Non-communicable diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality across Europe, placing a substantial burden on people, health systems and societies. Drawing on the latest WHO Regional Office for Europe assessment, this commentary examines progress in tackling NCDs and highlights areas where stronger and more coordinated action is needed.
While Europe has made progress in reducing premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, this progress has slowed in recent years. The authors point to continuing challenges including rising levels of obesity and diabetes, persistent physical inactivity and stalled implementation of population-level policies. They call for faster implementation of effective interventions, including WHO Best Buys and Quick Buys, alongside stronger action on emerging commercial, environmental and digital determinants of health.
The commentary highlights cross-national collaboration as an important part of translating political commitments into measurable improvements in health. It points to JA PreventNCD and JACARDI as key European initiatives supporting countries to test and implement evidence-based approaches, strengthen data and monitoring systems, and connect prevention and disease management across the NCD care continuum. The authors emphasise that future European action should combine stronger policy implementation, robust data systems and an equity-driven approach.
Read the full paper in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101361