Health ministers to discuss vaccinations, cancer and the health impacts of the war in Ukraine
The EU health ministers are holding an informal meeting in Prague on 7 September 2022. They will discuss the health impacts of the war in Ukraine, vaccinations, the implementation of the EU’s Beating Cancer Plan and other issues related to cancer.
“The health sector plays an important role in helping Ukraine. Through the EU Civil Protection Mecha-nism, Finland participates in the evacuation and treatment of people who have been wounded or other-wise need medical attention.
It is important that we also support the mental health of Ukrainian refugees. Those arriving in Finland have access to crisis counselling, and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare website has material which Finnish mental health professionals have provided in the Ukrainian language to help refugees cope with difficult situations. Online materials are useful because they can also be used in Ukraine and else-where outside Finland,” says Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services Aki Lindén.
Ministers do not make decisions at informal meetings, but their discussions play an important role in the operation of the EU.
After the informal meeting, a ministerial-level meeting of the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) will be held to discuss the future of vaccine contracts. HERA is the EU authority responsible for preparing for and responding to health threats.
Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services Aki Lindén will represent Finland at both meetings.
Inquiries:
Pasi Korhonen, Director of International Affairs, tel. +358 295 163 175, [email protected]
Taneli Puumalainen, Director of Department for Safety, Security and Health, tel. +358 295163280, [email protected]