Prevention in Action: Combating Non-Communicable Diseases Through Collective Health Action and Education

The Prevention in Action (PIA) project was launched to address the fact that cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are recognized as among the world’s deadliest, yet most preventable, health threats. The core focus is the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

PIA is a cross-border initiative aimed at preventing NCDs through a strategy involving education, early detection, and equitable access to health information. Its mission is to reduce the impact of NCDs by promoting healthy behaviours and empowering communities. The partners characterize PIA as more than a project, it’s a commitment to a healthier future.

The project runs for two years, from December 2023 to November 2025 and is led by a strong partnership between multiple Red Cross National Societies, including the Portuguese Red Cross, Hungarian Red Cross, Spanish Red Cross, Slovenian Red Cross, and Italian Red Cross. Through this collaboration, the National Societies support national and EU health policies and contribute to the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

The project specifically targets youth and people in vulnerable situations. Key beneficiaries include displaced individuals from Ukraine. 

PIA is projected to reach:

• close to 15,000 children and youth;
• 100 Red Cross staff and volunteers;
• 100 vulnerable individuals receiving health promotion services.

PIA delivers educational activities in various community settings:

• A Sudden Death Prevention Program is provided in schools and youth settings.
• This program teaches children and teachers about the risk factors and early signs of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
• Training is provided to help communities respond effectively in emergencies, such as CPR training for young people.

The project is developing a mobile application and remote monitoring tool intended to support individuals in managing their health proactively.

To ensure inclusivity, PIA develops culturally sensitive materials for vulnerable populations. These materials are made available at Red Cross health centres and are paired with enhanced screening and counselling during medical visits.

The activities undertaken by the PIA project help communities achieve essential outcomes, including:

• recognizing warning signs early;
• reducing risky behaviours;
• responding effectively in emergencies, for example, through CPR training for young people. 

To amplify the project’s impact, the PIA team actively aligns its actions with commemorative health dates, such as World Bicycle Day, World Health Day, or World First Aid Day. These dates provide powerful opportunities to raise awareness, engage the public, and promote prevention messages to broader audiences.

The project’s strategy ensures that prevention does not happen in the shadows, but instead becomes part of a shared public conversation about health and solidarity.

By investing in education, partnering across borders, and making prevention accessible to all, the PIA partners are setting an example of what collective health action can achieve.

Stay tuned for updates, tools, and events by visiting the project’s website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook page, X and YouTube channel.