Location:
Finlandia Hall, Helsinki, Finland
Investing for sustainable health and well-being
The 18th EPH Conference highlights that improving population health and well-being is an investment, not an expense. This investment benefits society and fosters a sustainable economy. Health and well-being are intricately linked with sustainable development: investing in health supports social, economic, and environmental sustainability, while a healthy planet with inclusive growth and fair societies enhances individual and community well-being. Addressing the determinants of health and reducing inequities are crucial for achieving population health and are essential for sustainable development.
Subthemes
Economy of well-being and public health
The economy of well-being emphasizes the interconnectedness of the economy, social security, healthcare, planetary boundaries, and overall welfare, focusing on long-term sustainability. It prioritizes people’s well-being in policy-making. Current economic systems, which contribute to environmental crises, social inequalities, and rising non-communicable diseases, are failing to generate true well-being. Addressing these issues requires shifting from a growth-centric model to one that measures and promotes well-being through integrated and consistent policies.
Cultural diversity and inclusivity in sustainable health policy and practice
Cultural diversity and inclusivity are crucial for sustainable health policy and practice. Recognizing diverse cultural perspectives in healthcare improves outcomes, fosters innovation, and strengthens resilience. Inclusive practices enhance patient satisfaction, trust, and equity by respecting cultural beliefs and involving marginalized communities in decision-making.
Public health in the era of misinformation and disinformation
Misinformation and disinformation pose increasing challenges to public health, spreading rapidly and often amplified by malicious bots and social media algorithms. These falsehoods can erode trust in healthcare systems, fuel vaccine hesitancy, and promote risky behaviours. Vulnerable populations are particularly at risk, which can deepen health disparities and create barriers to effective care. For public health professionals, it is crucial to explore strategies to combat these threats, ensuring accurate information prevails.
Transforming economies for planetary health and well-being
Human health and the environment are intertwined. Promoting co-beneficial solutions requires a multifaceted approach, including eco-friendly and health-promoting practices, innovative sustainable technologies, policy advocacy, and community engagement.
Tackling political and commercial determinants of health through policy and governance
This theme emphasizes the importance of collaboration between governments, organizations, and communities to create a sustainable health environment. It calls for transparency, accountability, and the involvement of diverse stakeholders in policy-making to foster resilient and inclusive health systems. Addressing the impact of political decisions and commercial interests on public health is crucial. Effective policies and governance can mitigate negative health outcomes. Prioritizing public well-being over profit through regulations, and ensuring political frameworks support health equity and access to healthcare for all, are essential.
Investing in health workforce to build sustainable health systems
The health workforce plays a critical role in achieving sustainable and resilient health systems. Adequate funding and resources are essential not only for training healthcare professionals but also for retaining them, ensuring continuous professional development, and maintaining high standards of care. A well-supported workforce, with a focus on their well-being, is key to system efficiency and positive health outcomes.
JACARDI participation
At the 2025 European Public Health (EPH) Conference in Helsinki, eight JACARDI participants from six work packages will present a broad range of insights aimed at strengthening cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes prevention and care across Europe. One of the key sessions, “Closing the gaps in CVD and diabetes prevention,” will explore the urgent need for improved risk monitoring and targeted screening, particularly for vulnerable populations. The workshop will cover the economic and social burden of inaction, the strengths and limitations of risk calculators, and real-world challenges of implementing screening strategies. Participants from JACARDI will share practical experiences on translating evidence into policy and action. Another important contribution will support the creation of a European Cardiovascular Health Plan, presenting research and policy dialogues that align with the EU’s strategic focus on data-driven, equitable, and standardized CVD prevention.
In addition to screening and policy, JACARDI will showcase innovative approaches to health literacy and care pathways. A dedicated session on Health Literacy in Action will highlight inclusive, co-creational methodologies and cross-country synergies to integrate health literacy into healthcare systems. Another presentation will share findings from JACARDI’s CVD health literacy survey and its implications for shaping future strategies. Further workshops will explore the challenges faced by chronic care pathway projects across different prevention levels and institutions, insights from JACARDI’s capacity-building work on equity and diversity, and new evidence on socioeconomic and health disparities in adults diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during childhood.
Altogether, JACARDI’s presence at the EPH Conference underlines the Joint Action’s commitment to evidence-based, people-centred, and policy-relevant solutions for tackling CVD and diabetes in Europe.