The general objectives referred to in Article 2 shall be pursued through the following specific objectives:

1. (1)

   In order to promote health, prevent diseases, and foster supportive environments for healthy lifestyles: identify, disseminate and promote the uptake of evidence-based and good practices for cost-effective health promotion and disease prevention measures by addressing in particular the key lifestyle related risk factors with a focus on the Union added value.

   This objective shall be measured, in particular, through the increase in the number of Member States involved in health promotion and disease prevention, using evidence-based and good practices through measures and actions taken at the appropriate level in Member States.

2. (2)

   In order to protect Union citizens from serious cross-border health threats: identify and develop coherent approaches and promote their implementation for better preparedness and coordination in health emergencies.

   This objective shall be measured, in particular, through the increase in the number of Member States integrating coherent approaches in the design of their preparedness plans.

3. (3)

   In order to support public health capacity-building and contribute to innovative, efficient and sustainable health systems: identify and develop tools and mechanisms at Union level to address shortages of resources, both human and financial, and to facilitate the voluntary uptake of innovations in public health intervention and prevention strategies.

   This objective shall be measured, in particular, through the increase in the advice produced and the number of Member States using the tools and mechanisms identified in order to contribute to effective results in their health systems.

4. (4)

   In order to facilitate access to better and safer healthcare for Union citizens: increase access to medical expertise and information for specific conditions beyond national borders, facilitate the application of the results of research and develop tools for the improvement of healthcare quality and patient safety through, inter alia, actions contributing to the improvement of health literacy.

   This objective shall be measured, in particular, through the increase in the number of European reference networks established in accordance with Directive 2011/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council22 ("European reference networks"), the increase in the number of healthcare providers and centres of expertise joining European reference networks, and the increase in the number of Member States using the tools developed.

The specific objectives of the Programme shall be achieved through actions in line with the thematic priorities listed in Annex I and implemented via the annual work programmes referred to in Article 11.