MEPs call for EU strategy to combat non-communicable diseases

Better prevention and early diagnosis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)

Closer cooperation between national health authorities needed

NCDs account for 90% of all deaths in the EU

Parliament pushes for measures to prevent and lower the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, to reduce the burden on healthcare systems and on citizens’ quality of life.

On Wednesday, Parliament adopted its report on non-communicable diseases with 578 votes in favour, 39 against and 15 abstentions.

Improving early diagnosis and targeted health checks

MEPs stress that prevention is key in combating NCDs. They underline the need to address the main factors that substantially increase the risk of NCDs, including tobacco use, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets, environmental factors, UV radiation and chemical exposure. They specifically call on the Commission to urgently implement the proposed restriction of “forever chemicals” (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances or PFAS).

Parliament calls on member states to reduce undiagnosed NCDs by introducing targeted health checks for high-risk individuals, to address the main risk factors such as high blood pressure, blood glucose, body mass index and “bad” cholesterol levels. MEPs also want support for the development and use of accessible, affordable and novel tools to diagnose NCDs in at-risk populations.

Closer European cooperation

The report demands that national health authorities work together more closely and share expertise, data, training programmes, communication tools and evidence-based best practices. The Commission should establish EU NCD partnerships where appropriate. MEPs also advocate fostering and accelerating public-private partnerships in order to strengthen innovation and improving research in the interconnections between NCDs.

Quote

Rapporteur Erik Poulsen (Renew, Denmark) said: "NCDs are a major challenge to the European health systems and the labour market due to productivity loss, which can increase labour shortage. We need to take action to prevent premature deaths, improve citizens’ quality of life and ensure the EU’s competitiveness. It is important to raise awareness, and strengthen research and knowledge sharing via the exchange of best practices. In this regard, Parliament today suggests creating NCD partnerships and further research on NCD comorbidities and management."

Background

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, chronic respiratory diseases, mental disorders and cancer are responsible for 80% of the disease burden (the largest share of EU member states’ healthcare expenditures with an estimated cost of EUR 115 billion or 0.8% of GDP annually), and cause 90% of all deaths in the EU countries. In December 2021, the Commission launched the “Healthier together – EU non-communicable diseases (NCD) initiative”.