibilities of the Commissioner for Health, Ms. Vassiliou Legislation Formal meetings (SCoFCAH, CVO-CMO meetings) Communication activities (veterinary week, information sharing between Member States authorities)

6 Androulla Vassiliou Commissioner for Health Priorities Protecting and improving public health Ensuring food is safe Promoting EU food safety standards worldwide Protecting the health of animals & plants Promoting the humane treatment of animals

7 Cross-cutting issues Risk Management and Risk Communication Human health impact of animal diseases (e.g. avian influenza, BSE, rabies, salmonella)

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9 Basic Facts Core activities: Public Health, Food Safety, & Consumers Over 800 staff 4 EU Agencies European Food Safety Authority European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control Community Plant Variety Office Executive Agency for Public Health

10 Why is animal health important for the EU? Public health (zoonoses) Food safety (farm to table approach) Sustainable development and productivity of agriculture Safe trade in animals and their products (including food of animal origin)

11 Public Health The EU aims to: Deliver a high level of health protection Promote healthier lifestyles Respond to disease outbreaks Encourage Member State co-operation on health Provide accurate health information and data Invest to tackle health inequalities Combat smoking through legislation and campaigns Deliver quality standards for blood, tissues, and cells Enabling good health for all Public Health

12 EU legislative framework (1) Legal base (the Treaty, Council Directives and Regulations) Implementing legislation (Commission Decisions and Regulations, Member State legislation) Enforcement legislation EU legislation is scientifically based and for animal health follows WTO rules and its SPS Agreement (which follows OIE & CODEX standards)

13 EU legislative framework (2) In relevant EU legislation, articles are included that ensure that public health and animal health colleagues exchange: General information / early warning Surveillance data Information relating to health and safety of workers (personnel involved in culling) Risk communication to farmers, workers in the poultry sector and the public Etc

14 EU legislative framework (3) These provisions are also laid down in Member State contingency plans In addition, provisions are in place for close cooperation between the competent authorities responsible for the different sectors (those in charge of animal health, public health, environmental matters and health and safety of workers)

15 The basis of the EU animal health policy Progressively developed within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy Supported by comprehensive HARMONISED LEGISLATION, which is binding for all EU Member States Main objective: reaching an maintaining a high status of animal health throughout the EU Maintaining a high animal health status in the EU can only be done via excellent REGIONAL COOPERATION,, within w the EU but also between the EU and its neighbouring countries

16 EU public health legislation Communicable or transmissible diseases: a framework for surveillance and reporting of specific communicable diseases, and a mechanism for coordinating Member State responses to these threats EU Health Security Committee: prevention and management of pandemic flu, and deliberate release of chemical, biological or radio nuclear substances, as well as other threats to health

17 European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control ECDC will work with Member States to prevent disease outbreaks and to react quickly and effectively to minimise their impact ECDC is responsible for managing surveillance, reporting on diseases covered, and developing risk assessment on outbreaks and on prevention options Strengthening Europe s Defences against infectious disease

18 CVO/CMO meetings The Commission has in times of crisis organised joint meetings of the Chief Veterinary and Chief Medical Officers to strengthen this relation for concerted actions, particularly when outbreaks in poultry occur Experience with the health risks posed to humans by avian influenza has highlighted the importance of close cooperation with public health services in Member States.

19 The Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) Chaired by the Commission (Risk assessment)/risk management body All Member States are represented (government experts) Several different sections; one of its sections deals with animal health Meets several times per month in Brussels Votes on draft Decisions, that then are adopted by the Commission

20 Other meetings Member State Ministers regular and extraordinary Council meetings Meetings of the EU Health Security Committee Audio/video conferences with Member State representatives Specific for H1N1 Brainstorming of scientists, risk assessors and risk managers 9 June 2009 All meetings are held in close collaboration with EFSA, ECDC, EMEA, the Commission s DG ENTERPRISE, responsible for pharmaceutical policy, and international organisations

21 Specific communication activities in the public health area Network of Communicators responsible for public information in the Member States established by the Health Security Committee Public health portal of the EU Information made available by ECDC on reported cases and guidelines (on different subjects)

22 Specific communication activities in the animal health area Key principle of the EU animal health strategy is "prevention is better than cure ; the underlying principle is one of partnership and communication Animal Health Advisory Committee DG SANCO web pages: /index_en.htm Yearly communication plan Veterinary week Roadshow

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24 20-25 October 2009 Engomi-Nicosia, Cyprus

25 Veterinary Week Raising awareness in citizens in 2009 the focus will be on promoting the "One Health" concept, linking animal and human health 28 September to 4 October On 1 October the Conference - Influenza at the interface between humans and animals will be held in Brussels

26 Find out more about DG SANCO Visit our website

27 Public Health Portal Health-EU Single access, more information, healthier choices

28 Thank you for your attention

29 Health and Consumers Europe working for healthier, safer, more confident citizens Public Health Food safety Consumer Affairs