Public health is a matter of public concern. On every proposal before the WHO European Region’s governing body, meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan on 12–15 September 2011, WHO/Europe has conducted wide consultation with technical experts, Member States, civil-society and partner organizations, and the online public.

The five action plans address noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), alcohol, HIV/AIDS, drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) and antibiotic resistance. These account for most of the disease burden or are growing threats in the European Region.