“Local and regional authorities are uniquely positioned to ensure equal access to quality health protection in the communities they represent,” said Congress Deputy Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights Mélanie Lepoultier (France, ILDG) at the Council of Europe Conference on the Protection of Health held on 15 October 2025 in Strasbourg.

“Europe is facing ever-increasing health inequalities, with almost one in three Europeans reporting only fair to very poor health, and a lack of more than a million doctors, nurses and midwives, according to a 2024 OECD study. Local and regional authorities know their communities best and are uniquely placed to tackle these gaps. They can support the provision of quality health services on the ground and also address health-related inequalities such as poverty, joblessness and the quality of education, housing and the local environment.”

Ms Lepoultier went on to warn that:

“To unlock this potential, local and regional authorities must be equipped with sufficient powers and resources. This means decentralised health powers along with sufficient financial autonomy and effective cooperation with national authorities. We saw during the Covid-19 pandemic that where crisis management was devolved to subnational authorities, the response was more effective. Trusting and empowering local decision makers makes the difference.”

Ms Lepoultier pointed to the potential for this approach in better addressing the growing phenomenon of “medical deserts” in rural regions and for putting in place human rights-based policies that deliver equal access to health services for people in vulnerable situations.

The participation of the Deputy Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Conference is part of Congress’ line action to further promote health as a social right.