The Lancet Regional Health Europe: Advancing Europe's non-communicable diseases agenda through cross-national collaboration: translating WHO-Europe findings into actionable strategies
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and premature death in Europe, posing a significant burden on healthcare systems and societies. The latest WHO report for the European Region highlights concerning trends, including a slowdown in the decline of premature mortality since 2014 and the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While there has been a decrease in tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and hypertension, the number of cases of obesity and diabetes is rising, and the implementation of health policies has stalled. The European Union is responding to these challenges through initiatives such as Healthier Together, the European Beating Cancer Plan, and joint actions JACARDI and JA PreventNCD, which strengthen prevention and patient care. To accelerate progress and achieve health goals by 2025, data-driven strategies that consider health equity and coherent public policy are essential.
wKatowicach.eu: Together Against Non-Communicable Diseases in Europe – JA PreventNCD Meeting at the International Congress Centre in Katowice
On June 16–18, 2025, the Annual Meeting of JA PreventNCD took place at the International Congress Centre in Katowice, combined with the closing of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council and the second meeting of the EU-CNCD Consortium. The event gathered around 400 participants from 25 EU countries, including representatives of the European Commission, the Ministry of Health, the Medical University of Silesia, and experts in the field of non-communicable disease prevention. The meeting aimed to exchange experiences and develop effective strategies for the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and type 2 diabetes. Notable guests included Prof. Tomasz Szczepański, Rector of the Medical University of Silesia, Senator Beata Małecka-Libera, Dr Linda Granlund, JA PreventNCD Project Coordinator. The event also showcased Katowice’s achievements in public health, including preventive programmes and infrastructure supporting physical activity.
Rynek Zdrowia: Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease. EU Experts Debate Prevention in Katowice
Katowice hosted an EU-level discussion on prevention and public health. The event brought together representatives from the European Commission, the Ministry of Health, the Medical University of Silesia, and other institutions involved in the prevention of non-communicable diseases. The meeting aimed to exchange experiences and discuss actions to improve public health across Europe.
Telewizja Zabrze: Together Against Non-Communicable Diseases in Europe
Between 16 and 18 June 2025, the JA PreventNCD project meeting was held at the International Congress Centre in Katowice, focusing on the prevention of non-communicable diseases, including cancer. The event brought together experts from Poland and across Europe to discuss the project’s progress to date and the ongoing challenges in public health.
We invite you to watch the press conference from the event.
European Comission: JA PreventNCD
JA PreventNCD is an EU-funded project taking place from 2024 to 2027. Its goal is to reduce the incidence of cancer and other non-communicable diseases through effective, coordinated preventive actions. The project supports member states in implementing proven public health strategies, taking into account fiscal, environmental, and educational policies.
Nauka w Polsce: Medical University of Silesia is the main partner of the JA PreventNCD project
Medical University of Silesia in Katowice was appointed by the Minister of Health as the main partner of the European JA PreventNCD project, aimed at the prevention of cancer and chronic diseases. Medical University of Silesia is responsible, among other things, for creating a health-promoting environment and coordinating the platform that collects data from over 50 pilot interventions carried out in 25 EU countries.
