Recent meetings
No recorded meetings with EU commissioners.
Mission & Goals
The International Youth Health Organization (YHO) is one of the leading organizations in Europe that empowers young people to work on youth health. YHO teaches, trains, connects and financially supports youth from different backgrounds to actively participate in prevention programmes, research, policy and leadership on youth health. The main aim of YHO’s initiatives is: to raise interest among young people and youth organisations about the topics of focus; to promote evidence-based projects and exchange knowledge of good practices for health promotion; to empower the participants with the necessary skills and capacities in order to effectively work on the topics raised; to provide participants with the necessary tools and trainings to engage in advocating for more comprehensive health policies at regional, national and international levels; to allow for networking with public health professionals and organizations working on the same topics.
EU Legislative Interests
EU Youth Strategy (2019-2027) – YHO aligns with the EU’s efforts to empower young people, focusing on health, wellbeing, and social inclusion. EU4Health Programme (2021-2027) – As a partner in EU4Health projects, YHO contributes to promoting public health, disease prevention, and health system resilience. European Strategy for the Rights of the Child (2021-2024) – YHO advocates for youth health and wellbeing, ensuring young people’s right to a healthy life. Erasmus+ Programme – YHO actively participates in Erasmus+ projects, promoting youth engagement in public health, education, and policy advocacy. EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan (2021-2025) – Engaging in prevention and harm reduction initiatives related to alcohol, tobacco, and drug use among youth. EU Mental Health Strategy (forthcoming initiatives) – YHO emphasizes mental health promotion and preventive programs for young people. European Green Deal – Health Dimension – Working on environmental health and climate-related youth initiatives. Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Prevention Policies – Advocating for policies to address youth health risks related to alcohol, tobacco, and unhealthy lifestyles.
Communication Activities
Social media campaigns.
Interests Represented
Does not represent commercial interests
Member Of
The Youth Health Organization (YHO) actively participates in several prominent networks and organizations dedicated to public health, youth engagement, and policy advocacy. Below is an overview of these affiliations: European Network for Smoking and Tobacco Prevention (ENSP) Next ENSP Next is the youth branch of the European Network for Smoking and Tobacco Prevention, focusing on mobilizing young professionals and advocates to advance tobacco control initiatives across Europe. European Alcohol Policy Alliance (Eurocare) Eurocare is a network of approximately 50 non-governmental organizations across Europe working to prevent and reduce alcohol-related harm. Established in 1990 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, Eurocare engages in research, advocacy, and public information campaigns to influence alcohol policy. European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) EPHA is a European non-profit association comprising public health organizations from various countries. Founded in 1993 and based in Brussels, EPHA aims to improve health and reduce health inequalities by bringing together the public health community to provide thought leadership and facilitate change. EU Youth Stakeholders Group The EU Youth Stakeholders Group engages European youth organizations, national youth councils, youth researchers, representatives of Member States, and other EU institutions in implementing the legacy of the European Year of Youth 2022 and the 2019-2027 EU Youth Strategy. The group facilitates exchanges and youth consultations on forthcoming EU policy initiatives, aiming to engage, connect, and empower young people. HPV and Hepatitis B (HepB) Action Network Hosted by the European Cancer Organisation, this network promotes initiatives to eliminate cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and the hepatitis B virus (HepB). The network focuses on advocacy, awareness campaigns, and policy development to increase vaccination rates and screening programs. Youth4Health Network Launched in 2023 by the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the Youth4Health Network is the first-ever youth network on health and well-being in the region. It serves as a platform for meaningful engagement with young people, ensuring their participation in all areas of WHO/Europe’s work. The network aims to amplify youth voices, highlight issues affecting youth, and strengthen networking and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. WHO Youth Council The WHO Youth Council serves as a platform for young leaders globally to advise and collaborate with the World Health Organization on health policies and programs, ensuring that youth voices are represented in global health decisions. WHO/EU Evidence into Action Alcohol Project (EVID-ACTION) Youth Network Launched in November 2023, the EVID-ACTION Youth Network involves young advocates in reducing alcohol-related harm. The network collaborates on activities such as adapting digital marketing guides and designing alcohol labeling to resonate with youth, aiming to reshape narratives around alcohol consumption among young people. European Health Policy Platform (EHP) Partnership on Youth This partnership within the European Health Policy Platform focuses on youth health issues, fostering collaboration among stakeholders to address health challenges faced by young populations in Europe. Civil Society Forum on Drugs (CSFD) CSFD is a platform for informal exchanges of views and information between the European Commission and civil society organizations. It aims to support the formulation and implementation of drug policies within the European Union, ensuring that the perspectives of civil society are considered in the policy-making process. Through active involvement in these networks, YHO contributes to shaping health policies, promoting preventive measures, and advocating for the well-being of youth across Europe and beyond.
Organisation Members
The Youth Health Organization (YHO) comprises a diverse network of Full Members, Associate Members, and Network Members committed to promoting youth health across various regions. For a full and up-to-date list of YHO members and associated entities, please visit: https://yho.network/current-members/
Additional Information
The organisation’s total budget for the most recent closed financial year amounts to €360,114.44. The main source of funding is European Union funding, totalling approximately €188,000. This includes an Operating Grant (€125,000) and several project-based grants such as Sustainaware (€35,348.96), Time4Health (€23,265), Wellboost (€7,994.50), and Youth Action for Health (€911.50), with minor adjustments from final project corrections. National public funding amounts to approximately €47,500, primarily provided by the Ministry for Public Affairs (2 projects - €32,083.33 and €15,395.30). Additional non-EU grant funding totals approximately €49,000 and includes contributions from the Council of Europe (€18,905.70), the Central European Initiative (€4,571.81), and Eurocare (€25,658.83). Other sources of income include service-related revenue and smaller income streams, totalling approximately €66,900 (issued invoices €57,345.15, reimbursements €6,835.23, and miscellaneous income €2,714.15), as well as membership fees of €9,061.67. No donations were received. The figures reflect the most recent closed financial year and are based on updated accounting practices, whereby only income and costs directly attributable to the organisation are recorded, excluding partner budgets in joint projects. Minor differences are due to project timing shifts and final financial corrections from previous years.