Division 3.3.1 Work in rare diseases will focus on continued action to improve knowledge and facilitate access to information on these diseases. Preparation of initiatives to increase healthy life years across the life cycle and tackle health inequalities (Annex — Point 2.1.1).

Actions in 2008 to tackle health inequalities and increase healthy life years will focus on children and the working age population using data from existing sources at national and EU level.

• Situation analysis of the health of the EU working age population and evaluation of policies and initiatives addressing health aspects of labour market participation. [Financing mechanism: Call for tender]

• Children and young people:

  • Policy consultations with youth stakeholder representation, on improving health in young people [Financing mechanism: Call for tender]

  • state of the art reviews on aspects of health of children and young people and review of MS policies [Direct grant agreement with WHO]

• Expert review and proposals for monitoring trends in health inequalities in the EU [Financing mechanism: Call for tender]

• Support for a feasibility study towards a non-for-profit foundation in one or more Member States dedicated to receive unrestricted donations from voluntary contributors whose interests are in fostering the overall goals of the health programme. This would include input on the legal framework, criteria for donors and the operating principles. [Financing mechanism: Call for tender]

• Public health capacity building

  • Support for capacity building in the development and implementation of policies for public health and health promotion. Baseline assessment of capacity for the development, implementation and monitoring of public health policies at national and sub-national level in Europe and recommendations, guidelines and initiatives for strengthening capacity. This should be particularly in areas of high need, with the aim to reduce health inequalities. [Financing mechanism: Call for proposals]

  • Financial support to non-governmental organisations primarily active in the field of public health and health promotion at a European level. [Financing mechanism: Operating grants]^f1.

  • Support towards the implementation of specific strategies on health determinants. [Financing mechanism: Call for tender]