The fourth consecutive annual health prize for journalists was launched by the European Commission, in order to award journalists that submit articles on the Europe for Patients campaign; Active and healthy ageing, in light of the European Year for active ageing and solidarity between generations 2012; or smoking cessation.

The European Commission launched the fourth EU Health Prize for Journalists. On this edition, journalists are invited to submit articles on one or more of the topics of the Europe for Patients campaign; active and healthy ageing, in light of the European Year for active ageing and solidarity between generations 2012; and the special prize topic: smoking cessation.

According to European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, John Dalli, the Prize presents the achievements of the EU Health Programme. He also highlights that the Programme has provided clear EU added-value to citizens in promoting health and preventing disease, increasing access to better and safer healthcare and protecting people from cross-border health threats. Mr Dalli adds that health journalists bring these topics to life. By reporting on citizens' real life experiences on health, they convey information and raise awareness about health and health policy.

Since 2008 the health programme has financed projects worth close to €237 million in areas such as youth health, healthy lifestyles, cancer, rare diseases, health information and health inequalities. The EU health programmes have supported and delivered numerous actions and projects aimed at encouraging the uptake of innovation, better and safer healthcare, health promotion and protection against diseases and cross-border health threats.