Gaining health: the European Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases

Investing in prevention and improved control of noncommunicable diseases would improve the quality of life and well-being of people and societies. No less than 86% of deaths and 77% of the disease burden in the WHO European Region are caused by this broad group of disorders, which are linked by common risk factors, underlying determinants and opportunities for intervention. A more equitable share of the benefits from effective interventions would make the greatest impact as well as bring significant health and economic gain to all Member States. This action-oriented strategy, adopted by the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in September 2006, promotes a comprehensive and integrated approach to tackling diseases in the European Region.