The European Commission, DG SANCO consulted the public from mid July to the end of September 2008 on its "views on priorities for the annual work plan 2009."

The Health Programme 2008-2013 entered into force on 1 January 2008. The Programme is intended to complement, support and add value to the policies of the Member States and contribute to increased solidarity and prosperity in the European Union by protecting and promoting human health and safety and by improving public health.

Under the new Programme, civil society participation in health policy-making is promoted. Major initiatives will take full account of consultation with stakeholders and health policies will be shaped in partnership with citizens and stakeholders.

The Programme is implemented by means of an annual work plan which sets out the areas that will be funded and gives an indicative budget for each financing mechanism. To ensure that European citizens can give their input into the Programme, the Directorate General for Health and Consumers sought views on which priorities should be included in the work plan for 2009.

You will find below EAHP's answer to this consultation.