New WHO report on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) shows 23% of deaths globally can be prevented through healthier environments

HEAL welcomed a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO), which highlights why environmental risk reduction is essential in NCD prevention and that 23% of deaths globally can be prevented through healthier environments.

The report highlights the high relevance of environmental risks for non-communicable diseases, and outlines why environmental risk reduction is essential in NCD prevention and control strategies.

Non-communicable diseases are the largest cause of preventable death and disease worldwide, and significantly affect the wellbeing of many individuals’ daily lives. Even more, these numbers are rising. With an increasing number of people needing treatment, healthcare costs everywhere are growing. As stated by the report, achieving a healthy and sustainable environment is a key ingredient for preventing disease and enabling viable health care.

Given our long-standing work on NCDs and environmental risk factors, HEAL is certain this report is a great asset for the promotion of environmental health in Europe and elsewhere. Over the past years HEAL has dedicated itself to raise awareness about non-communicable diseases, and to encourage decision makers to set up adequate regulatory frameworks to eliminate our exposure to environmental risk factors.

“Non-communicable diseases could be prevented through disease prevention strategies focusing on healthier air, energy, transport and nontoxic environments”, explains Génon K. Jensen, Executive Director at HEAL. “The EU must prioritise WHO’s evidence and step up its action to promote health”.

The WHO report can be downloaded here. Find out more about HEAL’s vision on non-communicable diseases and environmental determinants here.