First EU Screening Week puts prevention and early detection in the spotlight

From 28 September to 4 October 2026, activities across Europe will raise awareness of silent cardiometabolic risks and encourage people to know the numbers that matter.

The first-ever EU Screening Week will create a shared European moment for prevention, bringing together public health organisations, healthcare professionals, patient groups and other partners around a simple message:

Blood pressure. Cholesterol. Blood sugar. Know the numbers that matter.

The European Commission initiative forms part of the Know Your Numbers campaign under the EU Safe Hearts Plan. Taking place around World Heart Day on 29 September, it aims to increase awareness of health checks and the importance of identifying cardiovascular and metabolic risks earlier.

High blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes, often without causing noticeable symptoms. Checking these indicators can reveal hidden risks, enable earlier action and contribute to better health outcomes.

A European moment for prevention

Organisations can take part in many ways, from health checks and community events to workplace or pharmacy initiatives, webinars, media outreach and digital campaigns.

Organisations planning an activity can register it by 20 September for possible inclusion on the EU Screening Week interactive map. The map will help make prevention activities across Europe more visible and show the breadth of organisations contributing to the campaign.

Campaign information and materials are available through the European Commission’s EU Screening Week website. Organisations and individuals can also support the initiative by sharing its resources and spreading the message through their own networks.

From identifying risk to taking action

EU Screening Week closely reflects JACARDI’s work on prevention, early detection and screening. Across Europe, 19 JACARDI pilot projects are testing different approaches to identifying people at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes and connecting them with appropriate support. Explore these JACARDI pilot interventions across Europe on our interactive pilot map.

JACARDI’s Short Guide to Screening stresses that identifying risk is only the beginning. Health checks make a meaningful difference when they are part of a complete pathway that includes follow-up, diagnosis, appropriate intervention and long-term support.

EU Screening Week provides an opportunity to make prevention and early action more visible across Europe and to encourage more people to know their numbers, understand their risks and seek appropriate professional advice.

Register an EU Screening Week activity by 20 September.