Between 6–9 June 2024, millions of Europeans will go to the polls and their votes will shape the future of the Union. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) make decisions that affect the daily lives of everyone, a considerable amount covering important healthcare issues that have a direct impact on patient organisations and patients' lives. The elections present a critical opportunity for the FH Europe Foundation community in the EU.
This is YOUR opportunity to use your vote and help prioritise public health in the EU!
Did you know that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer in Europe, and beyond? In the EU, it accounts for 36% of all deaths and impacts the lives of some 60 million people. Yet, there is no dedicated EU plan in place to tackle CVD. Familial hyperlipidaemias (both forms of FH, elevated Lp(a) and FCS) are genetic, inherited conditions. If undetected and unmanaged, they lead to serious heart health consequences, especially FH and elevated Lp(a).
Among the familial hyperlipidaemias FH Europe Foundation (FHEF) advocates for, there are also 2 rare and severe disorders (HoFH and FCS). To date, the 30 million Europeans living with a rare disease in Europe still have high unmet needs in a wide range of areas, including accessing early and appropriate diagnosis, treatment and health and social care. Rare diseases are an area where EU action can have exceptional added value, as knowledge and data are scattered and scarce, and national action is limited.
For our community specifically, CVD prevention through early screening programmes and early detection of familial hyperlipidaemias (FH paediatric screening and Lp(a) level measurement) have been in focus.
In addition in the past weeks, FHEF also signed two petitions supporting the efforts around public health in the EU.
First of them was the EURORDIS-led #ActRare2024 pledge, which contains 8 strategic areas with the ultimate goal of addressing the high unmet needs of the rare diseases community.
The EPF manifesto has been translated into several languages and can be accessed as we as endorsed here.
But what are political parties saying about public health in their manifestos?
To answer this question, the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) have critically assessed 5 EU parties' manifestos on health-related measures, across 16 key topics.
You can read the full analyses for each party manifesto (listed below) including a 2-page summary for each party on their webpage.
FHEF is calling on its members to take action and to support the above pledges. Use your vote and make health the European priority next term!