WHO/Europe, the Ministry of Social Affairs of Estonia and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies will co-host a high-level health systems conference titled “Trust and transformation: resilient and sustainable health systems for the future” to commemorate 15 years of the Tallinn Charter: Health Systems for Health and Wealth.
Adopted in 2008 by all WHO European Region Member States, the Tallinn Charter recognized that health, health systems and economic development are closely intertwined, and that spending on health was an investment rather than a cost. The Charter reaffirmed countries’ support for universal health coverage (UHC) and enshrined solidarity, equity and participation as shared values which underpin European health systems. Adopted in a social and economic climate that differs greatly from today’s, the Charter addressed the needs of the time.
Now, in 2023, the 15th Anniversary Conference is set against the backdrop of the legacy and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and takes place in a much-changed geopolitical, social and economic landscape.
Health systems across the Region are struggling to respond to new challenges and crises. Among them are an ageing population and increased comorbidities, the uptake of digital tools in the health sector, the emergence of expensive novel medicines and technologies, the impact of climate change, and growing patient dissatisfaction – all of which seem to be pushing countries away from, rather than towards, UHC.
The principles agreed during previous Tallinn health systems conferences (2008, 2013 and 2018) are enduring, and this year’s event offers an opportunity to reflect on the challenges that countries face, while looking at how they can develop resilient, responsive and sustainable health systems needed in the 21st century.
Evidence
Together with WHO/Europe, the Observatory is producing a solid evidence base for policy-makers attending or interested in this conference. To stay up-to-date, make sure to sign up here.