On 17–19 January 2017, WHO Europe convened the first meeting of the Health and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Expert Working Group with the aim of supporting the WHO Secretariat in drafting the roadmap. The meeting was held at the WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development in Venice, Italy.
Participants highlighted the importance of the SDGs in achieving health and well-being, and the paradigm shift required to reach the SDG targets. Such a shift needs to focus particularly on: governance and intersectoral action for health; leaving no one behind; the alignment of national development and health policies, as well as policy coherence across multiple SDGs; and on the means of implementation. The latter includes partnerships, sustainable financing, research and innovation, and enhanced monitoring and accountability.
The draft roadmap will be made available online for consultation mid-February 2017. The roadmap will be presented for endorsement at the next session of the Regional Committee in September 2017.
For more information please visit the WHO EURO website.