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04.05.2026
Health in All Policies: aligning decisions across society with public health
This article is part of a special series for European Public Health Week, highlighting how JA PreventNCD contributes to each of this year’s daily themes and supports stronger prevention across Europe. European Public Health Week is taking place this week, with this year’s overarching theme focusing on investing for sustainable health and well-being. The week opened with a daily theme that is highly relevant to JA PreventNCD: aligning all policies with public health. This theme is closely connected to one of the central ideas behind JA PreventNCD: preventing major chronic diseases requires action far beyond the healthcare system. Many of Europe’s greatest health challenges, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases and mental health conditions, are often referred to as non-communicable diseases, or NCDs. Unlike infectious diseases, they are not passed directly from person to person, but they are strongly shaped by the environments people live in and the conditions that influence everyday choices. The food available to people, the way cities are planned, opportunities for physical activity, working conditions, education, housing, transport, environmental quality and social support all affect health and well-being. This idea is at the heart of Health in All Policies, which is an important part of JA PreventNCD’s work. Following the recent Wellbeing Economy Forum in Reykjavík, where participants explored how societies can redefine success around health, well-being and sustainability, the theme feels especially timely. To mark European Public Health Week, we spoke with Katri Sääksjärvi, from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), who leads the Health in All Policies work in JA PreventNCD, about why this approach matters and how it can support stronger prevention across Europe.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/news-updates/health-in-all-policies-aligning-decisions-across-society-with-public-health/
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/
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/
30.01.2026
Editorial: First 1.000 days of life
Why should Europe and public health systems invest in the first 1.000 days of life, from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday? What does this early window have to do with the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) decades later? The answer lies in a growing and compelling body of evidence: the foundations of lifelong health are laid well before birth. Since the 1980s, David Barker demonstrated the link between adverse conditions during fetal life and early infancy, particularly poor nutrition, and an increased risk of chronic diseases in adulthood, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This work laid the scientific foundations for what is now widely known as the “first 1,000 days” concept. The first 1.000 days represent a uniquely sensitive period in which biological, social, and environmental exposures interact to shape metabolic regulation, immune function, cognitive development, and health-related behaviours. Crucially, this phase also constitutes an extraordinary window of opportunity: expectant parents and caregivers are often highly motivated and receptive to revisiting their health-related choices to secure the best possible start in life for their babies. Investing upstream during this critical period is therefore not only a matter of child wellbeing; it is a strategic lever for preventing NCDs, reducing health inequalities, and strengthening the long-term sustainability of European health systems.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/editorials/editorial-first-1000-days-of-life/
26.01.2026
Psychiatric hospital in Finland goes smoke-free
The Vanha Vaasa Hospital, situated in the Ostrobothnia region in Finland, made a significant change in 2025 by becoming the country’s first psychiatric hospital to switch to a smoke-free indoor environment. The forensic psychiatric hospital participates in the JA PreventNCD project pilot coordinated by Filha, which promote smoke-free workplaces and environments and develop tobacco and nicotine cessation practices in cooperation with social and health care. In the words of Jussi Niemi, a respiratory nurse at the Vanha Vaasa Hospital: “The reform proceeded relatively quickly. In April, the first ward began the trial, and by September, the last ward was declared a smoke-free zone”. The reform was partly accelerated by the preparation of a new hospital building, as no indoor smoking facilities were planned for it. In addition, the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s ruling, according to which hospitals do not have to separately organize indoor smoking facilities for patients in involuntary care, played a role. Psychiatric hospitals have traditionally allowed smoking indoors. While smoking is now prohibited indoors in Finland, including in prisons, psychiatric hospitals are one of the few places where indoor smoking is still permitted. “As part of the JA PreventNCD’s interventions, the hospital developed a tobacco and nicotine cessation model in addition to the smokefree indoors policy, and with this, patients will receive more effective support than before in quitting the use of nicotine products” explained Patrick Sandström, Filha's project manager. Successful change needs thorough preparation Jussi Niemi emphasised that it is worth starting the preparation for the change early and having an open discussion. From his perspective, it is important to empathise with patients’ concerns and feelings, as many patients may feel overwhelmed by the change and uncertain about the future. His recommendations include offering support, helping patients consider how they will cope in future and paying attention to staff concerns. Preparations for the change began by organizing training on tobacco and nicotine cessation in each ward while discussing the upcoming change. The topic was brought up with patients at an early stage. This way, the change did not come as a surprise, and patients and staff were given enough time to adapt and prepare. In addition, patients are offered support to quit smoking and the use of nicotine products through individual and group counseling. As part of the treatment, the hospital offers free-of-charge nicotine replacement therapy to patients who are committed to quitting. As a result of the change, many patients have cut down their smoking, and chain smoking, in particular, is now less common. When indoor smoking was allowed, some patients used to smoke every fifteen minutes, but with outdoor smoking, many patients have voluntarily reduced their smoking. In addition, outdoor smoking has significantly increased the physical activity of patients as they have the opportunity to go outside at least three times a day. This, in turn, has had a positive impact on patients’ lung health and their treatment. “The quality of indoor air has clearly improved in sensory-wise, meaning that the inside no longer smells of tobacco in the same way, and the indoor air is also fresher to breathe in” Jussi Niemi pointed out. However, while smoking has decreased, a significant increase in the use of nicotine pouches has been observed. Patients’ use of nicotine products is diverse: some smoke, some use nicotine pouches and some use e-cigarettes. Therefore, efforts to communicate the harmful effects of nicotine itself to patients have been increased and, furthermore, nicotine cessation practices have been updated at the hospital. Filhas experts in the JA PreventNCD project have provided guidance and support for implementing and carrying out the change. They have also trained staff on site, which significantly supported the promotion of smoke-free indoor environment and the development of tobacco and nicotine cessation programmes. The experience of Vanha Vaasa Hospital shows that transitioning to a smoke-free psychiatric setting is not only feasible, but also beneficial for patients, staff and the overall care environment. This experience offers an encouraging and practical reference for other psychiatric hospitals and care institutions across Europe, demonstrating that health-focused and smoke-free environments can be achieved while respecting patients’ needs and supporting their recovery.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/news-updates/psychiatric-hospital-in-finland-goes-smoke-free/
26.01.2026
JA PreventNCD kicks off its Stakeholder Group to strengthen collaboration and boost impact
JA PreventNCD held the first meeting of its Stakeholder Group on 22 January 2026, marking an important milestone in the project’s journey toward delivering stronger, more actionable prevention results across Europe. The Stakeholder Group brings together a diverse set of actors from the health sector and beyond to support the project’s work. Members will provide guidance, share expertise, and help ensure that JA PreventNCD outputs are relevant, practical, and widely communicated through professional networks and channels. As the project moves further into implementation and begins producing an increasing number of results and deliverables, the Stakeholder Group is expected to play a key role in helping those outputs reach the right audiences and have real-world impact. A first meeting focused on collaboration The session opened with a welcome and introduction from Sólveig Karlsdóttir, leader of the Communication and Dissemination work in JA PreventNCD, who also guided participants through an icebreaker and the purpose of the meeting. Sólveig highlighted the value of creating an organised and constructive forum where external stakeholders can contribute to the project’s direction and outcomes. The Stakeholder Group is designed to support JA PreventNCD not only by providing feedback, but also by strengthening the project’s ability to connect with decision-makers, practitioners, and wider networks across Europe. Introducing JA PreventNCD: aims, structure, and focus Participants were then introduced to JA PreventNCD’s overall mission and structure by Professor Knut-Inge Klepp, Scientific Coordinator of the project. JA PreventNCD is a large European collaboration working to strengthen prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The project has a strong focus on major risk factors including tobacco, alcohol, nutrition, and physical activity, reflecting areas where coordinated preventive action can have long-term benefits for population health. Knut-Inge described how the project is organised across multiple work packages and countries, and emphasised that meaningful prevention impact requires cross-sector collaboration and engagement at national and European levels. JA PreventNCD’s work is designed to support implementation and policy development through practical tools, outputs, and shared learning across participating countries. What is the Stakeholder Group and why does it matter? The purpose and structure of the Stakeholder Group were presented by Hugrún Snorradóttir, task leader for Stakeholder Analysis in JA PreventNCD. She explained that the Stakeholder Group has been created as a way to integrate stakeholder perspectives into the project’s work throughout its lifetime. This includes helping the consortium identify relevant challenges and opportunities, strengthening outputs with expert insight, and supporting communication and dissemination of results. A key feature of the Stakeholder Group is that it is designed to be flexible and topic-driven. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all model, the group allows JA PreventNCD to connect the right expertise to the right outputs at the right time. “The Stakeholder Group is an important bridge between JA PreventNCD and the wider community working on prevention across Europe. By inviting stakeholders to give targeted feedback on key outputs, we can strengthen the relevance and quality of what we produce. At the same time, stakeholders help us connect results to networks that can use them, share them, and build on them.” Hugrún Snorradóttir, leader of the Stakeholder Group in the JA PreventNCD. A stakeholder group with diverse expertise The Stakeholder Group brings together stakeholders from both health and other sectors to support the project’s objectives. This diversity is central to the group’s role, recognising that prevention requires collaboration that goes beyond public health institutions alone. Members of the group contribute by: Providing advice and feedback on project outputs and deliverables Sharing expertise linked to prevention priorities and cross-cutting themes Identifying challenges and opportunities relevant to the project’s objectives Supporting dissemination by sharing outputs through their networks and channels Strengthening connections with relevant European platforms and communities This approach is designed to create mutual value. Stakeholders have the opportunity to influence the development of outputs and ensure they reflect real needs in policy and practice. Meanwhile, the project benefits from external insight, guidance, and stronger reach beyond the consortium. Discussion: expectations and opportunities for engagement The agenda included a dedicated section on expectations for participation in the Stakeholder Group, followed by open discussion. Participants reflected on how stakeholder engagement can be most useful to the project in practice, including reviewing targeted outputs, identifying dissemination opportunities, and sharing perspectives from their own sectors and areas of expertise. The discussion also highlighted the importance of exploring both challenges and opportunities connected to the project’s objectives. These conversations will be developed further in future meetings, helping shape how JA PreventNCD outputs can support prevention efforts and policy development across Europe. Next steps: regular meetings and continued collaboration The meeting closed with next steps presented by Maruša Širk, the project’s Stakeholder Analysis task co-leader. The Stakeholder Group will meet again in the spring to further develop and discuss how to use the structure is efficiently and effectively as possible. Strengthening impact as outputs increase The first meeting of the Stakeholder Group marked the start of what will be an ongoing collaboration supporting JA PreventNCD’s work. As the project enters its later years and delivers more outputs, stakeholder engagement will become increasingly important. By connecting JA PreventNCD’s work with expert feedback and dissemination opportunities, the Stakeholder Group strengthens both the quality of results and the chances that they will be used in policy and practice. In doing so, the group supports a shared goal: advancing stronger, more coordinated prevention of NCDs across Europe.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/news-updates/ja-preventncd-kicks-off-its-stakeholder-group-to-strengthen-collaboration-and-boost-impact/
19.12.2025
JA PreventNCD welcomes the EU Safe Hearts Plan and its strong focus on prevention
As cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death and disability in the EU, the European Commission launched their Cardiovascular Health Plan - the Safe Hearts Plan - on December 16th. The goal is to strengthen EU-wide collaboration on prevention, early detection and screening, treatment and care, and to reduce inequalities across Member States. JA PreventNCD celebrates the publication of the Safe Hearts Plan and its clear commitment to strengthen Europe’s efforts towards health promotion and prevention across the life course. The Plan’s pillars on prevention and on early detection and screening, strongly aligns with JA PreventNCD’s mission to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and other non-communicable diseases by addressing both personal and societal risk factors, while actively reducing health inequalities.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/press-releases/ja-preventncd-welcomes-the-eu-safe-hearts-plan-and-its-strong-focus-on-prevention/