European Public Health alliance Agnese Knabe Project coordinator European Public Health Alliance Civic Alliance – Latvia The Citizen in the centre in EU, Bratislava November,2005 European Public Health Alliance

About EPHA A network of 116 non governmental and not-for-profit organisations across Europe working on health and health-related issues Our mission is to improve the health of European citizens and to increase their participation in EU policy-making

Objectives Information distribution Advocacy Capacity building Expertise on public health Objectives  Information distribution  Advocacy  Capacity building  Expertise on public health About EPHA

EPHA members EPHA has two categories of membership: Full members Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) active in the public health sector. Full members have two votes at the Annual General Assembly Associate members other not-for-profit organisations, professional bodies, academic institutions and local or regional authorities. Associate members have one vote at the Annual General Assembly EPHA membership fees are based on the income of the member organisation

International networks European networks National organisations EPHA members

Health advocates Disease specific patient groups Academic researchers Health professionals (e.g. doctors, nurses and pharmacists) Consumer groups Environment organisations Development organisations

EPHA members International International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (Netherlands) International Babyfood Action Network (IBFAN) (Luxembourg) International Diabetes Federation - European Region (Belgium) European networks Association of European Cancer Leagues (Belgium) European Respiratory Society (Switzerland) Mental Health Europe (Belgium) National Actis - Norwegian Policy Network on Alcohol and Drugs (Norway) The Meningitis Trust (United Kingdom) The Netherlands Institute for Care and Welfare – NIZW/IC (Netherlands) Complete list of EPHA members:

Benefit of members Information on actual Public health issues and EU policy developments Monthly Newsletter web page members only site Expertise on political and legal documents Advocacy in European level Contacts Project opportunities Capacity building activities EPHA members

EPHA organisational structure The Annual General Assembly Discusses the broad policy of EPHA Elects the Executive Committee Annual Budget Meets once a year (extraordinary meetings are possible) Members vote according to their membership category May include consultation meetings and/or training seminars for members

EPHA organisational structure

The Executive Committee  Sets out the annual work programme  Sets priorities and targets for EPHA  Reviews EPHA financial management and annual accounts  Supervises the EPHA Secretariat and appoints the appropriate staff 5-7 people elected for a two-year period – gender equality and balance between NGOs and professionals are required

EPHA organisational structure The EPHA Secretariat Manages the “day to day” work of EPHA Ensures that the full work programme of the organisation is carried out efficiently and effectively Actively contributes to the development of good organisational practice Currently five permanent staff members, located in Brussels and 2 based on projects in Riga

EPHA organisational structure

How does EPHA work? Advocacy Working groups At present there are 5 ongoing working groups on the following subjects: n Alcohol n Food and Nutrition n Health and Environment n Health and Enlargement n Pharmaceuticals Policy Co-ordination Meetings Meeting every two months in Brussels, this group is open to all EPHA members. Contributions to the meeting are also received via

Information exchange Membership services Lobbying: > EU institutions Networking: > Other health NGOs > Other thematic NGOs Tracking policy issues: > Day to day analysis > Mailings - Briefings How does EPHA work?

European Public Health Alliance Rue d’Arlon B-1000 Brussels Belgium Tel: Fax: