Summer is over, and we are still all facing the impact of COVID-19. Indeed, there is now a resurgence in infections in many countries. Yet we must look to the positive aspects, and recognise what we can do to continue to provide constructive support in tackling this pandemic while ensuring that Europe's health systems remain sustainable.

This has been a busy month, and we at COCIR were proud that - despite the challenges - we were able to maintain our momentum, organising a number of virtual events. Highlights included a virtual event to mark international Lung Cancer Awareness Month - in partnership with ESR and LuCE - entitled “How can Europe`s ‘Beating Cancer Plan’ drive implementation of Lung Cancer Screening programmes across Europe?".

We also organised a virtual event on “Digitalisation of healthcare: The new normal” – with speakers from academia, industry and the European Patients Forum. It was also a platform to launch our latest publication: “Market Access Pathways for Digital Health Solutions”.

Other highlights included COCIR contributions to events for European Prostate Cancer Awareness Day, an EU- Russia conference and the 11th China International Medical Device Regulatory Forum (CIMDR).

As well as our organising and participating in events, we continue to play an active role in other initiatives, including the EU Health Coalition and becoming a founding member of the Alliance for Value in Health. We believe such collaboration and cooperation is the optimum way to advance common goals.

Although it's not yet over, 2020 has proved a challenging year. Yet despite that, we have found ways to maintain our momentum despite the challenges. Watch this space - there's much more to come very soon!

Continue to follow-us!

Nicole Denjoy

November 2020