Recovery from European Financial Crisis risks being hindered by preventable diseases

EPHA welcomes this initiative from the European Parliament calling for action to be taken to combat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

The resolution comes at a vital moment; on 19 and 20 September representatives of all UN member countries will join together in the New York for a High Level Meeting on Non Communicable Diseases.

EPHA Secretary General Monika Kosińska applauded the European Parliament's initiative at calling for a strategy on chronic diseases; 'We have a rare chance here to stem the tide of chronic diseases. In these times of crisis it is essential that we have a healthy and productive workforce to enable Europe to return to growth.’ She added that ‘The European Parliament has sent a strong message to the European Commission and Member States; and further to the United Nations that we cannot just passively stand by as the number of preventable deaths continue to rise. Bold, concrete actions must be taken in the EU, and globally.'

According to WHO statistics NCDs cause 86% of deaths in Europe. The World Economic Forum and the Harvard School of Public Health estimate that NCDs will cause a €25 trillion economic output loss during the period 2005 - 2030. This is clearly a threat to for the future prospects of the Europe 2020 strategy, without mentioning the harm caused to the health and wellbeing of the population. Particularly in times of crisis, this is a loss that European economies cannot afford.

Measures to tackle NCDs include improving diet, lowering alcohol and tobacco consumption, increasing physical activity and decreasing environmental pollution. Currently only 3% of health spending goes on investment in prevention and 97% on treatment. The European Parliament has insisted that this balance must be redressed if we are to see any reduction in the chronic disease burden.

EPHA is is the European Platform bringing together public health organisations representing health professionals, patients groups, health promotion and disease specific NGOs, academic groupings and other health associations. Our vision is of a Europe with universal good health and well-being, where all have access to a sustainable and high quality health system : A Europe whose policies and practices contribute to health, both within and beyond its borders.