Europe should reframe its position in global health, increase coherence between policies, practices

This Lancet editorial reflects on a panel discussion held last week at Europe House in London, titled "Beyond the Eurozone Crisis: New Realities for Global Health." The editorial notes the aim of the meeting "was to discuss opportunities and challenges that Europe faces in the midst of the financial crisis, and how it can reposition itself around policies for global health in the context of a longer term shift in the world economic order, where developing countries have become the engines of growth." The Lancet writes, "Despite a number of treaties, white papers, and communications around Europe and global health in the past decade, a clear European vision for global health has been strikingly absent," adding, "The meeting discussed how individual member states have led the way in advancing the global health agenda, for example, the U.K. and its Health is Global strategy." The editorial concludes, "In a shifting landscape, it is important that Europe reframes its position in global health and aligns itself to gain greater coherence between policies, strategies, and practices. Huge health, economic, and societal benefits for developing countries and Europe can be achieved" (10/6).