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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/
29.10.2025
Inside WHO Europe’s NCD Prevention Team: A Conversation with Aleksandra Olsen
Following the joint workshop “Communicating for Impact: Changing Health Narratives Together” held in UN City, Copenhagen, we sat down with Aleksandra Olsen, Communications Officer at the WHO Regional Office for Europe, to learn more about the organization’s work on noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevention and the crucial role of communication in driving change. From reframing health narratives to addressing misinformation, Aleksandra shares insights from WHO Europe’s ongoing efforts to improve public health through better communication. Let’s start with the recent event in Copenhagen. It was such an energizing two days with colleagues from WHO, JACARDI, and JA PreventNCD. What stood out to you most about the workshop — and what do you hope participants took away from it? It was so energizing to come together in person as communications professionals, learning from each other’s experiences, sharing case studies, and brainstorming around how to plan, frame and measure impact. What stood out most to me was the diversity of perspectives and the creativity in the room. Communications, especially in small teams, can sometimes feel isolating, like we’re experimenting in the dark. I hope participants left feeling part of a bigger community, knowing that we are stronger when we co-create and ground our work in evidence-based public health communication. WHO Europe’s NCD team works across a vast region with many countries and contexts. Can you tell us what the team is focusing on right now when it comes to NCD prevention? What are the key priorities for the months ahead? WHO/Europe has recently restructured to form a new Division of Prevention and Health Promotion, led by Dr Gundo Weiler, whom participants also met at the workshop. One of our key priorities is tackling behavioural and environmental risk factors for NCDs: tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and air pollution. Our focus is on supporting countries to adopt effective, evidence-based policies and improve public health literacy. Like JA Prevent NCD and JACARDI, we’re also looking closely at how to best reach different audiences, whether youth, older adults, or policymakers, because one size never fits all. Our goal is to help Member States strengthen prevention based on their unique contexts and needs. Communication plays a central role in prevention. How does your team approach communication around NCDs — both in terms of reaching policymakers and engaging the public? It’s become clear how much language and framing matter. Even the term “NCD” is not widely understood outside expert circles. But using simpler words like “lifestyle choices” can also mislead, because it shifts focus to individuals and away from the powerful social, commercial and environmental determinants of health. So, careful framing is key. Beyond messages, our approach is iterative: we listen, test, adapt, and test again. Evidence-based communication requires curiosity and feedback loops. We’re also working closely with our colleagues on Behavioural and Cultural Insights in Health, who bring valuable tools to help ensure our messages resonate and reach the audiences they’re meant for. You mentioned during the event the importance of narratives. How do you see storytelling and framing influencing how people think about NCDs and prevention more broadly? Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have, especially when it’s backed by data. Numbers alone rarely move people, and policymakers are people too. Stories, on the other hand, create empathy and connection. They help us see how structural issues and commercial influences shape health behaviours. Take alcohol, for instance. It’s often seen as part of everyday life, but stories from real people help reveal its hidden harms. One storyteller, Yolanda, spoke about targeted marketing to LGBTQ+ communities and how it exploits identity for profit. Another, Tetiana, shared how she realized during COVID-19 that her drinking was not “normal”, a realization many can relate to. These stories make the data come alive and help shift public perception from blame to understanding. Working across so many countries must come with unique challenges. What are some of the biggest communication challenges you and your team face when working at the regional level? We work across 53 very diverse countries, socially, politically and culturally. That diversity is both a challenge and a strength. Communicating across such contexts means navigating different media landscapes, sensitivities and capacities. One key challenge is ensuring timely, accurate and coordinated messaging during health emergencies. Another is addressing topics that may be politically or culturally sensitive, which makes clear, evidence-based communication even more important. These are also the moments when communications can have the most impact and meaning. Collaboration is a recurring theme in public health. How do joint actions like JA PreventNCD and JACARDI help strengthen WHO’s work and impact in NCD prevention? Joint Actions like JA Prevent NCD and JACARDI bring together national experts, researchers and communicators, creating strong networks that drive progress from the ground up. They help translate evidence into action and raise the political visibility of public health issues. Collaboration is really at the heart of impact. By learning from each other’s experiences, aligning efforts and amplifying good practices, we can accelerate change and make prevention more effective across Europe. Looking ahead, what do you think is the next big step or opportunity in communicating NCD prevention effectively in Europe? The next big step is to make prevention more visible, relatable and actionable. We need to move from technical language to compelling, human-centered storytelling that connects with everyday life. Digital platforms give us incredible opportunities to reach new audiences, especially youth, but only if we do it with authenticity and creativity. I also see a huge opportunity in bridging behavioural insights with strategic communications, understanding what drives people’s decisions and designing messages that empower rather than overwhelm. The ultimate goal is to make prevention feel possible and worth caring about. And finally, on a more personal note, what motivates you most about working in this field? What motivates me is seeing that communication really can change things, not overnight, but over time. When I see a policymaker rethink an assumption because of a story we told, or when a young person says a message made them question a harmful norm, that’s impact. Public health communication is about connecting science with people’s lived realities. It’s about trust, empathy and imagination. I can’t think of a more meaningful space to work in. As Aleksandra points out, effective communication is not just about delivering information — it’s about connection, trust, and shared purpose. Through collaboration across initiatives like JA PreventNCD, JACARDI, and WHO Europe, public health communication in the region continues to evolve toward greater impact and engagement. The JA PreventNCD team thanks Aleksandra for her time, insights, and inspiring collaboration.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/events/inside-who-europe-s-ncd-prevention-team-a-conversation-with-aleksandra-olsen/
14.10.2025
Communicating for Impact: JA PreventNCD, JACARDI and WHO Join Forces to Strengthen Health Communication in Europe
It was two inspiring days in UN City, Copenhagen, where communication teams from JA PreventNCD, JACARDI, and WHO/Europe came together with a shared mission — to be big, bold, and brave in how we communicate health. With energy, optimism, and creativity, the teams explored how to strengthen trust, reframe narratives, and drive real change in the prevention of non-communicable diseases. The discussions reminded us that while our task is complex, the power of clear, positive, and collaborative communication can make a lasting difference to people’s health and wellbeing across Europe. Over the course of the two-day programme, JA PreventNCD, JACARDI, and the WHO Regional Office for Europe co-hosted two major events at UN City: From Strategy to Action: Strengthening Communication for NCD Prevention on 9 October and Communicating for Impact: Changing Health Narratives Together on 10 October. Each session gathered communicators, policymakers, and researchers to exchange insights and practical experiences, exploring how strategic storytelling, audience engagement, and trust-building can amplify the impact of public health communication and help reframe the conversation around NCD prevention across Europe.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/events/communicating-for-impact-ja-preventncd-jacardi-and-who-join-forces-to-strengthen-health-communication-in-europe/