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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
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/
19.12.2025
JA PreventNCD welcomes the Global Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health
JA PreventNCD welcomes the adoption of the new global political declaration on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the promotion of mental health and well-being, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) following the 80th United Nations General Assembly. The declaration reinforces the need to accelerate action to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by 2030 and to strengthen integrated approaches that address both physical and mental health across the life course. It underlines that progress depends on coordinated, whole-of-government and whole-of-society action that tackles the major modifiable risk factors of NCDs, including tobacco use, alcohol, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and air pollution, alongside the broader social, economic and environmental determinants of health. This direction aligns strongly with the mission of Joint Action PreventNCD, an EU4Health project designed to reduce the burden of cancer and other NCDs by supporting effective prevention strategies and policies that address both personal and societal risk factors. A core objective is to minimise fragmentation and duplication of efforts, engage national authorities at multiple levels, and strengthen the evaluation of prevention actions so that decision-makers can prioritise what works best. “The declaration reinforces a clear message: prevention is essential if we want to reduce the burden of cancer and other NCDs and improve mental health. JA PreventNCD is midway through its work, and this is when sustained support from countries matters most, to scale what works and reduce inequalities. Prevention strengthens health, and strong health makes societies more resilient.” Linda Granlund, Project Coordinator, JA PreventNCD A key focus of JA PreventNCD is reducing social inequalities by addressing the root causes of unequal exposure to risk factors and by strengthening Europe’s infrastructure for monitoring risk factors, disease burden, and the impact of policies and interventions. This is closely connected to the declaration’s emphasis on data, surveillance, accountability, and health equity. JA PreventNCD also supports European priorities under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the EU NCD Initiative: Healthier Together, while building synergies with related EU4Health projects (ELISAH, FILTERED, PEACHD and ShowUp4Health) to strengthen collective impact. JA PreventNCD encourages partners and stakeholders across Europe to use this declaration as a practical roadmap, and to translate global commitments into measurable, evidence-based prevention action that improves health outcomes and reduces inequalities. Read the WHO news release here.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/news-updates/ja-preventncd-welcomes-the-global-declaration-on-ncds-and-mental-health/
25.11.2025
JA PreventNCD Pre-Conference Highlights: Advancing Effective and Equitable NCD Prevention Across Europe
On 11 November 2025, JA PreventNCD hosted its pre-conference in Helsinki as part of the European Public Health Conference. The event brought together policymakers, researchers, public health practitioners, and youth representatives to examine how Europe can strengthen and align its efforts to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across all levels of governance. The programme reflected one of the core aims of the Joint Action: to support Member States in developing effective, evidence-based, and equitable prevention policies. Setting the Direction for Prevention Knut-Inge Klepp, Scientific Coordinator of JA PreventNCD, opened the session by emphasising the need to address prevention at every level—from individuals to the wider structural determinants of health. He highlighted how JA PreventNCD is working to develop a comprehensive prevention framework, strengthen monitoring capacity, reduce health inequity, and contribute to more coherent and less fragmented public health efforts across Europe. Moderator Hanna Tolonen (current president of EUPHA Public health monitoring and reporting section / JA PreventNCD member) stressed the urgency of prevention given Europe’s demographic changes, pressures on health systems, and local environments that do not always support healthy lifestyles. Primary prevention and intersectoral approaches in the forthcoming European Commission Plan for Cardiovascular Health Marianne Takki from the European Commission (DG SANTE) presented the forthcoming EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, which will prioritise prevention, screening, and care. The plan integrates cross-cutting themes highly relevant to the Joint Action, such as social inequalities, research, innovation, and digital tools, and will be co-created with Member States. Takki also engaged the room to a conversation about the topic, creating a lively and important dialogue. Her presentation underscored the alignment between the Commission’s priorities and JA PreventNCD’s goal of strengthening evidence-based prevention across Europe. Health promotion and NCD prevention initiatives at European level – support for national action 20 Years of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Hanna Ollila (THL), thematic coordinator for tobacco in JA PreventNCD, highlighted achievements made since the launch of the WHO FCTC, as well as growing challenges such as industry interference and the need for stronger regulation of emerging nicotine products. A new JA PreventNCD policy brief was developed by the team working with health in all policies, focusing on safeguarding policy from commercial influence – an issue central to the Joint Action's work. Transforming Food Systems Ellen Huan-Niemi (Luke) discussed structural drivers of unhealthy diets and emphasised the need to shift from food systems that prioritise cheap calories to those that deliver nutritious, sustainable food. Silke Cnockaert (Sciensano) presented evidence from JA PreventNCD on corporate political activity within the food industry, demonstrating how industry practices can hinder public health progress and the adoption of effective policies. Fiscal Measures and Warning Labels Maria Neufeld (WHO Europe) highlighted the importance of health taxation and alcohol warning labels as equitable prevention tools. She underlined the strong evidence showing that alcohol and sugar taxes reduce consumption and health inequalities, while generating revenue for governments. Health equity in national policy making and the case of public food procurement Health Inequities in National Policies Kadri Tammur and Oscar Garcia presented preliminary findings from policy mapping in 17 countries within JA PreventNCD. Their results show that while many national NCD policies mention inequities, few include monitoring systems or mechanisms to address them in practice. Transformative Potential of Public Food Procurement Betina Bergmann Madsen (City of Copenhagen) demonstrated how long-term investment in public food procurement can drive healthier and more sustainable food environments. Copenhagen’s model—serving over 115,000 meals daily across municipal kitchens—shows how procurement can support political priorities and long-term structural change. NCD prevention at community level Local Commitment and Community-Level Prevention Rosana Peiró Pérez (Fisabio) shared insights from 48 community-level pilots in JA PreventNCD. Securing political commitment was a decisive factor for success, with local leaders increasingly recognising the economic and social benefits of investing in health promotion. Arnfinn Helleve (Norwegian Institute of Public Health) presented the Norwegian Public Health Act, illustrating how legislation, local data, and clear accountability can strengthen public health planning and action. Panel: Current political developments: where are we heading & implications for public health and equity The closing panel brought together voices from Finland’s ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, WHO, UNICEF, the JA PreventNCD youth advisory group and the JA PreventNCD's External Expert Advisory Board. Key messages included: the importance of framing prevention as an economic and societal investment, the value of involving youth as essential partners for long-term change, the need to protect policy from commercial influence, and the importance of long-term, systemic approaches to prevention. The JA PreventNCD pre-conference highlighted the growing momentum for aligned, effective, and equitable NCD prevention in Europe. The discussions reinforced the Joint Action’s mission: to support cross-sectoral collaboration, strengthen the evidence base for prevention, and help Member States implement policies that reduce inequalities and promote healthier environments for all. As JA PreventNCD moves forward, the key messages from Helsinki will contribute to shaping activities, supporting Member States, and strengthening the collective impact of NCD prevention across Europe.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/events/ja-preventncd-pre-conference-highlights-advancing-effective-and-equitable-ncd-prevention-across-europe/
10.11.2025
JA PreventNCD at the European Public Health Conference 2025
Follow our sessions live from Helsinki this week, 11–14 November This week, JA PreventNCD will have strong representation from its members at the European Public Health Conference 2025 (EPH Conference) in Helsinki, Finland, taking place from 11–14 November. The conference brings together thousands of professionals from across Europe to exchange knowledge, inspire collaboration, and strengthen the public health community. JA PreventNCD’s participation highlights the project’s commitment to advancing policy, research, and action on the prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) across Europe. Throughout the week, JA PreventNCD members will share insights on policy alignment, health equity, tobacco control, sustainable diets, and health taxation, all key to building healthier and fairer societies. Learn more about the conference: https://ephconference.eu
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/news-updates/ja-preventncd-at-the-european-public-health-conference-2025/
05.11.2025
20 Years of the WHO FCTC in the EU: Accelerating Progress and Protecting Policy from Industry Interference
Twenty years after the European Union ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), a new WHO/Europe report, developed with contributions from experts in the JA PreventNCD, takes stock of two decades of progress and the challenges that lie ahead. The report, Two decades of the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in the European Union: progress, challenges and the road ahead, highlights the EU’s active role in global tobacco control and underlines significant policy achievements across Member States. It also warns that despite progress, tobacco remains one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease in Europe, claiming more than half a million lives each year.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/policy-statements-recommendations/20-years-of-the-who-fctc-in-the-eu-accelerating-progress-and-protecting-policy-from-industry-interference/