The European Commission has announced the European journalists awarded for the best articles on health issues. In particular, the top articles were on antimicrobial resistance, the importance of exercise in helping tackle depression, breast cancer, and the harmful effects of smoking.

The 2011 EU Health Prize for Journalists has already its winners. The main theme of the prize was the 'Europe for Patients' campaign, which comprises a wide range of healthcare and patient safety-related topics. Two journalists from the United Kingdom, Ben Hirschler and Kate Kelland, won 1st prize for their article on antimicrobial resistance. "When the drugs don't work", published by Reuters, puts the spotlight on the emerging healthcare disaster of "super-bugs". In 2010, the winners of the main prize were two Italian journalists that addressed the issue about “healing clinics”. The 2nd prize was awarded to Rita Makarész from Hungary for her article "The cheapest antidepressant". This article, published on the health portal www.orvostkeresek.hu, highlights the benefits of exercise as a means to prevent depression.

The 3rd prize went to Mateja Grošelj, from Slovenia for her article "From Lojze to Ludvika", published in the Vecer Weekly newspaper. This article on breast cancer explores the subject from the angle of a woman undergoing a pioneering breast reconstruction operation. And Monika Cetera from Poland won the special prize for her web article "I've come here to have my teeth treated, not to quit smoking" which details an unpleasant but lesser known harmful effect of smoking - poor oral health. The article also illustrates the financial costs associated with smoking.

This award aims to showcase and reward the work of journalists from across the European Union that raise awareness on important health issues that affect the lives of all EU citizens. This year's competition included a special prize for articles on smoking cessation, to support awareness about what smoking means and does to people's health.