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May 7 '25 - May 10 '25

Driving Progress on Reducing Alcohol-Related Harm: WHO/Europe at the EASL Congress 2025

Date

May 7-10, 2025

Venue

Amsterdam, Netherlands and online

Background

Alcohol is one of the leading causes of liver disease globally and continues to place a significant burden on public health systems, particularly across the WHO European Region. In light of this, alcohol-related harm will take centre stage at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress 2025—a global gathering of hepatology experts.

What the Event is About

WHO/Europe will actively contribute to a series of high-level sessions and expert discussions throughout the EASL Congress, focusing on integrating public health perspectives with clinical practice. These sessions will address:

  • The role of public health information and early intervention;
  • Policy implementation to reduce alcohol harm;
  • The importance of cross-sector and interprofessional collaboration.

Purpose

WHO/Europe’s participation aims to:

  • Elevate the public health relevance of alcohol-related harm in clinical and scientific settings;
  • Promote effective, evidence-based policies to reduce alcohol harm and support liver health;
  • Foster cross-sector collaboration among health professionals, researchers, and policymakers;
  • Launch and strengthen multi-stakeholder alliances for sustained alcohol harm reduction efforts.

Program

May 7

  • Opening Ceremony (10:30 – 11:30 CEST): From Evidence to action: Joining forces to confront Europe’s alcohol challenges
    • David Barrett, Internal Communications and Multimedia Manager, WHO Regional Office for Europe
    • Aleksander Krag, EASL Secretary General
    • Pedro Gullon, Secretary General of Public Health and Equity, Ministry of Health of Spain
    • Riina Sikkut, Member of Estonian Parliament, former Minister of Health of Estonia
    • Carina Ferreira-Borges, Regional Adviser for Alcohol, Illicit drugs and Prison health, WHO Regional Office for Europe
  • Live Studio Interview (12:00 – 12:45 CEST): Beyond the myths: alcohol harm and policy action
    • David Barrett, Internal Communications and Multimedia Manager, WHO Regional Office for Europe
    • Pedro Gullon, Secretary General of Public Health and Equity, Ministry of Health of Spain
    • Riina Sikkut, Member of Estonian Parliament, former Minister of Health of Estonia
    • Margarida Santos, General Practitioner Portugal
    • Hazel Martin, BBC Journalist and Liver Patient
    • Aleksander Krag, EASL Secretary General

May 8

  • Launch of the European Health Alliance on Alcohol (15:00-16:00 CEST): 
    This pivotal session marks the official launch of the European Health Alliance on Alcohol. Grounded in WHO’s “Best Buys,” the session will feature expert presentations on policy implementation, youth protection, and strategic advocacy. A powerful patient testimonial and a multi-expert panel discussion will reinforce the urgent need for coordinated efforts in tackling alcohol-related harms across Europe.

Details

Organizers

Venue