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10.10.2024
World Mental Health Day
Mental health is a fundamental component of overall health and wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and behave, influencing our daily lives, relationships and our ability to cope with stress and face challenges. October 10th is World Mental Health Day, established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health to raise global awareness about critical mental health agendas. This year’s official theme concerns Mental Health at Work: It’s time to prioritize mental health in the workplace. Safe and supportive work environments can play a crucial role in safeguarding mental health. However, negative factors like stigma, discrimination, harassment and poor working conditions pose significant threats, impacting participation and productivity at work, mental wellbeing and overall quality of life. As the EU employment rate is rising and is now over 75%, it is imperative to take action to minimize these risks, foster mental health and create a healthy work environment. A part of the work on Health in all Policies in JA PreventNCD focuses on Mental Health in All Policies (MHiAP), an approach to promoting population mental health and wellbeing by initiating and facilitating action within different non-health public policy areas. The aim is to present recommendations for Member States regarding MHiAP as a useful tool to promote mental health and wellbeing at different levels of governance. A survey has been sent out to map the inclusion of mental health and wellbeing in health and non-health policies at national and regional level. Data collection is underway with emphasis on identifying good practices of mental health promotion at policy level across sectors in participating countries. Examples of mental health promoting policies in the Employment sector are policies affecting flexible working hours, a work-life balance, parental leave and vacation time. Another example could be the implementation of wellness programmes that include stress management workshops, physical activities and mental health days. But policies across other sectors affect people in the workplace as well. Policies ensuring accessible and affordable public transportation, reducing commute stress. Policies ensuring access to quality nutrition, policies improving insurance coverage for mental health services, policies supporting mental health professionals to maintain their own mental health and so on. Mental health stigma can be a significant barrier to creating a supportive work environment. On World Mental Health Day, DG SANTE, the WHO and Mental Health Europe have jointly organised a Webinar on stigma related to mental health where the European Commission will present the EU support package on stigma next to the WHO toolkit on stigma. This work will complement and support the JA PreventNCD activities on mental health stigma which will be aimed at combatting stigma at structural level. JA PreventNCD is also collaborating with and following the work of the Joint Action Mental Health Together (JA MENTOR) which has just started up, to ensure synergies and make sure the work is complementary. Author: Sólrún Ósk Lárusdóttir, Directorate of Health, Iceland. Sólrún leads task 9.2: Developing effective ways to implement Mental Health in All Policies (MiAP) as part of JA PreventNDC.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/blog/world-mental-health-day/
29.05.2026
Unmasking the appeal of tobacco and nicotine products: JA PreventNCD and JA-SAFE in conversation on World No Tobacco Day
World No Tobacco Day is marked every year on 31 May. In 2026, the World Health Organization’s theme is “Unmasking the appeal: countering nicotine and tobacco addiction.” The campaign focuses on how tobacco and nicotine products continue to be reinvented, repackaged and marketed in ways that appeal to new generations, particularly children and adolescents. Tobacco remains one of the most important preventable causes of disease and premature death in Europe. At the same time, public health efforts are facing a changing landscape, with new nicotine products, cross-border trade, digital marketing, industry influence and regulatory gaps creating new challenges for tobacco and nicotine control. This remains a major priority for public health in Europe and for the European Commission’s wider prevention agenda. It is also reflected in two EU co-funded Joint Actions: JA PreventNCD, which addresses tobacco as a key cross-cutting theme in the prevention of cancer and other non-communicable diseases, and JA-SAFE, which focuses specifically on health promotion and disease prevention, including smoke- and aerosol-free environments. To mark World No Tobacco Day, we spoke with Hanna Ollila, Cross-cutting Theme Coordinator for Tobacco in JA PreventNCD; Taija Voutilainen, who leads JA PreventNCD work on alcohol- and tobacco-related perspectives in all policies; and Constantine Vardavas, Professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Coordinator of JA-SAFE and Head of the Technical Group of Chemical and Sensory Assessors for Tobacco Product Flavours of the European Commission, about the current state of tobacco and nicotine control in Europe, the challenges ahead, and why international collaboration is essential. While the two Joint Actions have distinct roles, they are closely connected by a shared prevention agenda. JA-SAFE supports European action on smoke-free and aerosol-free environments, tobacco reduction, cessation, steps towards a tobacco-free generation, and wider health promotion and disease prevention. JA PreventNCD complements this work by addressing tobacco as part of a broader prevention agenda, recognising its role in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases, while also working to reduce inequalities and strengthen action on the wider conditions that shape people’s health.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/interviews/unmasking-the-appeal-of-tobacco-and-nicotine-products-ja-preventncd-and-ja-safe-in-conversation-on-world-no-tobacco-day/
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/
26.02.2024
JA PreventNCD Introduction
Cancer and other NCDs make up more than 2/3 of the burden of disease in Europe. At the population level, substantial variations exist according to socio-economic status, geographical area, age, disability, gender, and ethnic groups. A large part of this disease burden is preventable. In the context of the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the need to address NCDs as expressed in the EU Non-Communicable Diseases Initiative – Healthier Together, we will address health determinants common to cancer and other NCDs, and their common underlying risk factors. The overall aim of JA PreventNCD is to reduce the burden of cancer and other NCDs and common risk factors, both at a personal and societal level, and support member states by taking a holistic approach for the prevention of cancer and other NCDs, through coordinated action. The specific objectives are to: improve joint capacities of member states to plan and implement cancer and other NCD prevention policies and activities both at a national, regional, and local level; improve data and the monitoring system for cancer and other NCDs and their common risk factors; contribute to reduced social inequalities in cancer and other NCDs; engage with and support key actors in the field of cancer and NCD prevention, including decision makers at all levels of government, civil society organizations, professionals, the general population, and patients’ groups to facilitate cooperation and joint efforts. To achieve these objectives, we will analyze the opportunities for implementing evidence based intersectoral policies for preventing cancer and other NCDs, and pilot-test innovative practices and scale-up best practices, including both population-based and targeted prevention efforts to promote healthy living. Furthermore, we will monitor cancer and other NCDs mortality and morbidity, exposure to the common risk factors, cost of NCD and cancer care, and the impact of health promotion and disease prevention efforts both at a personal and societal level. Three technical work packages are designed to cover policies and actions across the spectrum from structural measures at societal level to interventions targeting individuals. These are labelled ‘Regulation and taxation’, Healthy living environment’ and ‘Identifying individuals at risk’. Another set of technical work packages are cutting across this spectrum and addressing ‘Monitoring’, ‘Social inequalities’ and ‘Health in all policies’. The common risk factors for cancer and other NCDs such as tobacco and alcohol use, unhealthy eating and physical inactivity are themes cutting across all these six work packages. The JA PreventNCD is a large project including more than 100 partners from 25 European countries (i.e., 22 member states and Iceland, Norway, and Ukraine), and it has a total budget (EU and member state contributions combined) of more than € 95,5 million. The project started January 1, 2024, and runs through December 31, 2027. This JA represents an ambitious effort – both from the European Commission and from the participating countries - to provide strategic guidance and consolidated efforts to the field of cancer and other NCDs prevention. Key outputs include an EU Consortium on Cancer Prevention, high-level annual events, and intervention tools and policy recommendations that will contribute to reduced burden of cancer and other NCDs and inequity across Europe. Furthermore, the ambition is to contribute to reduced fragmentation of actions, duplications, and overlaps, and to promote engagement of national authorities (also at regional and local levels) to increase both the short-term and long-term impact of implemented action. Through rigorous evaluation of implemented action, we aim to assist authorities in prioritizing the most efficient prevention strategies to meet the global targets to reduce the burden of NCDs. Authors are Linda Granlund, Project Coordinator and Knut-Inge Klepp, Scientific Coordinator Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA) can be held responsible for them.
https://www.preventncd.eu/newsroom/news-updates/ja-preventncd-introduction/
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/
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/