System Impact
Supporting Member States in Aligning with the EU Beating Cancer Plan and WHO Hepatitis Elimination Goals
Health systems play a central role in preventing cancer and reducing long-term disease burden. Achieving meaningful impact requires coordinated action that aligns national policies with European and global public health goals. People living in prison must be included in these efforts if prevention strategies are to be effective and equitable.
At Prison Health, we support Member States by promoting prevention models that integrate prison health services into broader cancer and hepatitis strategies.
Aligning Prevention with European Priorities
The EU Beating Cancer Plan sets a clear direction for reducing cancer incidence through prevention, early detection, and equitable access to care. At the same time, the World Health Organization’s Hepatitis Elimination Goals aim to drastically reduce new infections and related deaths by strengthening vaccination, screening, and treatment pathways.
Including detention settings in these strategies is essential to achieving real system-wide progress.
Why Prison Health Matters for System Impact
People in prison represent a population with higher prevalence of risk factors for viral hepatitis and HPV-related cancers. Excluding this group creates gaps in prevention, undermines national targets, and weakens public health outcomes.
By strengthening cancer prevention in prisons, Member States can improve coverage, reduce missed opportunities for vaccination and screening, and move closer to shared European and global objectives.
Supporting Integrated Health Policies
Effective system impact depends on integration rather than isolation. Prison Health supports approaches that:
-
Align prison health policies with national cancer and hepatitis plans
-
Strengthen cooperation between justice, health, and social services
-
Improve data collection and continuity of care across systems
-
Encourage evidence-based decision-making at policy level
These measures help ensure that prevention efforts are consistent, measurable, and sustainable.
Prevention as a Long-Term Investment
Investing in prevention within detention settings reduces future healthcare costs and limits the burden of advanced disease. Vaccination, early detection, and treatment not only protect individuals but also support system efficiency by reducing avoidable illness and long-term care needs.
Strong preventive systems are more resilient, cost-effective, and better prepared for future public health challenges.
Measuring Progress and Impact
System-level impact requires reliable monitoring and evaluation. Integrating prison health data into national reporting frameworks improves visibility and accountability, supporting progress toward EU and WHO targets.
This inclusive approach ensures that prevention efforts are comprehensive and no population is overlooked.
Shared Responsibility Across Europe
Reaching the goals of the EU Beating Cancer Plan and WHO Hepatitis Elimination requires collective responsibility. Public authorities, healthcare providers, civil society, and research institutions all have a role to play.
By strengthening prevention pathways in prisons, Member States contribute to shared European progress and reinforce the principle that public health must reach everyone.
Our Role and Commitment
Prison Health is committed to supporting systems that are inclusive, evidence-based, and aligned with international health priorities. Through collaboration and knowledge sharing, we help translate high-level strategies into practical action that delivers real public health impact.
Working Together for Sustainable Impact
If you are involved in policy development, health system planning, or program implementation, we welcome collaboration. Together, we can strengthen prevention, improve alignment with EU and WHO goals, and build healthier futures for all.
