World Health Organization Country Office in Greece

Strengthening Health Management Capacity in Greece 🩺 The WHO Office on Quality of Care and Patient Safety in Athens, in collaboration with the Greek Agency for Quality Assurance in Health S.A. (AQAH S.A./ΟΔΙΠΥ (ODIPY) Οργανισμός Διασφάλισης της Ποιότητας στην Υγεία) and the NOVA National School of Public Health, is hosting a three-day virtual Flagship Seminar on health management. From February 24-26, directors and deputy directors from all seven Health Regions in Greece, along with members of AQAH S.A., are coming together to learn from global experts at a seminar focused on advancing healthcare management practices to improve quality of care and patient safety. 🌍  This seminar marks the official launch of a broader capacity-building initiative, including a Train-the-Trainers programme, aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability and knowledge sharing across all levels of healthcare leadership in Greece. By fostering shared understanding, promoting joint ownership, enhancing leadership skills, and introducing innovative tools for decision-making and performance measurement, the Flagship Seminar plays a crucial role in empowering Greece's healthcare leaders to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare delivery. 💙 #WHOGreece #AthensQoCOffice WHO Regional Office for Europe JOAO BREDA Mafaten Chaouali ΟΔΙΠΥ (ODIPY) Οργανισμός Διασφάλισης της Ποιότητας στην Υγεία Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade Nova de Lisboa Christos Triantafyllou Lenio Capsaskis

Digital tools are transforming health in the European Region. Artificial intelligence, precision medicine and improved use of personal and population data have the potential to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases, ultimately improving people’s health and well-being. But these new advances are no substitute for the human touch. Person-centred care based on human connection remains at the core of health care. Join us for the third in a series of public hearings organized by WHO/Europe to help shape the health agenda for the next 5 years. At this hearing, we’ll discuss:   ● how rapid advances in technology could disrupt and/ or support health systems ● major strategic shifts needed in health systems to respond to technological advancements ● the balance between person-centred care, the human touch, and the efficiency of AI.  ● how citizen participation can fight digital exclusion Keynote speakers will include:    ● Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe  ● Mónica García Gómez, Minister of Health, SPAIN ● Teymur Musayev, Minister of Health, AZERBAJAN ● Bogi Eliasen, Copenhagen Future Studies, DENMARK  ● Line FARAH, Director, National Programs on "Digital and Aging Well" and "Digital in Mental Health", Ministry of Health, FRANCE ● Bettina Lundgren, Chief Executive Officer, Danish National Genome Center, DENMARK ● Katherine Rouleau, Professor, University of Toronto, Department of Family and Community Health  ● Johan Van Eldere, Secretary General, European University Hospital Alliance (EUHA) ● Mohammad Al-Ubaydli | LinkedIn Chief Executive Officer, Patients Know Best, United Kingdom   Register now and shape the future of health in Europe and Central Asia. 👉 https://bit.ly/4fM9Nn7 #WHOGreece #AthensQoCOffice #EPW2 #UnitedActionForBetterHealth WHO Regional Office for Europe JOAO BREDA

"Health is our most valuable asset, but truly effective and equitable healthcare goes way beyond improved infrastructure — it requires a permanent focus on quality. Quality isn’t just an ideal; it’s a continuous commitment to delivering safer, better, and more equitable care," emphasized Dr João Breda, Head, WHO Athens Office on Quality of Care and Patient Safety, Special Adviser to the Regional Director, and Special Representative and Officer in Charge, WHO Greece, in his interview with Athens Voice. 🎙️ For nearly two years, the WHO Office on Quality of Care and Patient Safety in Athens worked in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Agency for Quality Assurance in Health Care (O.DI.P.Y.), and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support to assess, analyze, and map the priorities and needs of the Greek health system. The outcome: a new National Strategy for Quality of Care and Patient Safety 2025-2030, built around 11 strategic objectives and 47 prioritized actions, set to be implemented in phases. The goal? To ensure that every citizen has access to safe, high-quality, and equitable care. 💙 👉 Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/drhp8gKE This initiative was funded by the European Commission through DG Reform. #WHOGreece #AthensQoCOffice WHO Regional Office for Europe JOAO BREDA European Commission ΟΔΙΠΥ (ODIPY) Οργανισμός Διασφάλισης της Ποιότητας στην Υγεία Athens Voice Válter R Fonseca Christos Triantafyllou Constantina Vasileiou

Unlike many adult cancers, #ChildhoodCancer can’t be prevented. But early detection and quality treatment can significantly increase the chances to be cured. Yet, survival rates vary drastically within the WHO European Region—ranging from 91% to just 43% depending on the country. These disparities highlight the urgent need for regional cooperation and policy action. 📌What can be done? 🔹Evidence-based policies should be implemented to ensure all children benefit from best practices in childhood cancer care. 🔹 Governments must integrate childhood cancer programs into national health policies to make diagnosis and treatment free of charge. 🔹 Countries must expand access to affordable pediatric oncology drugs and innovative treatments. International #ChildhoodCancer Day is a reminder for all the WHO European Region to act together and close these gaps in line with such global commitments such as #SDGs. https://lnkd.in/dQ8svYPh #WHOGreece #AthensQoCOffice WHO Regional Office for Europe JOAO BREDA

"The strength of the National Strategy lies in the unity of vision for building a public health system where quality is a daily commitment, ensuring that all citizens can be confident that healthcare will be safe, equitable and effective," noted the Secretary General (SG) of Health Services of the Ministry of Health of Greece, Ms Lilian Venetia Vildiridi, in her article in the newspaper ΤΟ ΒΗΜΑ. In the article, the SG underlined the significance of the First National Strategy for Quality of Care and Patient Safety 2025-2030 for Greece. The Strategy, launched on 31 January by the WHO Office on Quality of Care and Patient Safety in Athens in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Agency for Quality Assurance in Health (AQAH)-ΟΔΙΠΥ (ODIPY) Οργανισμός Διασφάλισης της Ποιότητας στην Υγεία, and DG REFORM, follows a co-creation and mixed-method approach. Key objectives of the Strategy: 💪 Leadership and Governance: Strengthen legal frameworks, improve efficiency, and promote data-driven health decisions. 📈 Evidence and Innovation: Adopt standards, consolidate evidence-based practices, foster safety, and enhance workforce skills. 🗣️ Literacy and Engagement: Enhance participation, empower patients and caregivers, and learn from people’s perspectives. 🔗 You can read the full Strategy here: https://lnkd.in/e2_7UV5P The initiative was funded by the European Commission through DG REFORM. #WHOGreece #AthensQoCOffice #StrategyQoCandPS WHO Regional Office for Europe JOAO BREDA Greek Ministry of Health ΟΔΙΠΥ (ODIPY) Οργανισμός Διασφάλισης της Ποιότητας στην Υγεία European Commission ΤΟ ΒΗΜΑ Florin Popa Válter R Fonseca Christos Triantafyllou Constantina Vasileiou Marie Stridborg

4 February: World Cancer Day  1 in 4 people in the WHO European Region are at risk of developing #cancer—yet harmful industries keep blocking life-saving policies. Warning labels, advertising bans and fair taxation on health-harming products WORK. We need policies that empower people to make healthy choices to help prevent cancers and we need early detection and treatment programmes for everyone. #WHOGreece #AthensQoCOffice #WorldCancerDay WHO Regional Office for Europe JOAO BREDA

A recent earthquake has hit the Greek islands of Santorini, Amorgos, Ios, Anafi and the wider Aegean area, causing noticeable tremors. Your safety is the highest priority during this uncertain time. Please stay informed and follow the guidance of local authorities to ensure your well-being: 🏠Stay indoors during aftershocks. 🚧Avoid damaged buildings and structures. ⚠️Be cautious of hazards such as fallen debris. 📱Follow any updates or instructions from local emergency services. #StaySafe #WHOGreece #AthensQoCOffice WHO Regional Office for Europe JOAO BREDA

Cancer continues to be a major public health challenge, requiring a comprehensive and integrated approach that prioritizes prevention, early detection, and access to high-quality care. And what do we need to do in order to tackle this public health challenge? The WHO Office on Quality of Care and Patient Safety in Athens had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable discussion focusing on "Developing a Healthcare System that Ensures Quality Services" at the Annual Conference of the Hellenic Cancer Federation | ELLOK. During this conversation the Office had the opportunity to outline the key areas of focus: 🔸Prevention: Tackling key risk factors such as tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, and the rising prevalence of obesity through evidence-based interventions and public health initiatives. 🔸 Screening & early detection: Advancing equitable and evidence-based screening programs for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer, ensuring timely detection and improved health outcomes for all. 🔸 Quality of care: Ensuring safe, effective, and patient-centered cancer care, with a strong emphasis on palliative care, pain management, and the integration of mental health support to enhance overall well-being. 🔸 Mental health support: Emphasizing the importance of including mental health services as an essential component of cancer care to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Ensuring quality in healthcare is not just a policy goal. It is a collective responsibility. The WHO Office on Quality of Care and Patient Safety remains committed to supporting Greece in implementing evidence-based strategies for cancer care and overall health outcomes. We express our sincere gratitude to the organizers for their continued commitment to this vital annual event, and we are deeply honored to have been among distinguished guests, including the Alternate Minister of Health, Dr Eirini Agapidaki. #WHOGreece #AthensQoCOffice WHO Regional Office for Europe JOAO BREDA

Last Friday I was in Athens for the launch event of Greece’s national strategy for quality of care and patient safety, developed with #TSI support and implemented in cooperation with WHO. Many thanks for the excellent work of the WHO team and for the commitment and motivation of the Greek project team from ODIPY and the Ministry of Health! The TSI project has now finished but the implementation of the national strategy is just beginning. One thing that several participants, including myself, have highlighted is that all this work is not primarily about regulations, procedures and timelines. These are just means to an end, and the end is creating concrete improvements for patients. And let’s not forget that we have all been, are, or will be patients. Featured in photos: Adonis Georgiadis, Greek Minister of Health, and Nathalie Berger, Director SG REFORM Nathalie Berger Ciresica Feyer JOAO BREDA Greek Ministry of Health Válter R Fonseca ΟΔΙΠΥ (ODIPY) Οργανισμός Διασφάλισης της Ποιότητας στην Υγεία) #EUreforms #TSI #WHO #WHOGreece #AthensQoCOffice #EUReformSupport

Ιστορική στιγμή για την υγειονομική φροντίδα στην Ελλάδα! Για πρώτη φορά, δημιουργούμε την Εθνική Στρατηγική για την Ποιότητα και την Ασφάλεια των Ασθενών (2025-2030). Αυτή η στρατηγική, αποτέλεσμα συνεργασίας του Υπουργείου Υγείας, του ΠΟΥ/Ευρώπης μέσω του Γραφείου του ΠΟΥ για την Ποιότητα της Φροντίδας και την Ασφάλεια των Ασθενών στην Αθήνα, του Οργανισμού Διασφάλισης της Ποιότητας στην Υγεία (ΟΔΙΠΥ) και της Γενικής Διεύθυνσης Στήριξης Διαρθρωτικών Μεταρρυθμίσεων της ΕΕ, στοχεύει στη θεμελίωση ενός υγειονομικού συστήματος όπου η ποιότητα θα είναι καθημερινή δέσμευση. Διασφαλίζουμε ότι όλοι οι πολίτες θα εμπιστεύονται τις υπηρεσίες υγειονομικής περίθαλψης ως ασφαλείς, ισότιμες και αποτελεσματικές. Μαζί, προχωρούμε για καλύτερη φροντίδα και σεβασμό προς όλους τους ασθενείς!