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Health In Europe
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Health In Europe

NewSafe Harbour: Talking With Children About SuicideSeptember 11, 2026 · 25 min
Episodes
59
Released
monthly
Latest episode
Sep 11, 2026

About the podcast

Welcome to the Health In Europe podcast from the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Our Region is broad and diverse. We work with fascinating and driven individuals and groups. This podcast is about hearing their stories and how it might impact your day-to-day life.

Episodes 59

  1. Safe Harbour: Talking With Children About Suicide

    25 minSeason 8 · Episode 5

    When we hear the word suicide, many of us instinctively recoil. The word is taboo in everyday life. For family members who have lost somebody to suicide, this stigma can make grieving even more complex. People …

  2. The Conversations We're Not Having About Alcohol

    38 minSeason 8 · Episode 4

    When we talk about alcohol at WHO, we often start with the evidence. Today, we're starting with people's experiences.Aleksandra Olsen works on communications about alcohol and health here at WHO …

  3. I Believe You, with Elisa Fernandez Saenz

    26 minSeason 8 · Episode 3

    In the first episode of this mini-series, we've heard why WHO/Europe launched the Special Initiative on Violence Against Women and Girls. In the second, we spoke with UNFPA on how health systems can and …

  4. I Believe You, with Florence Bauer

    32 minSeason 8 · Episode 2

    Last episode on I Believe You, Dr. Hans Kluge set out why WHO Europe has made violence against women and girls one of its top priorities. This week, what that means in practice. When a woman or a girl walks …

  5. I Believe You

    21 minSeason 8 · Episode 1

    What role does a health system play in protecting women and girls from violence? I Believe You is a new podcast mini-series from WHO's Health In Europe, under the Special Initiative on Violence Against …

  6. NCDs, AMR, and Policy Crossroads

    36 minSeason 7 · Episode 5

    What insights and lessons learned from the UN High Level Meeting on antimicrobial resistence last September can inform preparations for the upcoming UN High Level Meeting on non-communicable diseases? In this …

    Show notes

    What insights and lessons learned from the UN High Level Meeting on antimicrobial resistence last September can inform preparations for the upcoming UN High Level Meeting on non-communicable diseases?

    In this second episode of Intersections in Health, a podcast mini-series, we delve into #NCDs and #AMR common policy benefits and challenges with

    • Professor Dame Sally Davies, UK Special Envoy on AMR, former Chief Medical Officer for England and former member of the WHO Executive Board 2014-2016, and
    • Danilo Lo-Fo-Wong, WHO/Europe Regional Adviser and Programme Manager on the Control of Antimicrobial Resistance.

    We discuss the deathly threat of AMR for people with non-communicable diseases such as cancer, health diplomacy, the critical roles of civil society organisations in policy, health and the arts and the value of stepping outside our disciplinary bubbles.

    Tune in and share your feedback on the issues discussed.

    Please listen back to our previous episode exploring the intersections of NCDs and the triple planetary crisis and stay tuned for our final episode on NCDs and population ageing.

    This short series is part of WHO/Europe’s count-down to the UN High Level Meeting on NCDs in September 2025.

    Hosted and produced by Maebh Ní Fhallúin

    Sound design and editing by David Barrett

    To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/



  7. NCDs and the triple planetary crisis

    34 min

    How can we address the intersecting challenges of climate change and non-communicable diseases at once? In this first episode of the Intersections in Health, a new short podcast mini series, we delve into NCDs …

    Show notes

    How can we address the intersecting challenges of climate change and non-communicable diseases at once?

    In this first episode of the Intersections in Health, a new short podcast mini series, we delve into NCDs and the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and toxic pollution with

    • Hans Bruyninckx , Commissioner on the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health #PECCH, Professor of Environmental Governance at the University of Antwerp, former Executive Director of the European Environment Agency and
    • Sinaia Netanyahu , Programme Manager at WHO/Europe’s Centre for Environment and Health.

    We discuss attacks on science and #misinformation, the art of knowledge translation, communicating complexity and uncertainty, super wicked problems and system transformation. Crucially, we explore what this moment asks of each one of us and collectively.

    Tune in and give us your feedback on the issues discussed.

    ----------

    Our next episodes will explore the intersections of NCDs and anti-microbial resistance and NCDs and population ageing.

    This short series is part of WHO/Europe’s count-down to the UN High Level Meeting on NCDs in September 2025.

    To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/



  8. Medevac

    31 minSeason 7 · Episode 3

    Crisis and conflict dominate the headlines. The ongoing war in Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory have brought death, destruction and displacement. But among the …

    Show notes

    Crisis and conflict dominate the headlines. The ongoing war in Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory have brought death, destruction and displacement. But among the major disasters and conflicts. It's important to look for the stories of the people who are helping.

    As we mark over 5,000 medical evacuations from Ukraine, in this episode of Health in Europe, we'll share stories about some of the sick and injured people who have been transported away from war zones and other emergencies, and of their welcome, medical treatment, recovery and eventual repatriation.

    We'll also explore the Region's Emergency Medical Teams to learn about people who, with sometimes only hours notice, drop everything to travel to emergency zones. Who are they and what motivates them?

    To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/



  9. Celebrating Women in Science

    27 minSeason 7 · Episode 2

    Stories of strength and dedication to mark International Women’s DayFor International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of three remarkable women working at the forefront of global health. Margaux …

    Show notes

    Stories of strength and dedication to mark International Women’s Day

    For International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of three remarkable women working at the forefront of global health. Margaux Mesle, Ana Paula Coutinho Rehse and Harsh Lata work for the WHO Regional Office for Europe’s World Health Emergency programme (WHE) which sits at the centre of global coordination, preparation and response to disease outbreaks and emergencies. Their journeys into science, their challenges, and their advice for future generations are both inspiring and enlightening.

    To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/



  10. How To Talk to Children About Suicide

    23 minSeason 7 · Episode 1

    When we hear the word suicide, many of us instinctively recoil. The word is taboo in everyday life. For family members who have lost somebody to suicide, this stigma can make grieving even more complex. People …

    Show notes

    When we hear the word suicide, many of us instinctively recoil. The word is taboo in everyday life. For family members who have lost somebody to suicide, this stigma can make grieving even more complex. People may struggle to explain the loss and how they feel about it to friends, colleagues, and other family members.

    But how do you explain suicide to a young child? What words should you use? How do you support them?

    In June 2024, Ireland's National Office for Suicide Prevention published an illustrated children's book called Safe Harbour, to help parents and carers talk to children bereaved by suicide.

    The book, written by Patricia Ford and illustrated by Bronna Lee, encapsulates much of what suicide bereavement is about, navigating a world that is both completely new and oddly normal. For this episode of Health in Europe, we are looking at suicide bereavement with Safe Harbour as our compass.

    DOWNLOAD SAFE HARBOUR:
    You can download the book and its resources at https://www.childhoodbereavement.ie/safeharbour

    PLEASE NOTE:

    This episode of Health in Europe covers the theme of suicide and contains an account of suicide bereavement. If you are thinking of ending your life, please reach out to family and friends or to a local suicide helpline. If you are unsure of helplines in your area, please visit: https://findahelpline.com

    To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/



  11. Learning lessons from the last pandemic

    31 minSeason 6 · Episode 8

    In this turbulent world, it’s tempting to move on and forget the difficult days of COVID-19. Although the impact of the COVID pandemic is far-reaching, and for many, ongoing, as priorities shift, people are …

  12. Dengue

    27 minSeason 6 · Episode 7

    In tropical and subtropical countries, the virus causing dengue is spiking. Close to an historic high of over 6 million cases and more than 7,000 dengue-related deaths were reported in over 80 countries and …

  13. Influenza past, present and future

    28 minSeason 6 · Episode 6

    The first of the three influenza pandemics that occurred in the 20th century is estimated to have killed over 50 million people. Based on scientific advances, what do we know about the 1918-20 pandemic? What …

  14. Mpox

    31 minSeason 6 · Episode 6

    The 2022 mpox outbreak has taught public health authorities a lot about the value of working with communities on important areas like testing, vaccination, and risk communication. Lessons that can be applied to …

  15. H5N1 - The Bird Flu

    27 minSeason 6 · Episode 5

    In this episode, we are putting a special focus on the H5N1 bird flu. We explore the ongoing efforts to prepare for future pandemics by speaking with experts like Peter Sousa Hoejskov, who explains the constant …

  16. The Journey of a Student Nurse

    24 minSeason 6 · Episode 4

    We turn our attention to the world of nursing through the compelling lens of Stefanie Fernandes and Francisco Ferraz. Francisco, a passionate third-year nursing student from Portugal, brings us into the heart …

    Show notes

    We turn our attention to the world of nursing through the compelling lens of Stefanie Fernandes and Francisco Ferraz. Francisco, a passionate third-year nursing student from Portugal, brings us into the heart of his journey—navigating the intricate balance of emotional connections and the systemic challenges within healthcare. From his night shifts in the pediatric intensive care unit to the poignant stories that shape his vocation, Francisco's experiences offer a raw and insightful look at the realities of nursing.

    This episode not only highlights the indispensable role of nurses but also underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to better support these healthcare heroes.

    Join us as we dive into the essence of what it means to care, to endure, and to strive for change in a profession that is both profoundly rewarding and undeniably demanding.

    Find out more about nursing: https://www.who.int/europe/health-topics/nursing

    To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/



  17. Disease X

    25 minSeason 6 · Episode 3

    What are we doing to prepare for the next pandemic?We go behind the scenes at WHO and some of the European region’s major public health institutions to understand what the most likely causes of future pandemics …

  18. EPI at 50: Unpacking the Past, Present, and Future of Global Immunization

    34 minSeason 6 · Episode 2

    This week marks the 50th anniversary of the WHO's Expanded Programme on Immunization, now known as the Essential Programme on Immunization, or EPI. This initiative has been a driving force behind the quest …

    Show notes

    This week marks the 50th anniversary of the WHO's Expanded Programme on Immunization, now known as the Essential Programme on Immunization, or EPI. This initiative has been a driving force behind the quest for fair access to life-saving vaccines for every child, irrespective of their geographical or socioeconomic circumstances.

    Over the past half-century, EPI has played a crucial role in shaping our battle against preventable diseases. But this is not a self-congratulatory episode, celebrating EPI’s triumphs. We will also examine the persistent challenges of inequitable vaccine access, growing skepticism towards immunization, and the future of global health collaboration. We are going to dissect successes, confront the hurdles, and question what's next for this vital global health programme.

    Find out more: 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) (who.int)

    To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/



  19. Outbreak Alert: Understanding the Measles Surge

    25 minSeason 6 · Episode 1

    There is an alarming resurgence of measles. In the WHO European Region, a startling uptick has been observed, with now over 50,000 cases reported across 41 Member States during 2023. This is a staggering …

  20. Resilience Redefined: Advocating for inclusive healthcare

    32 minSeason 5 · Episode 7

    In the latest 'Health in Europe' podcast, we explore Jack Kavanagh's transformation from a sports enthusiast to a disability rights advocate following a spinal cord injury. WHO talks with Jack …

    Show notes

    In the latest 'Health in Europe' podcast, we explore Jack Kavanagh's transformation from a sports enthusiast to a disability rights advocate following a spinal cord injury.

    WHO talks with Jack for a deep dive into creating inclusive health systems. This episode goes beyond Jack's personal journey, addressing the societal need for health systems that cater to all, highlighting inclusivity, equity, and diverse needs.

    Find out more about Health and Disabilities on the WHO/Europe website: https://www.who.int/europe/health-topics/disability


    To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/



  21. Art Meets Health: Unveiling the healing power of creativity in combatting NCDs

    21 minSeason 5 · Episode 6

    We explore the transformative synergy of art and health, and how art can positively help tackle noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) – from cardiovascular diseases to cancer. Join us as we discuss the healing …

    Show notes

    We explore the transformative synergy of art and health, and how art can positively help tackle noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) – from cardiovascular diseases to cancer. Join us as we discuss the healing potential of art interventions with experts from WHO/Europe's Special Initiative on NCDs and Innovation and Behavioural and Cultural insights units. Read more in the new WHO/Europe report “Learning from the arts” here: The power of healing: new WHO report shows how arts can help beat noncommunicable diseases

    To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/



  22. Managing airborne diseases in prison

    29 minSeason 5 · Episode 6

    Have you ever wondered what it's truly like to be in prison? As we reflect on the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, this podcast takes you on a thought-provoking journey to …

    Show notes

    Have you ever wondered what it's truly like to be in prison? As we reflect on the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, this podcast takes you on a thought-provoking journey to life behind bars, encouraging you to empathize and understand the realities faced by incarcerated individuals. Because the truth is, prisons are not isolated entities but integral parts of our society.




    To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/



  23. The Fourth Dimension: What we talk about when we talk about quality of care

    17 minSeason 5 · Episode 5

    The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals act as a vital catalyst, urging countries worldwide to strive for Universal Health Coverage. This encompasses the twin objectives of providing financial risk protection …

  24. The danger of childhood obesity: how can we bring it down?

    18 minSeason 5 · Episode 4

    One in three school-aged children in the WHO European Region are living with overweight or obesity, and countries are working hard to break and reverse this trend. In this episode, Julianne Williams, WHO …

  25. Can vaccines prevent cancer?

    16 minSeason 5 · Episode 3

    This episode of Health in Europe focuses on a very important question – can vaccines prevent cancer? We know that cancer is a complicated and elusive disease. According to WHO, cancer is the leading cause of …

  26. Mind Over Matter: The Influence of Behavioral and Cultural Factors on Health Outcomes

    25 minSeason 5 · Episode 2

    Behavioral and cultural insights utilize social sciences to tackle ongoing health issues - from vaccine uptake to antimicrobial resistance to obesity and other noncommunicable diseases.In this conversation …

    Show notes

    Behavioral and cultural insights utilize social sciences to tackle ongoing health issues - from vaccine uptake to antimicrobial resistance to obesity and other noncommunicable diseases.

    In this conversation Bhanu Bhatnagar, Press and Media Relations Officer at WHO Regional Office for Europe, spoke with Dr Saad Omer, Director of the Yale Institute for Global Health, during a Twitter spaces event to find out more about why behavioural and cultural insights matter to public health.

    To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/



  27. Training surgeons in hostile environments

    14 minSeason 5 · Episode 1

    In this episode we hear from Dr Moez Zeiton – a trauma surgeon who’s worked with WHO in Iraq and now is a trainer with the David Nott Foundation, teaching surgeons how to treat trauma patients in some of the …

  28. Are young people really the ‘problematic’ drinkers in the WHO European Region?

    31 minSeason 4 · Episode 2

    Alcohol harms everyone and there is no safe limit to alcohol consumption when it comes to health. A new episode of the ‘Health in Europe’ podcast gives the mic over to young people who discuss the harms and …

    Show notes

    Alcohol harms everyone and there is no safe limit to alcohol consumption when it comes to health. A new episode of the ‘Health in Europe’ podcast gives the mic over to young people who discuss the harms and policies that are needed with input from Dr Carina Ferreira-Borges, Programme Manager for Alcohol and Illicit Drugs, WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases.

    Notes:

    To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/



  29. Eliminating cervical cancer

    22 minSeason 4 · Episode 1

    More than 30,000 women die from cervical cancer in the WHO European Region every year. But cervical cancer is a preventable disease and elimination of cervical cancer is within our reach. In this episode, we …

    Show notes

    More than 30,000 women die from cervical cancer in the WHO European Region every year. But cervical cancer is a preventable disease and elimination of cervical cancer is within our reach. In this episode, we speak with Allison Ekberg, Advisor on Health Policy and hear interventions from Dr Nino Berdzuli, Director of the Country Health Programme at the WHO Regional Office for Europe.

    Notes

    Eliminating cervical cancer in the WHO European Region

    https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/362396/72bg17e-Roadmap-CervicalCancer.pdf

    What is the Global strategy on cervical cancer?

    https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240014107

    HPV and cervical cancer

    https://www.who.int/teams/immunization-vaccines-and-biologicals/policies/position-papers/human-papillomavirus-(hpv)

    To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/



  30. What do we mean by quality of care?

    22 minSeason 3

    Quality of care is an important part of any health system. In this episode, we speak with Dimitra Panteli, of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, and Dr Joao Breda, head of a new WHO office …

    Show notes

    Quality of care is an important part of any health system. In this episode, we speak with Dimitra Panteli, of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, and Dr Joao Breda, head of a new WHO office in Athens focusing on quality of care, to find out more about WHO’s work in this area.

    Show notes:

    To find out further about any of the subjects covered in the Health In Europe podcast, visit our website: https://www.who.int/europe/



These are the latest 40 of 59 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.

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