Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for nearly 90% of deaths and 85% of years lived with disability in the WHO European Region. To intensify efforts to tackle these dise ases, the Regional Director of the WHO Regional Office for Europe established the Advisory Council on Innovation for Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD Advisory Council) in December 2020. Reducing noncommunicable diseases: a signature roadmap for the WHO European Region is the outcome of a year-long reflection by the NCD Advisory Council.

At the centre of the Roadmap are six signature initiatives—covering cardiovascular diseases (hypertension and salt intake), childhood obesity, digital marketing, greener and healthier cities, alcohol taxes as health taxes, and data and digital health — designed to close the gaps between knowledge and implementation and to foster innovation.

These signature initiatives comprise actions to increase engagement and advocate for scaled-up policy implementation and actions to accelerate progress by innovating, advancing knowledge or developing new tools.

Aim about Breastfeeding

By the end of 2025, a resource package to support early life nutrition with a focus on breastfeeding and complementary foods has been developed.

(50 pages)

Keywords: Noncommunicable diseases WHO European Region Health policy
Public health