Health and economic development in south-eastern Europe

Health is increasingly seen as a robust predictor of economic growth. This report examines the contribution of health to economic development in south-eastern Europe, where the dynamics of health cooperation gained momentum following the Second Ministerial Health Forum, co-organized by the Council of Europe Development Bank, the Council of Europe and the WHO Regional Office for Europe, with the special participation of ministers of finance.

The report presents the socioeconomic context and the evolution of the health sector. It examines the trends and patterns in the burden of disease and socioeconomic inequalities in health, and the development of health systems and policies, as well as the way they should evolve to meet future health challenges.

The report demonstrates the economic importance of health for the countries of south-eastern Europe. Health, as an ingredient in human capital, is especially relevant for sustained economic development and social cohesion. These two political objectives figure prominently on the European Union's agenda and play a central role in its Lisbon agenda.