A new WHO/Europe Signature Initiative to tackle cardiovascular disease (CVD) will be launched online on 9 December by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. The initiative is of particular interest to the countries in the Region with the highest burden of CVD, the highest prevalence of hypertension, poor hypertension control and high salt consumption. The initiative has an integrated approach, combining action on comprehensive salt reduction at the population level with action at the individual level, to improve hypertension detection, treatment and control in primary care.
Reducing salt intake reduces blood pressure and improves heart health, but is less under the control of the individual than we think. Most of the foods considered as staples, such as bread and cheese, are high in salt so reducing salt intake involves the food industry, hospitality, education and health policy.
This is 1 of 6 Signature Initiatives associated with the Regional Director’s Advisory Council on Innovation for Noncommunicable Diseases. It builds on the salt reduction package produced by WHO/Europe in July 2021, for countries in the European Region. Member States have also been involved via the WHO Action Network on Salt Reduction in the Population in the European Region, which now includes representatives of over 20 countries. The Network aims to facilitate progress towards the globally agreed target to cut salt intakes by 30% by 2025.