WHO Europe: 1.8 million avoidable deaths from chronic disease annually – Euronews.com

Report on Preventable Noncommunicable Diseases in Europe and Central Asia

Overview of Noncommunicable Diseases and Their Impact

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) represent the deadliest health challenge in Europe and Central Asia, surpassing viral infections in mortality rates. According to a recent analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.8 million people annually succumb to avoidable deaths caused by chronic conditions such as cancer, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.

Trends and Challenges

• Although the number of avoidable deaths has declined since 2010, the COVID-19 pandemic has hindered progress in reducing preventable mortality.
• Key risk factors including obesity are increasing, exacerbating the burden of chronic diseases, especially as the population ages.
• The WHO European region, encompassing 53 countries, reports that one in five men and one in ten women under 70 die from preventable health issues.

Risk Factors and Healthcare Access

1. Approximately 60% of these deaths are attributable to modifiable risk factors:
   • Tobacco use
   • Alcohol consumption
   • High blood pressure
   • Unhealthy diets
   • Obesity
   • Lack of physical activity
2. Another 40% of deaths could be prevented through timely access to healthcare services.

Disparities and Progress Among Countries

• Significant disparities exist and have widened since 2010 in areas such as tobacco use, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
• Improvements have been noted in air pollution and overall death rates.
• Ten countries have achieved at least a 25% reduction in premature mortality from NCDs since 2010:
  • Belgium
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Israel
  • Kazakhstan
  • Luxembourg
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
• These countries have implemented effective measures to reduce risk factors and strengthen health systems.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The findings and recommendations of the WHO report directly support the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by emphasizing the prevention and treatment of noncommunicable diseases and promoting universal health coverage.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – through advocating for healthier diets to reduce obesity and related conditions.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – by addressing disparities in health outcomes across countries and populations.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by targeting harmful behaviors such as tobacco and alcohol use.

Upcoming Global Initiatives

In preparation for the United Nations conference on noncommunicable diseases scheduled for September in New York, countries are expected to focus on:

• Enhancing access to primary healthcare services.
• Promoting mental well-being.
• Addressing the influence of businesses and commercial actors on health outcomes.

Conclusion

Hans Henri Kluge, WHO’s Europe director, emphasized that the high burden of noncommunicable diseases is not inevitable and can be reversed with existing tools and interventions. The report calls for urgent action to accelerate progress towards the SDGs by reducing preventable deaths and improving public health across Europe and Central Asia.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on reducing premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, heart disease, chronic respiratory issues, and diabetes.
   • It discusses improving medical care, public health, and access to health services.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article highlights disparities between countries in Europe and Central Asia regarding health outcomes and risk factors.
   • It mentions growing gaps in tobacco use, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
3. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Unhealthy diets and obesity are identified as key risk factors contributing to NCDs.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article references tobacco and alcohol use as major risk factors, implicating the role of commercial actors and consumption patterns.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 3 Targets:
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.
2. SDG 10 Targets:
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all irrespective of health disparities.
3. SDG 2 Targets:
   • Target 2.2: End all forms of malnutrition, including addressing obesity and diet-related health issues.
4. SDG 12 Targets:
   • Target 12.8: Ensure that people have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature, including reducing harmful consumption such as tobacco and alcohol.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 3:
   • Premature mortality rate from noncommunicable diseases (deaths under age 70 from cancer, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes).
   • Prevalence of key risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, obesity, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity.
   • Access to timely and quality health care services.
   • Reduction in premature mortality by at least 25% in some countries as a progress measure.
2. Indicators related to SDG 10:
   • Disparities in health outcomes and risk factors between countries (e.g., tobacco use, obesity, diabetes rates).
3. Indicators related to SDG 2:
   • Rates of obesity and diet-related health issues in the population.
4. Indicators related to SDG 12:
   • Prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use in the population.
   • Engagement of businesses and commercial actors in shaping health outcomes.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: euronews.com