WHO Europe adopts new action plan for non-communicable diseases 2016-2025

With the aim to update and continue the Action Plan for implementation of the European Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases 2012–2016, the World Health Organisation adopted during its Regional Committee meeting on 12-15th September in Copenhagen its new Action Plan on non-communicable diseases for the period 2016-2025, calling for “urgent policy action to achieve global goals and targets”. The Action plan is structured around two main objectives for Member States: to take integrated action on risk factors and their underlying determinants across sectors; as well as to strengthen health systems for improved prevention and control of NCDs.

Targeted actions are threefold:

1. promoting population-level health promotion and disease prevention programmes
2. actively targeting groups and individuals at high risk; and
3. maximizing population coverage with effective treatment and care.

Two focus have been added to the plan: air pollution and early detection and management of disease.

Priority interventions at population level include product reformulation and improvement (salt, fats and sugars contents); promoting healthy consumption via fiscal and marketing policies (tobacco, alcohol, food); promoting physical activity; promoting clean air “by reducing outdoor and indoor air pollution”.

Priority interventions at individual level include cardio-metabolic risk assessment and management; as well as early detection and treatment of major NCDs. The Plan particularly highlights that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires “focusing on a broader set of risk factors and determinants, particularly unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity” together with the new elements of the plan.

More information here.