1. Health systems, health, wealth and societal well-being: an introduction -- 2. Understanding health systems: scope, functions and objectives -- 3. Re-examining the cost pressures on health systems -- 4. Economic costs of ill health in the European Region -- 5. Saving lives? -- The contribution of health care to population health -- 6. The contribution of public health interventions: an economic perspective / Marc Suhrcke -- 7. Evidence for strategies to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in health in Europe -- 8. Being responsive to citizens' expectations: the role of health services in responsiveness and satisfaction -- 9. Assessing health reform trends in Europe -- 10. Performance measurement for health system improvement: experiences, challenges and prospects -- 11. Investing in health systems: drawing the lessons.