Report of the Regional Director: the work of the WHO Regional Office for Europe in 2020–2021

ABSTRACT

The present report aims to give a snapshot of the key activities of the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) since September 2020. The work of WHO/Europe over the past year has been guided by the European Programme of Work, 2020–2025 – “United Action for Better Health in Europe”; its four flagship initiatives; and the targets of the Thirteenth General Programme of Work, 2019–2023 (GPW 13). The report presents activities within the scope of each of the three pillars of GPW 13 health emergencies, universal health coverage, and health and well-being, along with the supporting pillar of becoming more fit for purpose. Each is covered in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which continued to require the highest attention and mobilization across the entire Organization.