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10.12.2025
Infant Feeding in Emergencies: Strengthening Baby-Friendly Communities for resilience and preparedness
Infants and young children are among the most vulnerable populations in emergency settings, where disruptions to essential services, unsafe water, overcrowding and heightened stress sharply increase the risk of malnutrition, diarrhea and respiratory infections. In these contexts, breastfeeding becomes a vital life-saving practice. It provides safe, accessible and immunologically active nourishment, protecting infants even when mothers face distress, displacement or limited resources. Beyond its biological value, breastfeeding is anchored in WHO/UNICEF global normative frameworks such as the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding and the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, which emphasise the need to protect, promote and support optimal feeding practices from birth. These documents recognise the right of every mother and child to accurate information, skilled support, and protection from commercial and social practices that may undermine breastfeeding. A rights-based perspective aligns with decades of evidence demonstrating that breastfeeding contributes to infant survival, reduces infection-related morbidity, and supports maternal health by lowering the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, maternal depletion, anaemia, and stress-related vulnerability, factors that become particularly critical during crises. Despite its protective role, emergencies frequently witness the uncontrolled distribution of breast-milk substitutes, often donated without assessment, monitoring or guidance. Such practices can be dangerous, particularly when clean water, fuel, and sanitation are insufficient to prepare formula safely. There is a need for robust preparedness systems and community infrastructure capable of safeguarding optimal infant feeding practices before, during, and after emergencies. Preparedness is therefore a crucial component of resilience. The Operational Guidance for Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (OG-IYFE), developed through collaboration among several international agencies, including WHO and UNICEF, provides evidence-based guidance to support prevention, preparedness, and response efforts in emergency contexts. OG-IYFE aims to protect the nutritional health of infants, young children, and pregnant or breastfeeding women during crises by reducing the risks associated with inadequate feeding practices. Its recommendations are globally applicable and can be adapted to any type of emergency. In 2010, the World Health Assembly recommended that governments incorporate these guidelines into their emergency plans, emphasizing the importance of creating conditions that promote breastfeeding and, when necessary, the safe and regulated use of breast milk substitutes. This recommendation was reiterated in 2018, underscoring how timely, evidence-based support can significantly improve survival and well-being outcomes for infants and their families. To be effective, guidelines must be translated into concrete actions through technical, regulatory, and governance tools that engage a wide range of key actors: health services, local authorities, civil protection agencies, the media, associations, emergency responders, and the community. Knowledge of good nutritional practices and their consistent application must permeate at all levels of the emergency response system. Capacity-building based on WHO/UNICEF standards, including simulation exercises, observational checklists and structured debriefings, enhances the ability of volunteers and frontline workers to make informed decisions in realistic scenarios, supporting them in protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding while ensuring the safe, Code-compliant management of breast-milk substitutes. This approach strengthens local systems’ capacity to respond effectively to the needs of mothers and infants during emergencies. Within the Joint Action (JA) PreventNCD, these principles resonate strongly with the objectives of Work Package 6, which focuses on creating healthy living environments through integrated, community-based interventions across the life course. Task 6.5, dedicated to Baby-Friendly Community and Health Services, plays a strategic role in fostering environments that protect, promote and support breastfeeding and responsive caregiving. Embedding Infant Feeding in Emergencies preparedness within Task 6.5 strengthens community resilience by ensuring that local health systems and social infrastructures are equipped to safeguard infant nutrition even during crises. This directly contributes to WP6’s overarching goal of promoting health equity and preventing non-communicable diseases from the earliest stages of life, particularly among vulnerable or marginalised groups. The dissemination of IYCF-E competencies and experiences through an online workshop further supports this ambition. By engaging stakeholders in practical, scenario-based learning, the workshop enhances awareness of infant vulnerabilities in emergencies, improves coordination among services, reinforces adherence to the Code and consolidates the role of Baby-Friendly Community infrastructures in preparedness and emergency response. This contributes to a European learning ecosystem aligned with JA PreventNCD, enabling countries to harmonise approaches and strengthen local capacity. Through the first Task 6.5 online workshop on this topic, “Infant Feeding in Emergencies: Strengthening Baby-Friendly Communities for Resilience and Preparedness,” a dedicated space is provided to increase awareness of infant feeding challenges during emergencies and to share real experiences from countries worldwide. By offering an opportunity for discussion and reflection, the workshop helps reinforce safe, Code-compliant practices and supports the integration of IYCF-E considerations within Baby-Friendly Community approaches. In doing so, it aligns with the broader commitment to fostering a more consistent understanding and strengthening local capacity. Overall, protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding in emergencies is a high-impact, equity-enhancing public health measure. Integrating IYCF-E within Baby-Friendly Communities, as envisioned in Task 6.5 of Work Package 6, ensures that resilience and infant protection become structural components of local health environments. Investing in these measures improves maternal and child health, reduces preventable morbidity and contributes to long-term prevention of non-communicable diseases across Europe. Authors: Vincenza Di Stefano¹, Francesca Zambri¹, Anne Bergljot Bærug², Ann-Magrit Lona², Hanne Christine Mosand Bliksås², Flavia Splendore¹, Annachiara Di Nolfi¹, and Angela Giusti¹ – Coordination team of Task 6.5 “Baby Friendly Community & Health Services” of the Joint Action PreventNCD. ¹ Italian National Institute of Health² Norwegian Directorate of Health
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/events/infant-feeding-in-emergencies-strengthening-baby-friendly-communities-for-resilience-and-preparedness/
24.11.2025
Lancet Series on ultra-processed foods is a compelling argument for policy action to reshape the food system
A three-paper Lancet Series on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and human health, published on 18 November 2025, provides a comprehensive and timely assessment of the global impact of an unhealthy diet, one of our greatest public health challenges. The papers also highlight constructive and sound measures to reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods. The analysis relies on the Nova classification system, first presented in 2009 by Carlos Monteiro. This defines ultra-processed foods as "branded, commercial formulations made from cheap ingredients extracted or derived from whole foods, combined with additives" that compete with less processed and fresh foods. What demarcates ultra-processed foods from "merely" processed foods, is the presence of one or more predominantly industrial substances, such as modified starches, flavour enhancers or non-sugar sweeteners, on its ingredient list. Thus, ultra-processed foods are essentially identified by their formulations, not their inherent health effects. Nevertheless, dietary patterns characterized by a high share of ultra-processed foods are higher in several nutrients of concern, including saturated fats, sodium, and free sugars. They are concomitantly lower in micronutrients, protein, and dietary fiber. By their nature, such diets displace nutrient-rich staples such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Consequently, systematic reviews of large observational studies have consistently associated high ultra-processed food consumption with a number of chronic diseases as well as all-cause mortality. An important physical characteristic of ultra-processed foods in general is their higher energy density compared to less processed counterparts. High energy density is known to be one of the most important factors that can cause excessive energy intake. Well-controlled randomized controlled trials have indeed found that a diet composed predominantly of ultra-processed foods can increase energy intake, often attributed to this energy density. A further characteristic that likely plays a role is the high sensory appeal ("hyper-palatability") of ultra-processed foods, through their precise combinations of fats, sugars, and salt.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/commentaries/lancet-series-on-ultra-processed-foods-is-a-compelling-argument-for-policy-action-to-reshape-the-food-system/
20.11.2025
Redesign modern food systems to be healthy, sustainable, and equitable
There is a shift toward diets with higher animal-sourced foods, saturated and trans-fatty acids, refined carbohydrates, and caloric sweetener due to the industrialisation of food systems, technological change, and globalisation. The nutrition transition is perpetuated by the growth in market and political activities of transnational food corporations as well as inadequate policies to protect nutrition in these new contexts. Therefore, understanding the drivers and dynamics of ultra-processed foods consumption is essential, given the evidence that these foods are linked with adverse health outcomes.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/blog/redesign-modern-food-systems-to-be-healthy-sustainable-and-equitable/
30.10.2025
JA PreventNCD Meeting in Copenhagen: Sharing Knowledge on Public Food Procurement
From 24–26 September 2025, partners of the JA Prevent NCD, specifically the team of Task 5.4 Public food procurement in public settings in EU, gathered in Copenhagen. Hosted by the City of Copenhagen, the three-day programme combined study visits, hands-on experiences, and a workshop to advance collaboration on healthy and sustainable public food procurement. The meeting opened with a warm welcome from the City of Copenhagen, followed by an overview of the status of the working group, including past achievements and upcoming activities. M. Gabrijelčič placed the public food procurement activities within the broader context of sustainability of the JA prevent NCD. In the afternoon, a capacity-building session focused on 'Legumes in Everyday Cooking' was held, along with a presentation on the collaboration between the culinary advisor, Meyers Madhus, and the City of Copenhagen. The session focused on providing a comprehensive training experience, with partners walking through an example of the kitchen staff training process. In addition, the activity served as an excellent team-building opportunity, allowing partners - who were meeting in person for the first time - to get to know each other better and collaborate in a hands-on environment. Procurement Expert in the City of Copenhagen, B. Bergmann Madsen said: “Kitchen staff training and sustainability criteria in tenders are equally important elements of Copenhagen’s holistic approach to food policy implementation”. On the second day, participants visited the EAT central distribution kitchen and one of the 25 Food Schools, gaining insights into how Copenhagen manages meal provision for schools. The afternoon programme consisted of two parts: a workshop on Public Food Procurement Networks in the EU, including group discussions on what defines a successful network and how its impact can be measured; and a collaborative planning session focused on defining the next steps and priorities for the continuation of the task, with particular emphasis on collaboration with the JRC and their new report on criteria for sustainable public food procurement. The final day concluded with a wrap-up evaluation session and ended with a study visit to an elderly home, where participants learned about catering practices for older adults which has a high focus on organic products and the right nutrition for the elderly, and together all enjoyed an early lunch prepared on site. B. Bergmann Madsen wrapped up the meeting by reflecting on the importance of in-person meetings in the JA: “In-person meetings are a vital platform for sharing knowledge on best practices in different countries and learning from each other. This visit has given us new perspectives and ideas on Copenhagen’s approach to food policy implementation” The Copenhagen meeting highlighted the importance of exchanging practical experiences across sectors, while also deepening the policy discussion on how networks can strengthen healthier and more sustainable public food systems in Europe. It was the first in-person meeting for many partners, providing a valuable opportunity to build connections and jointly plan the next steps - with a particular focus on collaboration with the JRC and their upcoming report on criteria for sustainable public food procurement.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/news-updates/ja-preventncd-meeting-in-copenhagen-sharing-knowledge-on-public-food-procurement/
06.10.2025
JA PreventNCD at the Slovenian National Public Health Conference 2025
At this year’s NKJZ Conference in Slovenia, there was a strong spotlight on the Joint Action PreventNCD (JA PreventNCD), having both a dedicated presentation session, as well as a dedicated project booth. Moderated by Mojca Gabrijelčič Blenkuš and Monika Robnik Levart, the session featured diverse presentations, including: Supportive environments for health as the foundation of disease prevention Evaluation of workplace health promotion and recommendations for future development Whole-school approach to health promotion Health promotion in academic settings with a focus on physical activity Expanding smoke-free environments to open and semi-open spaces Mechanism for meaningful youth engagement in European public health projects Corporate political activities of the food industry and their influence on nutrition policies Wellbeing economy as a sustainable tool for preventive action The first part of the session explored the role of environments in disease prevention and health promotion, while in the second part, concrete approaches and tools of JA PreventNCD for more effective policy implementation were presented. At the conference, there was also a JA PreventNCD’s dedicated project booth. There, the participants could discover more about the project’s goals and engage with the project team members. The presentations and dialogues shed importance of the project, raised awareness of the project’s goals and highlighted the importance of placing prevention at the forefront of public health discussions.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/news-updates/ja-preventncd-at-the-slovenian-national-public-health-conference-2025/
23.09.2025
Youth Voices at the Heart of Europe’s Cardiovascular Health Plan
On 22 September, the Youth Advisory Group (YAG) of the JA PreventNCD took part in the European Commission’s online consultation on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The consultation was convened by DG SANTE as part of preparations for a new EU Cardiovascular Health (CVH) Plan. CVDs remain the leading cause of mortality in Europe, claiming over 1.7 million lives each year and costing the EU an estimated EUR 280 billion annually. The event gave young people living with or at risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as youth advocates, an opportunity to directly share their experiences and expectations with policymakers. The consultation, led by Antonio Parenti, director at DG SANTE, was framed around key questions from the European Commission, including how to support healthy lifestyles, ensure equal access to care, improve communication with young people, and shape a future EU prevention strategy. Youth delegates responded with lived experiences and concrete recommendations.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/news-updates/youth-voices-at-the-heart-of-europe-s-cardiovascular-health-plan/
15.09.2025
Statement from JA PreventNCD on the Call for Evidence to the EU cardiovascular health plan
This statement and recommendations from the The Joint Action Prevent Non-Communicable Diseases (JA PreventNCD) respond to the Call for Evidence−Ares(2025)6517618 for the Initiative EU Cardiovascular Health Plan (CVH Plan). JA PreventNCD is funded under the EU4Health programme and brings together 25 European countries with the common goal of reducing the burden of cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), focusing on both personal and societal risk factors. The project addresses health determinants through approaches ranging from policy interventions requiring cross-country and intersectoral collaboration to be effective, through national and local interventions promoting healthy living environments, to preventive care and risk detection, including personalized prevention. Reducing gender-related, socio-economic and geographical inequalities in health is a key priority. All measures aim to protect health equity of European citizens. Furthermore, to strengthen Member States’ abilities to respond to public health challenges, it is essential to have improved data and comprehensive monitoring systems, which include monitoring health inequalities such as those found in the European Cancer Inequalities Registry. To ensure population-level impact, JA PreventNCD was designed to address structural drivers at the population level in addition to targeting high-risk individuals. While interventions across the prevention spectrum are needed, interventions targeting individuals at risk tend to require more personal buy-in, with demands on cognitive and social resources. They therefore run the risk of widening inequalities. To improve health at a population level, it is vital that activities reduce, and with certainty do not increase, health inequalities. A health equity tool is therefore applied across interventions in JA PreventNCD to support the planning, implementation and evaluation of the project’s activities. JA PreventNCD is a unique EU investment in health promotion, NCD prevention and better equity outcomes across Europe, generating deliverables directly relevant for the CVD Plan: monitoring tools, tested best practices, policy recommendations and governance mechanisms. JA PreventNCD recommends that the interventions and initiatives below be included in the EU CVH Plan. These will contribute to lifelong prevention of CVDs and, in many cases, they will also reduce the risk of diabetes and obesity. The activities are evidence-based and supported by the Member States in the Consortium. This statement and recommendations build on inputs received from all work packages in JA PreventNCD. The recommended interventions are structured under three main areas: Early years health promotion and CVD prevention Reaching all by implementing population-level interventions Reaching individuals at risk and supporting personalized prevention
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/policy-statements-recommendations/statement-from-ja-preventncd-on-the-call-for-evidence-to-the-eu-cardiovascular-health-plan/