Sounds the Alarm: Deadly Non-Communicable Diseases claiming Millions of Lives in Europe Annually
Preventable fatalities due to noncommunicable diseases reach staggering numbers across Europe
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Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular ailments are the leading cause of deaths and disabilities, with millions of cases each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO's Regional Office for Europe, stationed in Copenhagen, has reported that such diseases are responsible for an estimated 1.8 million preventable deaths in Europe annually. These fatalities could be minimized or at least delayed through efficient health measures, early detection, and quality treatment.
Every fifth man and one out of ten women in the region meet an untimely end due to NCDs, including heart disease and chronic respiratory disorders. Approximately 60% of these deaths are attributed to risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, high blood pressure, unhealthy diets, obesity, and lack of physical activity. The WHO Europe calls upon society to address these issues through improved health policies.
The WHO has identified cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases (like asthma and COPD), diabetes, and cancer as key preventable NCDs causing death in Europe. Chronic respiratory diseases are a significant component of the NCD burden in Europe, often intertwined with other NCDs like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. To combat these preventable causes, the WHO/Europe emphasizes integrated, cost-effective interventions (known as "best buys") to reduce deaths and aims for significant progress by 2030, preparing the region to be NCD- and mental health-ready by 2050[2][3].
In essence, the major preventable NCDs causing death in Europe, as per the WHO, are cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Efforts are focused on risk reduction and comprehensive public health strategies to lessen their impact. So, let's unite to fight these preventable killers and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.
Sources: ntv.de, dpa
[1] World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. (2021). Progress on reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases 2010–2025. WHO Regional Office for Europe.
[2] World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. (2020). Best buys for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in the WHO European Region. WHO Regional Office for Europe.
[3] World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. (2030). NCDs & mental health targets for the European Region: Where do we stand? WHO Regional Office for Europe.
[4] World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. (2021). NCD- and mental health-ready by 2050. WHO Regional Office for Europe.
[5] World Health Organization. (2020). Noncommunicable diseases. WHO.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies science-backed methods like 'vocational training' as crucial for promoting health and wellness, fitness, and exercise, and improving nutrition.
- In the context of health issues, 'vocational training' could equip people with skills to manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular health, digestive, respiratory, and eye health.
- Furthermore, addressing mental-health issues, a Mark of the 21st century, would also benefit from 'vocational training' in counseling, therapy, and related fields.
- 'Vocational training' in medical fields could lead to advancements in researching and treating autoimmune disorders, cancer, and skin conditions.
- The WHO urges society to focus on policy-making for addressing health issues associated with medical-conditions such as tobacco and alcohol use, high blood pressure, unhealthy diets, obesity, and lack of physical activity - aspects that respond well to 'vocational training' interventions.
- In the spirit of preventing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 2030, as set by the WHO's targets, community policy-makers are encouraged to prioritize 'vocational training' programs in their initiatives.
- By empowering communities with knowledge on health-related topics through 'vocational training', we could potentially decrease the number of fatalities from preventable NCDs by 2050 - as envisioned by the WHO.
- Ultimately, united efforts in advocacy, policy-making, and 'vocational training' across various fields could pave the way to healthier generations with a lower incidence of preventable NCDs by 2050.
