Noncommunicable diseases
A relatively small group of health conditions is responsible for a large part of the disease burden in Europe. Of the six WHO regions, the European Region is the most affected by noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and their growth is startling. The impact of the major NCDs (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and mental disorders) is equally alarming: taken together, these five conditions account for an estimated 86% of the deaths and 77% of the disease burden in the Region. WHO/Europe develops norms and standards, guidance and public health tools to help countries implement effective programmes and address risk factors.
Causes, impacts and the role of WHO/EuropeTopics in this category
Top story

In a newly published book, WHO/Europe provides up-to-date guidance for ensuring healthy nutrition and physical activity of primary school-aged children while cultivating good habits that will last into adulthood.
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Health systems response to noncommunicable diseases

Spotlight on care for noncommunicable diseases and COVID-19

Tackling NCDs in countries

Since 2015, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation has been working jointly with WHO/Europe, WHO country offices and the health ministries of individual countries to reduce noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
More about tackling NCDs in countries