Historic Initiative to Combat Non-Communicable Diseases
Between 13-15 February 2024, a transformative initiative aimed at preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the Joint Action on cancer and other non-communicable disease prevention project (JA PreventNCD), was launched in Oslo Norway. The project is co-funded by the European Union with a total budget of 95.5 million EUR, representing 20% of the EU’s total health budget. This groundbreaking project brings together 25 nations in a collaborative effort to address the growing burden of NCDs across borders.
NCDs, including cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory diseases pose significant challenges to public health, with over 75% of individuals facing the risk of these diseases. The risk factors, such as unhealthy diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity, are well-known, yet the societal and economic costs continue to escalate. In the EU alone, NCDs account for a staggering 115 billion EUR annually in healthcare expenditures. This, along with all the human suffering experienced by those affected, underscores the urgent need for coordinated action.
A strong symbol of change
Led by Norway and supported by more than 100 partners, the Joint Action Prevent NCD project aims to tackle NCDs and their risk factors at both the individual and societal levels. Linda Granlund, head of coordination, and division director at the Norwegian Directorate of Health emphasizes the significance of this endeavour: “Cancer and other NCDs constitute a large proportion of the total burden of disease in Europe. NCDs can be prevented, and sadly we have not managed to tackle the challenges in an effective and coordinated way up until now. This project represents a paradigm shift, with 20% of health budgets dedicated to prevention—a symbol of Europe’s evolving approach to health.” Addressing the social gradient in NCD risk and exposure, Professor Knut-Inge Klepp, Scientific coordinator of the project at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, stresses the importance of equitable policies: “We should not tolerate certain groups facing more illness and early death than other. Policies addressing health determinants such as education and socioeconomic status are essential for creating equal opportunities for good health. “Even with Europe’s diversity, we´re all dealing with similar challenges, especially with changes in our population and big events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Knut-Inge Klepp highlights the need for a unified approach: “The pandemic has underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing health crises. NCDs, while slower in their progression, represent a significant health crisis that requires coordinated action.”
The Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) participates as one of the affiliated entities from Greece under the coordination of the Hellenic Ministry of Health, which is the Competent authority for Greece. The Department participates in WP7 “Social inequalities” and WP8 “Monitoring”. Responsible investigator for this project on behalf of the Department is Prof. Vassiliki Benetou.
Facts and Figures on Joint Action Prevent NCD:
- 25 European countries participating, 99 partners + more than 10 associated partners
- Four-year period
- Budget of 95,5 MN EUR with an EU contribution of 76,5 MNEUR
- Aim to reduce the burden of cancer and other NCDs by addressing common risk factors
Holistic approach to prevention, promoting coordinated action and increased impact across European settings
