PA21100 Injury Prevention in Europe: Priorities, Challenges, and the Road Ahead – The Mission of the EUPHA Injury Prevention Section

Abstract Background and Objectives Injuries and violence remain leading causes of avoidable death and disability across Europe, yet their burden is often underestimated in public health agendas. The Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Section of the European Public Health Association (EUPHA INJ) is dedicated to strengthening injury prevention within European and translate the evidence into global health policy. This presentation outlines the mission of the section, highlights achievements to date, and sets priorities for the future. Methods The section’s work and strategic focus is structured around four pillars: strengthening surveillance and data systems; translating evidence into practice across healthcare and non-healthcare sectors; promoting cross-sectoral collaboration; and advocating for stronger integration of injury prevention into public health. Activities include pre-conference workshops, policy briefs, and collaborations with partners at EU and global level. Looking ahead, future priorities are aligned with the European Commission’s strategies and the WHO Global Action Plan for Violence and Injury Prevention (2022–2030). These include: harmonization of injury surveillance, embedding injury prevention into preparedness frameworks, equity in access to interventions and trauma care, and harnessing digital innovations such as real-time surveillance. Sustained political and financial commitment is considered as essential. Conclusions EUPHA’s Injury Section plays a key role in ensuring that injury prevention and reducing the disease’s burden in the national healthcare systems, and becomes a cornerstone of Europe’s public health security. Key Messages • Harmonized data, equity, and digital innovation are central to future injury prevention. • Aligning EU priorities with WHO’s global action plan creates a coherent agenda to reduce injuries by 2030.