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29.04.2026
Health-Friendly Companies
This editorial is featured in the Healthy Living Environment Newsletter #2. You can subscribe here to stay updated. Cancer and other chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a significant part of the disease burden in Europe, much of which is preventable. The Joint Action to Prevent Non-communicable Diseases (JA PreventNCD) is designed to address this challenge by supporting strategies and policies aimed at reducing the burden of cancer and NCDs, focusing on personal and social risk factors. The task for “Increasing availability of healthy products” mobilize actions on the determinants of health through the political commitment by intersectoral policies and the participation of the community at local level; promoting social cohesion to co-create actions for healthy living environments with equity perspective. The workplace, where people spend a large part of their time and their entire lives, is precisely the area where personal and environmental factors related to health habits either confront or positively combine. This clash of personal habits and health conditions in the work environment can have a synergistic effect on the individual in both a good and a bad direction. However, the fact is that it is easier to spoil the good habits of an individual if there are no supporting conditions, than to expect that all healthy habits will survive and that the individual will positively influence the problematic work environment and change it for the better. Therefore, the intervention of society (workplace, employer, local or national government) is indispensable for positive developments in preserving the health of the individual and society as a whole. The specific objectives we are focused on are: to implement workplace policies that will contribute to the workers opting for the healthier choice, reduce health inequalities, reduce the availability of alcohol and smoking and encourage physical activity and a socially acceptable work environment.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/editorials/health-friendly-companies/
22.04.2026
Visit of JA PreventNCD experts in Rybnik
How does the environment we live in affect our health? And how can we design cities to better support the wellbeing of their residents? These were the questions we explored during the visit of JA PreventNCD experts in Rybnik. Nowadays, around 75% of European Union residents live in cities and urban areas, and this share is expected to rise to 78% by 20501 . Cities are hubs of development and innovation, but they also come with numerous health challenges – such as air pollution, noise, physical inactivity, and social isolation. These factors increase the risk of non‑communicable diseases. At the same time, urban spaces offer significant opportunities to improve health and quality of life. Urban greenery, nature‑based solutions, and pedestrian‑friendly areas can reduce environmental stressors, encourage physical activity, and strengthen social connections. The key challenge, however, is ensuring that such benefits are accessible to all residents equally. That is why, on 13-14 April, the Regional Education Centre in Rybnik hosted a visit from JA PreventNCD representatives from the University of Rennes in France and the University of Turin in Italy, carried out as part of Work Package 6 – Healthy Living Environment. The City of Rybnik, together with Rennes and Turin, is participating in the testing of two tools supporting urban environment planning, which were piloted during the visit. The meeting was organised and hosted by Monika Kubisz on behalf of the City of Rybnik and brought together all Polish project partners. The Medical University of Silesia was represented by Katarzyna Brukało, PhD, Assoc. Prof. at the Medical University of Silesia and Anna Rogalska, MD. The meeting was attended by experts Anne Roué Le Gall and Virginie Loizeau from the University of Rennes (France) and Andrej Čikvari from the University of Turin (Italy). Numerous representatives of the Rybnik City Hall and its organisational units also participated, including the Department of Social Policy, the City Development Department, the Department of Digitalisation and New Technologies, the Centre for Sustainable Urban Development, the Municipal Greenery Authority, the Municipal Urban Planning Department, the Municipal Sports and Recreation Centre, and the Social Welfare Centre. The event also brought together representatives of the Health and Social Policy Comission of the Rybnik City Council, the Rybnik Seniors’ Council, and the Water and Sewage Company. Additionally, representatives of the City of Zabrze and the Foundation for Natural Development took part in the meeting. On the first day, the My Green Space tool was presented. It is designed to assess the impact of green areas on the health of city residents. The tool makes it possible to collect and analyse data on urban green spaces and their health‑promoting potential. It also allows the visualisation of how these areas are distributed across the city and to what extent they address different health needs of the population. In practice, this means that local governments will be able to plan the development of parks, squares, and other green areas more effectively – not only by increasing their number, but also by improving their quality and functionality. During the meeting, it was emphasised that what matters is not only the presence of green spaces, but also their accessibility and attractiveness. Accessibility includes, for example, convenient transport connections, a sufficient number of entry points, and infrastructure adapted to the needs of different users. Attractiveness relates to elements such as safety, cleanliness, lighting, and the availability of basic amenities. The tool was presented by Anne Roué Le Gall and Virginie Loizeau, and then tested in Adam Fudali Park in Rybnik. Participants also visited the historic Ignacy Mine – an example of a successful transformation of a post‑industrial site. On the second day, Andrej Čikvari from the University of Turin presented the Nature‑Based Solutions for Healthy Urban Environments (NBS4HUE) tool. It supports the selection of nature‑based solutions tailored to specific local conditions. The tool was designed for urban planners, local authorities, researchers, and other stakeholders involved in city development. It enables the analysis and comparison of different solutions, taking into account their impact on health, the environment, and the quality of life of residents. It is important to note that NBS4HUE does not indicate a single “best” decision. Its purpose is to support an informed decision‑making process by presenting available options and their potential effects. The results are based on scientific evidence and should be interpreted with consideration of local conditions. To conclude the visit, the participants were shown how the two tools can complement each other, creating a coherent approach to planning healthy urban environments. The visit to Rybnik was an important stage in their testing, and the experiences and feedback gathered will support further refinement of the tools and their better adaptation to different cities across Europe. 1. Public opinion on urban challenges and investment in cities - Eurobarometer survey
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/news-updates/visit-of-ja-preventncd-experts-in-rybnik/
30.03.2026
Second JA PreventNCD online meeting in Greece focuses on progress, prevention and health inequalities
On 18 and 20 March 2026, the second online meeting with the affiliated entities within the framework of JA PreventNCD took place in Greece to discuss progress to date. The meeting brought together representatives of the Ministry of Health, public institutions working in the field of public health, and members of the scientific and academic community. The main topics of discussion were Greece’s participation in the Joint Action work packages, as well as recent developments in the field of prevention and in addressing social inequalities, both of which are closely linked to JA PreventNCD. Among the examples highlighted was the “Artemis” Programme, which aims to help adolescents develop healthy habits that will benefit them both now and in the future. The programme includes informative actions on healthy eating, the strengthening of daily physical activity, the prevention of smoking and vaping, and limiting alcohol consumption. It also involves the creation of relevant educational material with the participation of students. The meeting also highlighted the participation of many health structures in the pilot implementation for the creation of Health Structures and Communities Friendly to Infants and Breastfeeding. These structures provide information and continuous support to breastfeeding women and their families, while also offering prenatal and postnatal courses. They are interconnected with secondary and tertiary health structures and implement actions at community level. In addition, they adopt a Written Breastfeeding Policy, committing themselves to the implementation of good practices in support of the health of both mother and infant. This written policy is displayed in a visible place within the structures. A key priority linked to Greece’s participation in JA PreventNCD is the commitment to addressing health inequalities. For this reason, there is a strong focus on health literacy, with the aim of enabling every citizen not only to understand basic information about their health, but also to use this knowledge to improve it and develop essential skills. Alongside this, prevention programmes such as “PROLAMVANO”, initiatives against childhood obesity, and mental health programmes are being advanced to help ensure that no child and no family is left behind.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/news-updates/second-ja-preventncd-online-meeting-in-greece-focuses-on-progress-prevention-and-health-inequalities/
23.03.2026
Norway’s progress on restricting unhealthy food marketing to children offers lessons for Europe
A seminar co-hosted by the Norwegian Directorate of Health and the JA PreventNCD brought together policymakers, researchers, youth representatives and public health stakeholders to reflect on Norway’s progress in regulating the marketing of unhealthy food and beverages to children. The event highlighted an important national milestone and its relevance for countries across Europe facing similar public health challenges. For JA PreventNCD, the seminar also showed why Norway’s experience matters beyond its borders. The long road towards stronger regulation, the questions now emerging around implementation and monitoring, and the need for international cooperation all point to the value of shared learning at European level.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/news-updates/norway-s-progress-on-restricting-unhealthy-food-marketing-to-children-offers-lessons-for-europe/
18.03.2026
The First Stakeholder Meeting of JA PreventNCD in Poland
“Health is not just a genetic code, but also a postal code.” This sentence accurately reflects the approach to public health in Europe. Our health is greatly influenced by the environment we live in every day – what products are available in stores, what meals look like in schools or hospitals, and whether the spaces around us support physical activity and healthy choices. The JA PreventNCD project is a joint European initiative aimed at strengthening the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. It brings together partners from across Europe to develop, test, and implement effective, evidence-based solutions at both national and local levels. A key focus of the project is creating environments that support healthier choices and contribute to reducing health inequalities, ultimately improving the quality of life of populations across Europe. This is what was discussed during the First Stakeholders Meeting of JA PreventNCD in Poland, which took place online on March 11, 2026, and was organised by the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice. It was a milestone event introducing the project to those who have the power to make real changes in the country and influence public health policies. The meeting brought together representatives of public institutions, local governments, the scientific community, and organisations working in the field of public health. The meeting was opened by Vice-Rector for Science at the Medical University of Silesia Professor Oskar Kowalski, MD, PhD and Katarzyna Brukało, PhD, Assoc. Prof. at the Medical University of Silesia and Project Coordinator in Poland. Participants were also welcomed by the Project Partners in Poland – Mayor of the City of Zabrze, Kamil Żbikowski, representatives of the City of Rybnik and Anna Bulzacka-Bogucka, Project Advisor at HaDEA. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Health, the National Health Fund, the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate, local authorities, as well as schools, kindergartens, foundations, associations, scientific societies, and other institutions involved in public health initiatives. The discussion focused on local and regional actions that, within the framework of the JA PreventNCD project, can have a real impact on residents’ health – such as monitoring the food environment, developing sustainable public food procurement, and creating health-promoting spaces, including through the development of green areas, bike paths, and smoke-free zones. Public health is not achieved in isolation. To effectively prevent chronic diseases, it is necessary to build collaboration between science, public administration, local governments, and social organisations. Engaging stakeholders is an essential part of this process. By bringing together representatives from various sectors, the meeting provided a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge, identifying shared challenges, and exploring opportunities for collaboration. It also marked an important step towards building a national network of partners who can actively contribute to shaping policies and actions that promote healthier lifestyles and environments in Poland. The attendance and engagement of the participants was very encouraging and gives great hope for the future of this collaboration. This was the first stakeholder meeting in the country, but certainly not the last.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/news-updates/the-first-stakeholder-meeting-of-ja-preventncd-in-poland/
18.03.2026
From Strategies to Action: A Future Without Non-Communicable Diseases - Slovenian National Stakeholder Forum
“It is important to understand all the parameters that influence the competitiveness of a society, which is not economic growth alone, but also the health and wellbeing of individuals.” This was a key message that emerged in the Slovenian national stakeholder forum. On 11 March 2026, the National Institute of Public Health organised the National Stakeholder Meeting of the JA PreventNCD, aimed at presenting the activities of the Joint Action from the Slovenian side and exchanging knowledge among key national stakeholders in the field of preventing non-communicable diseases. The event programme followed several thematic segments. In the introductory part, it included a keynote lecture on the use of quantitative models and artificial intelligence in evaluating public health policies, as well as presentations of the objectives and activities of the JA PreventNCD. The discussion highlighted the importance of high-quality, connected data systems, which are essential for informed decision-making. This was followed by presentations of individual thematic work packages of the Joint Action, with emerging key messages: Tobacco, nicotine, and alcohol: legislation works only if it is properly enforced. Public food procurement: a powerful tool for population change. Breastfeeding-friendly communities: there is still a spread of misinformation. Cancer monitoring: improved data integration enables better understanding of costs, disease pathways, and recurrence. Sleep as a public health issues highlights sleep as a key pillar of health. Healthy communities: local pilot initiatives such as healthy food in kindergarten, shows that change can start at the community level. Youth engagement: the Youth Advisory Group demonstrates that youth can be active contributors in the effort of reducing the burden of non-communicable disease. The event concluded with a presentation of work on the sustainability of the project, which places particular emphasis on the concept of the wellbeing economy – with the aim of creating measures that promote quality of life while not exceeding planetary capacities. During the event, participants acknowledged and encouraged the importance of work on the prevention of non-communicable diseases and the promotion of healthy lifestyles through measures to reduce tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy food consumption, and by encouraging physical activity. Only with shared societal effort, there can be a real lever for change. The event successfully brought together key stakeholders of the Joint Action and highlighted the importance of coordinated measures for the prevention of non-communicable diseases at the European, national, and regional levels of Member States.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/news-updates/from-strategies-to-action-a-future-without-non-communicable-diseases-slovenian-national-stakeholder-forum/
13.03.2026
Sleep as a Key Public Health Priority in the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases
Sleep is increasingly recognised as a fundamental pillar of health, on the same level with nutrition and physical activity. At the same time, sleep is closely intertwined with stress regulation and broader physiological recovery processes. Adequate and regular sleep supports metabolic, cardiovascular, cognitive, and mental health, while insufficient or disrupted sleep is associated with an increased risk of several non-communicable diseases (NCDs). For this reason, sleep should not be treated as a secondary lifestyle factor but rather as a core component of prevention strategies aimed at reducing the burden of NCDs. Integrating sleep into public health agendas can therefore strengthen prevention policies and contribute to a more comprehensive approach to population health.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/blog/sleep-as-a-key-public-health-priority-in-the-prevention-of-non-communicable-diseases/