BEST-COST partners Axel Luyten of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and João Vasco Santos of CINTESIS/University of Porto reflect on the European Public Health Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, and how the research tools and methodologies developed by BEST-COST can support evidence-based policy initiatives in reducing the health costs of air and noise pollution.
The European Public Health Conference (EPHC) 2024 dove into scientific exchange and policy discussions all centred around the theme of “Sailing the waves of European public health: exploring a sea of innovation”. Participants approached different threats and opportunities within public health, including air and noise pollution, and discussed the importance of research to develop holistic policy measures. Members of the BEST-COST consortium attended the conference, presenting scientific posters and hosting a workshop on the BEST-COST research methodologies.
The concept of “Health in All Policies” was a recurring topic at the conference. This approach recognises that health is influenced by a wide range of factors, including social, economic, and environmental determinants. Research projects such as BEST-COST are developing the methods and tools to prioritise health in efforts to tackle air pollution and noise and its socioeconomic impacts.
BEST-COST workshop on methods for measuring the true health cost of pollution
At the conference, BEST-COST hosted a workshop on ‘Methods for measuring the true health cost of pollution.’ In the workshop project partners presented the research methodologies they are developing on burden of disease, cost-benefit analysis, and social inequalities, to understand the different socioeconomic impacts pollution has on our health. To monetise health impacts, different methodologies are being used, namely non-market approaches through individuals’ willingness-to-pay for mortality and disability reduction.
Participants learnt about how the tools can help shape policies for a healthier, more sustainable future. In the discussions, participants stressed the importance of including inequalities from air and noise pollution, which BEST-COST is analysing to identify useful interventions to address the issues they cause to people’s health and wellbeing.
What is next for BEST-COST?
The BEST-COST project is developing innovative methodologies and tools that researchers and policymakers can apply in their work, and is connecting with stakeholders to share ideas for their use. In January, BEST-COST will hold an online workshop with policy stakeholders on measuring the burden of disease and how to effectively implement the BEST-COST methodology in its case study countries: Belgium, Estonia, France, Norway and Portugal. If you would like to know more, please contact j.haagsma@erasmusmc.nl.
BEST-COST will also ensure the tools developed suit the needs of its potential users working on environmental stressors. The R package healthiar will provide a ready-to-use tool for policymakers and researchers to apply health impact assessments and burden of disease studies in their policy evaluations. By applying new and updated methodologies, we can incorporate health considerations into all policy areas for healthier and more sustainable societies. In the second half of 2025, BEST-COST will provide the opportunity to test the R package and share feedback through a series of online workshops.
If you are interested in taking part and would like to know more, visit this link. or contact alberto.castrofernandez@swisstph.ch
How science plays a role in policymaking
Throughout many discussions at the conference, participants shared ideas on how researchers can engage more actively in policymaking. Following on from last year’s theme, ‘Health is a political choice’, the message remains that health decisions are inherently political. And while scientific evidence is a crucial input, it is not the sole determinant that influences policymaking.
To ensure that science effectively informs policymaking, researchers need to:
- Engage with policymakers: Researchers must build their relationships with policymakers and maintain them by participating in policy discussions to promote their research work in shaping evidence-based policy.
- Translate science: It is critical to communicate complex scientific findings in a clear and concise manner to policymakers and the public, and to identify policy hooks and meaningful ways to present the data. For instance, sharing research on return on investment can be a powerful argument to support decision making around new policies aiming to improve health and wellbeing. BEST-COST’s research into the cost-benefit of tackling air and noise pollution will offer evidence for policymakers to implement actions to protect our health in the long-term.
- Advocate for health: Scientific evidence is just one of the many inputs that a politician receives. The research community must counter the influence of harmful industries, such as commercial determinants of health including tobacco and the transport sector, with scientific evidence to defend the health interests of the population.
- Utilise innovative tools: Employ tools like the BEST-COST R package healthiar to quantify the health impacts of policies in policy evaluation and inform decision-making for effective policy that considers socioeconomic aspects when addressing pollution.
The EPHC highlighted the critical role of science in shaping health policy. By actively engaging with policymakers, communicating effectively, and utilising innovative tools, researchers can make a significant impact on public health.
