Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, are diseases that are not transmissible from one person to another, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory diseases. NCDs are the result of unhealthy lifestyles, e.g. tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and use of alcohol, leading to metabolic and physiological changes. In European countries, NCDs are responsible for an enormous part of the burden that public health systems in the Member States are facing. The increasing rates of deaths related to NCDs in Europe are concerning, but although running rampant, the complex health issues caused by NCDs can be tackled, if we improve prevention measures and promote health.
Healthy diets are a key aspect of our lifestyle, and can help tackling the rise of NCDs. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is essential for our overall health, and reduces the risk of chronic illnesses.
The Preventia project aims to decrease the spreading of NCDs across the EU, while reducing health inequalities and fostering cooperation and exchanges between the EU Member States.
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The Preventia project is coordinated by Safe Food Advocacy Europe, in cooperation with a consortium of partners from across Europe, including the Consumer Education and Information Center (Croatia), the Lithuanian Consumer Institute (Lithuania), the Union for Working Consumers of Greece (Greece), the Consumers Defense Union (Italy), Amici Obesi (Italy) and Promote Ukraine (Belgium).
The project kick-off meeting took place in Brussels on the 15th of February 2024, and the active participation of all consortium members allowed to establish a fruitful cooperation. While the majority of the activities will be carried out in 2025 and 2026, the project partners have began the preparatory work for the upcoming events and trainings. Partners have so far kicked-off the work related to the preparation of trainings for schools in disadvantaged areas, workshops for NGOs and Ukrainian health professionals, culinary events with migrants and Ukrainians under temporary protection, the development of a mobile application to make healthier food choices and the assessment of NCD-related policies in pilot countries.
All the project activities focus on raising awareness regarding NCDs prevention, highlighting the importance of healthy diets and targeting vulnerable groups, particularly Ukrainians and socio-economically disadvantaged children.
SCIENCE SAYS SO Uncover the most relevant scientific studies about non-communicable diseases, nutrition and health
Recognising climate change as a fundamental public health issue, the EU is increasingly aligning climate action with public health goals, emphasizing a One Health approach to address the interconnected impacts of environmental changes on human, animal, and ecosystem health. This strategy is particularly focused on mitigating cardiovascular disease, with EU institutions pushing for integrated policies that enhance resilience and prioritize health within climate initiatives.
The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies organised a public debate in agreement with the European Commission’s DG SANTE, with the aim of raising awareness about the main EU accomplishments in the field of health and gather inputs on what the EU’s future health priorities and mandate could look like following this year’s European elections. Findings highlight a collective call for the EU to play a more significant role in health.
In new papers and a live debate, leading scientists present arguments for and against incorporating the concept of ultra-processed foods into dietary guidelines.
THE LATEST NEWS ON NUTRITION AND HEALTH Uncover the most relevant news about non-communicable diseases, nutrition and health
As we approach the Fourth High-level Meeting of the UN General Assembly on NCD prevention and control in September 2025, WHO data reveals that Denmark, Estonia, Norway, and Sweden have successfully reduced premature mortality from NCDs like cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses. The policies behind this progress vary, but several common actions can help protect public health.
Recent studies have linked the consumption of a plant-based diet to improving Alzheimer’s symptoms, preventing chronic diseases in women, and reducing the risk of developing type two diabetes.
High-fat foods have been recognised as the number one cause of obesity. Now scientists are looking at their potential links to another growing health issue – anxiety.
While cooking from home carries with it the association of being time consuming and perhaps less exciting than convenience foods, it does also offer compelling benefits: it is cost saving, healthier and enjoyable.
WHAT IS THE EU DOING? Find out the latest positions, progresses and regulatory developments on health, nutrition and NCDs prevention
The Council has adopted a recommendation that aims to combat vaccine-preventable cancers in the EU by boosting the uptake of vaccinations against Human papillomaviruses (HPV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV).
LET’S DEBATE ABOUT HEALTH Upcoming events on NCDs, prevention, and healthy nutrition
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