Unveiling the Silent Killers: How Non-Communicable Diseases Contribute to Preventable Deaths in Millions Across Europe
Preventable demise due to non-infectious illnesses claims countless lives across Europe
In an alarming revelation, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, and other chronic ailments remain the leading causes of death and disability, with millions of cases every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO European regional office in Copenhagen reports that such diseases account for around 1.8 million preventable deaths annually in Europe [1][2].
digging deeper, NCDs are responsible for an unexpectedly high number of premature deaths. Startlingly, one out of every five men and one out of ten women in the region succumb to these diseases before reaching the age of 70 [1][2]. The culprits behind this staggering statistic include cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes [1][2][3].
What's even more troubling is that sixty percent of these premature deaths can be traced back to risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, unhealthy diets, obesity, and physical inactivity [1][2]. To combat this issue, the WHO Europe is urging society to take action by addressing these risk factors through better health policies [1][2].
But the problem doesn't end there. Chronic respiratory diseases, often underdiagnosed and poorly managed, add significantly to the disability burden and are closely linked to other NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases and cancers [3].
While it's clear that protecting against NCDs is crucial, there are inequalities in NCD mortality and risk factors across sexes and countries, with increasing disparities observed for tobacco use, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes [2]. Additionally, limited diagnostic capacity, insufficient healthcare professional training, and weak health information systems contribute to underdiagnosis and suboptimal management of diseases like chronic respiratory conditions [3].
It's also important to consider the broader determinants that affect exposure to risk factors and disease outcomes, such as social, commercial, environmental, and digital determinants, which require multisectoral, integrated policy responses [2]. And the COVID-19 pandemic has further disrupted progress in reducing premature mortality from NCDs, putting targets for 2025 and 2030 at risk [1][2].
Ultimately, addressing the preventable risk factors associated with NCDs, improving healthcare access, and tackling social and environmental determinants is critical to reducing avoidable mortality and disability in the region [1][2][3].
[1] World Health Organization. (2021). Noncommunicable diseases. Accessed on [Date].https://www.who.int/topics/noncommunicable-diseases/en/
[2] World Health Organization. (2021). Progress towards global targets for the prevention and control of NCDs. Accessed on [Date].https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases
[3] World Health Organization. (2019). Monitoring of Chronic Respiratory Diseases in Europe. Accessed on [Date].https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789289053502
- Vocational training programs could be integrated into community policies as part of a broader strategy to address the issue of premature deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with a focus on promoting fitness and exercise, mental health, nutrition, and health-and-wellness education.
- The WHO European regional office’s report highlights that limited diagnostic capacity is a significant challenge in managing chronic respiratory diseases, calling for better technical and vocational training for healthcare professionals to tackle this issue.
- As part of the efforts to combat NCDs, the promotion of science and technology could be instrumental in developing innovative solutions to early detection, treatment, and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and chronic-diseases.
- A multidimensional approach is necessary to address the preventable risk factors associated with NCDs, with a focus on addressing mental health concerns, including the promotion of stress management techniques and healing-oriented vocational training programs, to help people cope with their health challenges more effectively.
