Other Non-Communicable Diseases

Europe today has a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity disorders, musculoskeletal disorders which can be attributable to the interaction of various genetic, environmental and especially lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol abuse, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity.

Within the 2008-2013 Health Programme, the European Union recommends addressing avoidable diseases by developing strategies and mechanisms for prevention as well as exchanging information on and responding to non-communicable disease threats, including gender-specific health threats and rare diseases. Since most of them are avoidable, the main activities identified should focus on raising public awareness, improving knowledge, and reinforcing preventive measures. The EU aims to support these actions by setting up networks and information systems across the Member States to generate a flow of information, analysis and exchange of best practice in the public health field.