Patients' resources > Launch of EHA (Brussels)
Launch of EHA at the European Parliament (Brussels, September 2006)
John Hume, Nobel Peace Laureate officially launched the EHA in the European Parliament. He said the most gratifying thing about the European Union (EU) is that it is not just important for countries’ national interests or economic imperatives but it has become equally important for legislation in social areas and increasingly for matters in health and welfare. The World Health Organisation (WHO) gave rise to a health organisation on a global basis. The founding fathers of the EU worked on the basis of “Strength through Unity” and the development of European umbrella organisations is a natural progression with more relevance for European nations. Sharing experiences of “Best Practice” benefits all so it is no surprise that representatives from 9 patient organisations Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, Serbia, UK, Ireland and the Netherlands came together to form the EHA. He went on to say “as a European I can see the value of coming together in a common purpose to improve the quality of life for our citizens. This spirit of volunteerism is to be encouraged.”
Nobel Laureate John Hume with the President of European Headache Alliance (Mrs. Audrey Craven, right) and the President of the European Federation of Neurological Associations (Mrs Mary Baker, left).
In closing John Hume said, “The Launch here today represents a development of a concept of Europe that goes beyond those founding fathers. Nice to think that the horror of two World Wars and economic hardship experienced in all our countries could give way to something positive and worthwhile as the purpose that brings all of us here today. I take great pleasure in officially launching the EHA and wish this initiative every success in the future!”
Brian Crowley, Member of European Parliament (MEP) from Munster, Ireland hosted the launch and stressed the importance of George Bernard Shaw’s words from the play “The Devils Disciple” “To hate your fellow man is not the ultimate sin but to be indifferent towards him, that is the essence of inhumanity.”
Hilkka Kettinen read a special message from a Finnish Member of Parliament (current holders of the EU Presidency) wishing EHA well. Dr. Timothy Steiner gave an overview of the World Headache Alliance’s (WHA) global campaign to reduce the burden of headache worldwide.
Mary Baker, Member of British Empire (MBE), President of the European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA) spoke on the topic “European Citizens’, an added value to European Research.” She went on to stress the importance of improving the dialogue between science and society citing the recent joint hosting of a Stem Cell Debate by EFNA and the EU Commission. This Debate provided an opportunity to increase awareness and knowledge of this sensitive and important issue.
The Board members of the European Headache Alliance and Dr. T. Steiner surround Brian Crowley, the Member of the European Parliament who hosted the launch of the Alliance.
Audrey Craven, President of EHA highlighted the purpose of EHA, it’s aims and objectives, primarily to coordinate the work of national patient organisations, raise awareness of headache related issues throughout Europe promoting early diagnosis and access to appropriate treatment.
The Launch was attended by many VIP’s such as Jeurgan Sauteur of EU Commission, Ian Ragan, Director of European Brain Council (EBC), Presidents of the European Headache Federation (EHF) and the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS), representatives from the pharmaceutical industry, business, health care professionals and journalists. Messages of congratulations were received from Prof. Peter Goadsby. Editor in Chief of “Cephalalgia”, Prof Jes Olesen, President of the European Brain Council, Prof. Michel Ferrari former President of the International Headache Society (IHS) and a letter from Dr. Judith Lutz-Burns, General Secretary of IHS.
Audrey Craven
This page last modified: 31/08/2006