EUPHA(European Public Health Conference) presented an analysis of public health, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), prevention and monitoring in Berlin on 9.11.22.
The scenario and strategies to be pursued were shared by EUPHA with representatives of theWorld Health Organization (WHO) Advisory Council on Innovation for Noncommunicable Diseases.
1) Public health in Europe. Foreword
‘Strengthening health systems: improving population health and preparing for the unexpected’ is the title and incipit of the 15th annual conference of EUPHA, the confederation formed in 1992 to represent a range of civil society associations and the medical and scientific community in the EU.
The experience of the pandemic has shown the fragility of health systems, as well as the needs to strengthen cooperation and invest in research. The interaction between public and environmental health, animal health, food security, and food safety-in two words,
One Health
– are, after all, well established.
2) Health policies, the 6 guiding criteria.
European health policies must come to be guided by 6 criteria-guidelines that respond to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in UN Agenda 2030, as well as logic applied to the common good.
- Rebuild better, for a safer and more just society. Addressing the full range of determinants of health that include social, commercial and political elements.
- Equality, equity and efficiency. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on universal health coverage (2019), goal 3.8 in #SDG3(Ensure Health and Well-being).
- Investing in health systems to ensure their soundness and resilience so that health workers do not have to be subjected to new sacrifices as has recently happened.
- Ensure quality, independent research, free from conflicts of interest we add, by making sure that its results reach policy makers.
- Invest in research and collaboration between the public and private sectors. By tying public investment to public sharing of results, we add.
- Networking, sharing knowledge even across disciplines, between research and policy, between patient health and caregivers. (1)
3) Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Noncommunicable diseases now account for 90% of the causes of premature mortality. WHO defines Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) as chronic, long-term conditions that result from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioral factors. Eighty percent of the deaths attributed to them come from cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
Preventing many deaths is possible with multifactorial interventions including lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, alcohol, smoking) and drug therapies. And it is important, as diseases that now kill 1 in 5 men and 1 in 10 women under the age of 70 could be prevented. Poverty is another variable that affects both the level of risk and treatment options.
4) NCDs, WHO’s global plan of action.
The WHO Global Action Plan on combating NCDs was ratified by its member states in 2013, along with the roadmap with health goals to be achieved in subsequent years. With a view to reducing mortality from major NCDs in adults aged 30-70 years by 30 percent by 2030. EUPHA and WHO, at the Berlin Conference, focused on some crucial elements.
Reduce alcohol consumption
Alcohol is one of the worst drugs circulating in Europe, whose population soars in its consumption on a planetary level.
WHO points to purpose taxation as an effective strategy to reduce alcohol consumption. With the goal of reducing alcohol-associated mortality by 25 percent in 2030 compared to 2013.
Reducing childhood obesity
Childhood obesity, which lingers into adulthood, has reached epidemic levels in the Old World as we have seen. And it is a serious risk factor for contracting other noncommunicable diseases.
Overweight-related diseases account for 5-7% of the costs faced by European health care systems. The WHO goal is to control or reduce the increase in overweight in at least 15 countries by 2030.
Reducing hypertension
Hypertension in 2019 was the cause of 24% of deaths due to cardiovascular disease, and a correspondence was noted between high rates of hypertension and salt consumption.
To reduce the incidence of this disease, it is necessary to strengthen primary health care services and adopt effective strategies to reduce salt consumption, such as the NutriScore label.
Data Sharing
Sharing reliable, accurate, timely, and relevant data collected and harmonized across the European Union is critical to better manage and control NCDs.
Avoid advertising unhealthy products
Consumption of unhealthy products such as salt, sugar, alcohol and tobacco increases when they are advertised.
Children, who are still invested by aggressive advertising and marketing of junk food and alcoholic beverages, must be protected with appropriate measures.
Reduce pollution
An estimated 7 million worldwide, 550,000 in Europe, are estimated to die prematurely each year due to pollution. Member states must be supported in developing sustainable transportation.
In particular, it is necessary to ensure safe urban transportation by walking and bicycling. So as to reduce air emissions, noise, accidents, as well as promote physical activity. (2)
Alessandra Mei and Dario Dongo
Notes
(1) https://ephconference.eu/berlin-statement-2022-502
(2) %20Council%
Graduated in Law from the University of Bologna, she attended the Master in Food Law at the same University. You participate in the WIISE srl benefit team by dedicating yourself to European and international research and innovation projects.
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
