From evidence to impact: a united call for equity-driven and sustainable action on NCDs

• JACARDI, JA PreventNCD, WHO Europe, OECD and the European Commission’s DG SANTE have published a joint Comment in The Lancet Regional Health, based on the findings of the newly published report ‘Avoidable mortality, risk factors and policies for tackling NCDs: leveraging data for impact’, by WHO Europe.
• The Comment underscores the critical role of cross-national collaboration in translating WHO findings into actionable policies, with a focus on equity, data-driven solutions, and integrated care pathways.
• These organizations call for an accelerated, harmonised and equity-driven European agenda on non-communicable diseases.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain the leading cause of death and disability in Europe, and recent trends reveal both progress and setbacks. While tobacco use, hypertension prevalence, and alcohol consumption have declined since 2010, obesity and diabetes rates continue to rise alarmingly, and physical inactivity shows no signs of improvement. This mixed picture is compounded by a slowdown in the implementation of vital public health policies since the COVID-19 pandemic.

These findings are discussed in a Comment published in The Lancet Regional Health and developed through a collaborative effort bringing together JACARDI, JA PreventNCD, WHO Europe, OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), and the European Commission’s DG SANTE. The publication summarises the findings of the report Avoidable mortality, risk factors and policies for tackling noncommunicable diseases – leveraging data for impact: monitoring commitments in the WHO European Region ahead of the Fourth United Nations High-Level Meeting, by WHO Europe, reinforcing the urgency of renewed action. It emphasises the need for comprehensive solutions that prioritise strengthening health systems, accelerating the implementation of proven interventions, effective policies, and integrating equity-driven approaches.

The Comment presents key insights taken from the WHO Europe Report on the current state of NCD prevention and management in Europe. It highlights key challenges, such as the decline in the number of countries that have fully implemented NCD surveys, which fell from 28% in 2021 to 19% in 2023, and the reduction in the number of countries with operational multisectoral NCD strategies, which decreased from 60% to 55% during this period.

Despite these challenges, the authors note that 85% of European countries have adopted management guidelines for the four major NCDs: cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases; demonstrating significant foundational progress.

“These figures paint a complex picture. Despite decades of progress in reducing premature mortality from the four major NCDs prioritised by global agenda, currently the region is off track to meet its 2025 targets. Moreover, the rise in obesity and diabetes and the slowdown in policy implementation highlight the urgent need to reinvigorate our efforts”, comments first author Dr Benedetta Armocida, from the Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-metabolic Diseases and Aging at Istituto Superiore di Sanità-ISS, Rome (Italy) and Coordinator of JACARDI.

The Scientific Coordinator of JA PreventNCD, Prof Knut-Inge Klepp, concurs and is particularly concerned regarding the slowdown in the implementation of population level policy interventions:

“We know how critical such policies are if we are to succeed in having a significant and lasting impact across population groups in Europe. Inequalities in NCD-related health remain a key challenge across and within European countries”.

Driving change

The European Union’s flagship initiatives under the EU4Health Programme are pivotal in addressing these challenges. JACARDI and JA PreventNCD are at the forefront of strengthening cross-national collaboration and implementing integrated strategies for NCD prevention and management.

JA PreventNCD targets primary prevention by tackling root causes such as unhealthy diets, tobacco and alcohol use, and lack of physical activity. JACARDI, meanwhile, focuses on secondary and tertiary prevention, aiming to enhance outcomes for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes through evidence-based interventions and integrated care pathways. Together, these initiatives exemplify the EU’s commitment to tackling NCDs across the care continuum, supported by a combined budget of €160 million and participation from 27 European countries.

The WHO NCD Global Monitoring Framework, which includes nine global voluntary targets, notably the headline goal of a 25% reduction in premature mortality from NCDs by 2025, is about to expire. That is why the authors provide a clear roadmap for advancing the fight against NCDs, ensuring systematic policy implementation and strengthening data infrastructures to translate commitments into measurable health outcomes.

“There are no more excuses. We have the knowledge and the tools. What remains is the will to implement them swiftly and hold ourselves accountable for delivering real results. This is not just a matter of public health; this is a matter of justice, security, and competitiveness, and a shared future”, says Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, World Health Organization Regional Director for Europe.

Armocida and Klepp underscore the power of collaboration in achieving meaningful change: “We truly believe this joint effort reflects the strength and unity across Europe, bringing together a diverse group of organisations, initiatives, and stakeholders committed to reducing the burden of NCDs. The collaborative authorship of this Comment itself serves as an example of the collective commitment and shared vision needed to address one of the region’s most pressing public health challenges.”

The Comment calls for an accelerated, harmonised, and equity-driven European agenda on NCDs, particularly in the lead-up to the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs.

The JA PreventNCD and JACARDI Joint Actions encourage policymakers, researchers, and public health advocates to explore this vital publication and join in building a healthier, more equitable future for Europe.

JACARDI (Grant Agreement 101126953) and JA PreventNCD (Grant Agreement 101128023) projects have received funding from the EU4Health Programme 2021-2027.

JACARDI featured on national Italian TV: free health screenings raise awareness on diabetes and cardiovascular risks

JACARDI was recently featured on RAI, Italy’s national public broadcaster, highlighting a free public screening campaign aimed at the early detection of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This broadcast was filmed during a high-profile event in Reggio Calabria tied to the arrival of the Italian Navy’s historic ship Amerigo Vespucci, and it brought national attention to a simple yet powerful tool for screening and prevention: online self-assessment accessible through a QR code.

The JACARDI project, in collaboration with the ASP (Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale, Local Health Authority) of Reggio Calabria, was able to engage with citizens by making them scan a QR code with their smartphone and receive information about preventive health measures. People answered simple questions and received useful lifestyle tips, and those showing health concerns were flagged for follow-up, providing an immediate and accessible method for early diagnosis.

During the broadcast, several key figures were interviewed, including Dr. Lucia Di Furia, Director General of ASP Reggio Calabria, who suggested that prevention begins with daily awareness. Along with Dr. Ernesto Giordano, an endocrinologist and project manager on childhood obesity prevention, Di Furia highlighted how important it is to educate children on food habits to prevent future health issues.

This initiative exemplifies how JACARDI, as part of a broader EU Joint Action, is transforming prevention into practical action. By combining digital innovation with community outreach, the project is not only improving health literacy but also enabling early detection of conditions that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. As one of the 142 pilots under JACARDI, the ASP Reggio Calabria screening demonstrates how EU joint actions can deliver real, measurable benefits to people’s lives, fostering a culture of prevention and improved care that crosses borders and builds healthier futures for all.

The pilot in Calabria is one of 18 pilots within JACARDI’s Work Package 8, which focuses on screening and identifying individuals at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. These conditions can often be prevented or delayed through healthy lifestyle changes and better risk factor management. The pilots collect standardized data on key risk factors across European countries to support more targeted, evidence-based prevention strategies.

For the news broadcast in Italian, click here, and to watch the pilot’s promotional video, click here.

JACARDI takes the floor at OECD policy dialogue on Europe’s Cardiovascular Health

On 5 May 2025, the OECD convened a high-level policy dialogue in Brussels to address one of Europe’s most pressing public health challenges: the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). With the participation of the European Commission and key representatives from national governments, civil society, and international organisations, the event marked an important moment in shaping the OECD’s analytical work on CVD trends, prevention, and care across the EU. Represented by its Coordination Team, JACARDI brought forward lessons from its cross-country collaboration, referencing tools, frameworks, and reflections that align with the OECD’s strategic priorities, particularly around equity, data, and cross-sectoral integration.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality and morbidity across Europe, placing immense pressure on health systems, economies, and societies. Addressing this burden demands more than incremental change—it requires a shared, data-driven, and equity-focused vision for action.

The OECD’s policy dialogue, “Burden of Cardiovascular Disease in the EU,” held on 5 May 2025 with the participation of the European Commission, convened key stakeholders to discuss forthcoming OECD work that aims to analyse trends in CVD burden, prevention, and management across the EU.
The event gathered representatives from national governments, civil society, and intergovernmental organisations to ensure that the forthcoming report reflects stakeholder priorities and is rooted in collective insight.

JACARDI—the Joint Action on Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes—was represented by its Coordination Team: Benedetta Armocida, Graziano Onder and Beatrice Formenti. During both plenary and roundtable sessions, JACARDI shared reflections on the future of CVD response in Europe, highlighting insights from its ongoing collaboration with countries and stakeholders. The Joint Action welcomed this opportunity to align with OECD’s strategic direction and contribute to a common agenda for strengthening CVD prevention and control.

Six key areas of alignment were highlighted:

1. A shared framework: the Patient Journey
   Echoing the OECD’s analytical framework, JACARDI supports a patient-centred approach that addresses the full continuum of care—from health promotion and early prevention to integrated treatment and long-term management. This patient journey model underpins JACARDI’s operational structure and is currently being implemented through real-world pilots in 18 European countries.
   Notably, JACARDI integrates cardiovascular diseases and diabetes within a unified framework, recognising their clinical, biological, and systemic interlinkages. This convergence reflects a growing consensus: that sustainable improvement in population health requires integrated, system-strengthening, and equity-oriented solutions.
2. Equity as a structural imperative
   JACARDI endorses the OECD’s emphasis on reducing health inequities, particularly among migrants, ethnic minorities, and other underserved groups. Equity is not an add-on but a core pillar of JACARDI’s approach—operationalised through the 4C Equity Framework: Critical reflection, Contextualised data, Co-design, and Clear, inclusive communication.
   This commitment is made tangible through specific tools like capacity-building masterclasses, a dedicated maturity matrix, and pilot initiatives targeting institutional barriers, including racism and discrimination in healthcare. JACARDI advocates for the standardisation and institutionalisation of such equity-driven models across EU health policies and programmes.
3. Putting women’s hearts on the Agenda: gender-sensitive CVD responses
   Despite notable advances in CVD care, gender disparities persist. Women remain underdiagnosed, undertreated, and underrepresented in research—leading to suboptimal outcomes. JACARDI addresses these challenges through a gender-sensitive approach, following The Lancet Commission on Women and Cardiovascular Disease which underscores the need to embed sex- and gender-specific data into every level of policy and practice.
   For example, in Spain, an interactive tool is being developed to map gender-based health disparities regionally. In France, a comprehensive data linkage is underway to examine how gender and social deprivation intersect in influencing disease risk and care pathways. These initiatives represent a shift toward gender-responsive and inclusive health systems.
4. Data for change: building the evidence base
   Fragmented, delayed, and non-comparable data continue to hinder effective CVD policy implementation. There is a pressing need for harmonised, disaggregated, and interoperable health data—especially data disaggregated by sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
   JACARDI is addressing this gap by developing a conceptual data framework for mapping and improving national and regional datasets. The framework spans risk factors, disease conditions, and modifiers of disease or care across population, outpatient, and hospital settings. The information is also structured by domains (care, results, quality indicators), offering a comprehensive and standardised approach to data mapping.
   This framework will inform a practical consultation tool to support standardised, comparable, and interoperable data collection across Europe. The aim is to enhance research, promote accountability, and strengthen European health information systems in alignment with OECD, WHO, and EC priorities.
5. Screening and early detection
   A key recommendation from JACARDI reported within the dialogue was the creation of a centralised platform to oversee CVD screening—ensuring quality, transparency, and accountability throughout all stages, from design to evaluation. Such a platform would also house validated risk prediction tools tailored to diverse populations.
   JACARDI supports this vision with a suite of tools developed across the Joint Action, including guidance for implementing, monitoring, and evaluating screening programmes; roadmaps for sustainability; and strategies for disease burden surveillance (via WP7). These resources reflect JACARDI’s holistic approach, linking prevention, early detection, and continuous care.
6. Workplace interventions
   CVDs and diabetes significantly impact Europe’s labour market. JACARDI addresses this challenge by promoting workplace interventions that support people living with NCDs in maintaining or returning to employment.
   Strategic recommendations include strengthening occupational health services, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, combating stigma, promoting intersectoral collaboration, and increasing awareness and research investment. By aligning employment policy with health priorities, JACARDI aims to reduce economic strain and improve quality of life.
   
   

From prevention to rehabilitation: closing the gaps

Effective care for CVD and diabetes requires integrated, person-centred pathways that span the full spectrum of need—from early detection to long-term management and reintegration into society. Reducing fragmentation, ensuring timely access to services, and addressing the needs of chronically ill individuals are essential. JACARDI is actively supporting Member States in designing and implementing more cohesive, sustainable care models—bridging current gaps and promoting resilience in national health systems.

Looking ahead: building Europe’s CVD response together

As the OECD-led analytical report continues to evolve, JACARDI remains committed to contributing to this inclusive, co-creative process. Through piloted innovations, practical tools, and sustained cross-border collaboration, the Joint Action seeks to strengthen Europe’s collective response to CVD and diabetes.

JACARDI’s contribution rests on four foundational principles:

1. Equity as structure and substance—addressing the needs of women, migrants, and other underserved groups throughout the policy cycle;
2. High-quality, harmonised, and disaggregated data—to enable effective monitoring, accountability, and action;
3. Cross-sectoral integration—connecting health with education, employment, social protection, and digital transformation;
4. Inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement—ensuring that patients, professionals, policymakers, and civil society shape the future together.

In closing, JACARDI exemplifies what is possible when countries align around a shared vision. Through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion, we are not only shaping better health outcomes—we are building a lasting legacy of equity, resilience, and solidarity across Europe.

“JACARDI, together with all key stakeholders, is showing what’s possible when Europe comes together with a shared purpose and vision—turning knowledge into action, and collaboration into a legacy of healthier, fairer societies for all, starting with the urgent challenge of cardiovascular diseases.”

— JACARDI Coordination Team, Benedetta Armocida and Beatrice Formenti

Stefano Del Prato: Advancing precision diabetes medicine – the role of data, technology, and JACARDI’s contribution through pragmatic and practical actions

The collection, analysis, and the insights we gain from data are critical for monitoring improvements in healthcare, and helping us to standardize treatment across Europe. JACARDI is a critical asset in this regard, says Stefano Del Prato, President of the European Diabetes Forum (EUDF) and member of JACARDI’s Stakeholder Advisory Board. With decades of expertise in diabetes research and clinical practice, he offers a deep dive into the four most critical steps – early diagnosis, empowering people, equitable care, and embracing science and technology – for combating the burden of NCDs, the avenues for making innovations of diabetes care more accessible, and how advancements in monitoring technology can support personalized treatment.

What significance does JACARDI hold for you and your organization in terms of its mission and values?

The EUDF brings together all the key stakeholders working and advocating in the field of diabetes across Europe. To me, JACARDI is a natural complement to our efforts to standardize diabetes treatment throughout Europe. Standardizing treatment can reduce diabetes-related complications including cardiovascular disease, and mortality. I believe JACARDI is an outstanding tool for uniting the expertise of more than 20 European countries. We are proud to serve as advisors because, at the European Diabetes Forum, we share a goal similar to that of JACARDI. I see this as a partnership and a significant opportunity to improve outcomes for many people at risk of cardiovascular complications across Europe.

What are the most critical next steps for Europe in addressing the dual burden of cardiovascular disease and diabetes?

I believe there are many actions we can take. At the European Diabetes Forum, which I currently preside over, we have been collaborating to identify key initiatives to propose to the new European Parliament’s political agenda – a process that took place during the election campaign. We developed four main messages, primarily focused on diabetes but applicable to many conditions that increase cardiovascular risk.

The first is early detection. This approach works for identifying individuals at risk of diabetes, those showing signs of obesity or overweight to prevent further progression, and those at cardiovascular risk.

The second is empowering people. In diabetes care, this means educating individuals to manage their condition effectively, while also raising general awareness about how proper health education and a healthy lifestyle can prevent non-communicable diseases and their cardiovascular consequences.

The third is providing equitable care. Although Europe is a powerful and dynamic region, significant differences exist from country to country. We must ensure that effective management strategies, procedures, and the latest medications are implemented as swiftly and fairly as possible across Europe to reach all those who need them.

Finally, the fourth is embracing science and technology. We believe Europe should lead in research and clinical development. We have brilliant minds here, and we need systems that enable collaboration to develop new science and technology, as well as to implement effective innovations in clinical practice. In summary, our four priorities are early diagnosis, empowering people, equitable care, and embracing science and technology – each of which can greatly improve care for more people.

In your recent article for Euractive, you highlighted that European health systems are not ready to fully utilize the emerging innovations in diabetes care. You mentioned local policy barriers across Europe, including bureaucratic hurdles and lengthy approval processes for modern treatments. Given that diabetes cases in the EU are projected to nearly double by 2050, with significant implications for cardiovascular diseases and other complications, how do you see JACARDI contributing to the transformation of national health systems to overcome these barriers and implement more effective diabetes care strategies across Member States?

JACARDI is a complex program with great value because it brings together many European countries. By enhancing networking, discussions, and the sharing of experiences and new ideas, it offers a tremendous opportunity for progress. In addition to these networking benefits, JACARDI includes pragmatic and practical actions. One critical aspect is the proper collection of data through registries. Such registries allow us to monitor improvements in healthcare for reducing the burden of diabetes and cardiovascular risk within each country and compare differences between countries, thereby helping us to standardize treatment approaches.

I hold a simple principle: the free circulation of people in Europe means that individuals who move from one country to another—and who may have diabetes or cardiovascular disease—should receive similar and optimal treatment regardless of where they are. To achieve this, we must harmonize healthcare processes as much as possible. With 21 countries participating, JACARDI unites local expertise and experiences, leading to actions that can be translated into effective clinical processes. I am convinced it is essential to teach our new medical professionals the importance of data—its collection, analysis, and the insights we can gain from it. In my view, JACARDI is a critical asset in this regard.

Professor Del Prato, in your article you discussed how scientific and technological innovations are transforming diabetes care. We are aware of continuous glucose monitoring devices, next-generation insulin pumps, digital applications, and AI-driven solutions. Could you elaborate on the specific technological breakthroughs you believe will have the most significant impact on diabetes care in Europe? Which of these innovations do you see as priorities for implementation across EU healthcare systems?

I believe a key technological advance is improved glucose monitoring. This advancement is significant not only because it helps individuals with diabetes understand how lifestyle modifications or medications affect their blood sugar levels but also because continuous glucose monitoring systems allow for interconnectivity. This connectivity makes telemonitoring possible, which can facilitate both the education and self-empowerment of people with diabetes, as well as the collection of data to alert physicians when a patient is deviating from optimal glycemic control.

It’s not just about measuring glucose continuously; it’s also about processing and transmitting that data. For instance, in my region in Tuscany, Italy, there is a system that sends continuous glucose monitoring data directly to a patient’s electronic health record.

There is also a distinction between technologies for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. You mentioned automatic insulin delivery, which is an incredible and important advancement. I recall when I began my career, we used an early form of an artificial pancreas—a bulky machine that required the patient to remain in bed for a time. Now, after more than 30 years of progress, technology has evolved rapidly to manage glucose control in individuals who lack insulin secretion throughout their daily tasks.

These examples demonstrate how technology can support personalized treatment and foster precision diabetes medicine. By analyzing data from glucose monitoring, a more detailed profile of an individual with diabetes can be generated, which may help determine the optimal treatment at the right time. This concept applies not only to diabetes but also to other conditions, including cardiovascular risk. If we can identify individuals at higher risk, we can focus our efforts and allocate resources more effectively. I believe that technology will significantly advance diabetes care and medicine as a whole.

How do you see the role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes management? By 2022, the American Diabetes Association’s standards of care included GLP-1 receptor agonists as a first-line pharmacological therapy for type 2 diabetes in patients with or at high risk for heart failure. How do you see their role in Europe?

I do not see much difference across the pond. I was involved in the consensus on the treatment of type 2 diabetes from the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, and our recommendations were identical. When managing type 2 diabetes, it is essential to reduce complications in order to improve quality of life. This requires addressing four major aspects in addition to social determinants of health and lifestyle modifications.

First, achieving good glycemic control is crucial in preventing microvascular complications. Many individuals with diabetes still experience eye, kidney, or nerve complications, which also contribute to cardiovascular risk.

Second, we must focus on body weight management. Drugs like GLP-1 receptor agonists—and more recently, dual agonists—have shown great promise in achieving glycemic control and promoting weight loss.

Third, it is important to consider cardiovascular risk from the outset, as many patients with diabetes also have high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, or impaired kidney function.

Finally, for those who already have cardiovascular damage or are at very high cardiovascular risk, we recommend that medications proven to provide cardiovascular benefits are used as early as possible. This includes GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors. In this respect, our approach is aligned with our colleagues in the United States.

Stefano Del Prato is a retired Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the School of Medicine, University of Pisa and past-Chief of the Section of Diabetes, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy. Currently he is affiliate Professor of Medicine at the Interdisciplinary Research Center “Health Science” of the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa and affiliate physician at the “Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio”, Pisa.

Professor Del Prato’s main research interests have always been the physiopathology and therapy of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. He acts as referee for numerous journals and has served on the Editorial Boards of major scientific journals in the field of diabetes and metabolism. Professor Del Prato is past Vice-President of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), past Chairman of the European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD), past President and Honorary President of the Italian Society of Diabetology, and immediate past-President of the EASD.

Currently is the President of the European Diabetes Forum (EUDF). He served as Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the World Diabetes Congress in Dubai, UAE, in 2011. He has authored over 560 articles (PubMed) in peer-reviewed international journals and has been awarded several honors including the Prize of the Italian Society of Diabetology for outstanding scientific activity, the Honorary Professorship at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredya in Lima, the 10th Lifetime Contribution Oration Award from the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, India. He has been bestowed the honor of Commander of the Order of the Italian Republic for Scientific Merits.

Learn more about Stefano Del Prato and his work here, and connect on LinkedIn here.

From promising ideas to real impact: WHO’s Quick Buys for combating NCDs

What if targeted actions could transform public health across Europe in just five years? This was the question posed at an event organized by the WHO European Region, where experts gathered to unveil and discuss the groundbreaking paper ‘Quick buys for prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases’. The study, conducted by experts in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) at WHO/Europe, has for the first time analysed exactly how 25 specific public health measures, so-called quick buys, can have a positive impact on population health across Europe and central Asia in as little as 5 years.

NCDs are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. In Europe, they account for 90% of all deaths and 85% of disability, including mental ill health. A significant proportion of NCD deaths are premature, before the age of 70 and an estimated 60% of all avoidable NCD deaths are due to preventable causes. These could be addressed by reducing alcohol and tobacco use, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity.

However, progress on NCD prevention has stalled, as highlighted by the WHO Europe’s European Health Report 2024 and the UN’s 2025 NCD progress report. These publications show a rise in obesity and diabetes and insufficient progress toward meeting global NCD targets by 2030. With just 25 weeks remaining until the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs, the clock is ticking to accelerate progress toward reducing premature mortality from NCDs. In line with this objective, JACARDI supports countries in reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes at the individual and health system levels.

From best buys to quick buys: a roadmap for action

Dr Benedetta Armocida, coordinator of JACARDI, emphasized during the event the transformative potential of these interventions. “Advancing cost-effective policies is a global health priority. This paper makes a critical contribution by introducing structured timeframes, an essential component for strategic planning, implementation and impact assessment”.

WHO has previously identified a set of best buys, proven, cost-effective measures to address NCDs. Now, it can show which of those measures deliver the fastest results. The 25 quick buys, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe [1], include policies targeting key risk factors and disease groups.

The 25 quick buys with proven impact within 5 years

These measures are designed to yield high-impact results in record time, making them indispensable in the current public health landscape. Professor David Stuckler, from the University of Bocconi and co-author of the paper, echoed the urgency: “This paper is a roadmap for action. There are no more excuses not to implement it”.

The quick buys focus on practical measures. For example, pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults, treatment of myocardial infarctions with acetylsalicylic acid, and treating strokes with intravenous thrombolytic therapy have all an impact of less than a year.

The role of Joint Actions: JACARDI and JA PreventNCD

As a Joint Action initiative, JACARDI exemplifies how research and policy can align to drive meaningful change.

1. Provide evidence on feasibility, scalability and sustainability

The study on quick buys underscores the need for more natural experiments to assess the real-world impact of interventions. “This is precisely where Joint Actions like JACARDI can play a crucial role. By generating robust implementation research, Joint Actions provide essential evidence on feasibility, scalability and sustainability of interventions. JACARDI serves as a bridge between research and policy, facilitating the translation of evidence into concrete, actionable strategies at national and regional level”, explained Dr Armocida.

2. Creating a platform for knowledge exchange

Stakeholder cooperation and a multi-sectoral approach is another aspect highlighted by the JACARDI coordinator. “By fostering cooperation among Member States and key EU stakeholders and diverse sectors, Joint Actions can create a platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building and coordinated policy responses. This collaborative approach extends beyond national boundaries, contributing to a more integrated and effective NCDs prevention and control framework at European level”, concluded Dr Armocida.

3. Ensuring the effectiveness and equity of monitoring systems

In line with this, Dr Hanna Tolonen, representing JACARDI’s sister project called JA PreventNCD, emphasized the vital importance of monitoring systems in ensuring the effectiveness and equity of public health interventions: “Within JA PreventNCD, we are working on the monitoring aspects to see how countries are currently tracking progress and how we can support them in improving their surveillance activities”.

By leveraging collaborative initiatives like these and integrating evidence-based strategies, the path forward becomes clearer and more achievable. The message from the WHO/Europe event is clear: the time for action is now. This is the way to turn promising ideas into tangible health outcomes for all.

Source:
[1] Gauden Galea, Allison Ekberg, Angela Ciobanu, Marilys Corbex, Jill Farrington, Carina Ferreira-Bores, Daša Kokole, María Lasierra Losada, Maria Neufeld, Ivo Rakovac, Elena Tsoy, Kremlin Wickramasinghe, Julianne Williams, Martin McKee, David Stuckler, Quick buys for prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases

The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, 2025, 101281, ISSN 2666-7762

Bart Torbeyns: JACARDI’s unified strategy makes perfect sense

Meet Bart Torbeyns, the Executive Director of the European Diabetes Forum (EUDF) and a pivotal voice in the fight against diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As a member of JACARDI’s Stakeholder Advisory Board, Bart commends JACARDI’s integrated approach to addressing both diseases simultaneously. “For primary care physicians and patients managing multiple chronic conditions, JACARDI’s unified strategy makes perfect sense,” he observes. Bart passionately advocates for the elimination of discrimination against individuals living with diabetes and establishes that the critical step for lowering its burden is establishing clear targets through better data.

What significance does JACARDI hold for you and your organization in terms of its mission and values?

At its core, JACARDI is about improving outcomes for people living with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While I work for the united diabetes community, we’re acutely aware that many of the people living with diabetes also face cardiovascular risks and, in some cases, complications. What makes JACARDI so valuable is its focus on the entire patient journey, starting with health literacy, labor participation, patient pathways, screening, and better management. These areas are still critically needed across many European countries.

For example, in the area of screening, we know that up to one in three people with diabetes are unaware they have the disease, reaching one in two in certain countries. These individuals, by definition, are not receiving education or proper treatment, leading to severe complications. Addressing these gaps is fundamental to the work we do.

How do you think JACARDI’s work aligns with promoting the overall well-being of patients?

The well-being of people with diabetes is crucial, and JACARDI’s work aligns perfectly with this focus. Health literacy and labor participation are especially vital in this context. Self-management is another key element. When people are well-treated, well-managed, and educated about their condition, they gain confidence in how to handle it, which provides peace of mind.

This is particularly important for families, parents, and teachers who support younger individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The better they understand the disease, the better the overall well-being of those involved.

Labor participation is another critical area. Unfortunately, discrimination against people with NCDs, including diabetes, still exists. Many individuals hesitate to reveal their condition, for instance, I know people who would never inject insulin publicly and instead hide to do it. It’s crucial to combat this stigma. People with diabetes can make valuable contributions to the economy and society. I’ve encountered many brilliant individuals with diabetes, and ensuring they have opportunities to participate fully is essential for their well-being but also for our economy and society. The work JACARDI is doing on labor participation is a prime example of addressing these challenges.

What are the most critical next steps for Europe in addressing the dual burden of cardiovascular disease and diabetes?

A critical step is establishing clear targets to achieve better outcomes for people living with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This process begins with better data, improving its availability, sharing, and utilization. For instance, many European countries don’t even know how many people in their population have diabetes. Without this basic information, it’s difficult to make progress.

Once we have reliable data, the next step is setting targets to improve results and prevent complications. What I particularly appreciate about JACARDI is its collaborative approach, bringing together the cardiovascular and diabetes communities. There’s so much we can learn and share from each other.

By adopting a patient-centric perspective, it’s clear that many people with diabetes are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and the reverse is also true. Often, we think in silos, creating separate plans for diabetes, obesity, or cardiovascular disease, but for primary care physicians and patients managing multiple chronic conditions, JACARDI’s unified strategy makes perfect sense, and that’s an approach I fully support.

Recently the new Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Mr. Várhelyi, announced he will propose a comprehensive cardiovascular health plan that will also address diabetes and obesity. We very much welcome such a comprehensive approach and we are confident that JACARDI’s deliverables will be consolidated in this new plan.

Bart Torbeyns is a dedicated leader in public health policy and advocacy, with a focus on improving healthcare systems and addressing chronic diseases. With master’s degrees in Pharmacy and Business Economics from the University of Louvain, he has contributed to initiatives like the SUGAR and the DYSIS studies, generating vital local data for diabetes and atherosclerosis care in Belgium. He has worked as Head of Public Affairs in Belgium and Europe at MSD and Sanofi, and analyzed healthcare systems and developed strategies to promote equitable access to care. Now serving since 2020 as the Executive Director of the European Diabetes Forum (EUDF), he works to advance collaborative, patient-centered policies addressing diabetes and cardiovascular health across Europe.

Learn more about the European Diabetes Forum (EUDF) here and connect with Bart Torbeyns on LinkedIn here.

Janne Sørensen: Being aware of one’s own biases is part of a patient-centered approach

The diversity of JACARDI’s experts is a tremendous asset to the project, as it brings many different perspectives to the table, according to Janne Sørensen, diversity expert at the University of Copenhagen in the Department of Public Health. As a member of JACARDI’s Scientific Advisory Board, she shines a light on how vulnerable groups are impacted by diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and how healthcare professionals can better answer their needs. Her message to people working in healthcare is to see the whole person in front of them and to consider implementing equity as a lifelong learning process.

What significance does JACARDI hold for you and your organisation in terms of its mission and values?

As a public health expert, one of the core elements of my work is addressing health inequalities and striving for greater health equity for all. JACARDI’s focus on combating these inequalities, particularly in the context of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, resonates deeply with both my personal mission and the goals of my organization.

How do you see JACARDI’s role in tackling the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in Europe?

Well, this is a big question and a significant challenge, as diabetes is on the rise. We need to stop its progression and bring the situation under control. JACARDI is a large initiative and, I believe, a serious attempt to address this challenge. You are confronting the problem head-on with innovative approaches. JACARDI positions itself at the heart of the EU’s efforts to tackle this issue. It is an impressive project, and I am very happy to be part of it.

How do you see our role in promoting equity in healthcare?

JACARDI plays a significant role here because it aims to address inequalities. In other words, we see disparities affecting many vulnerable groups who are significantly impacted by these health issues. For example, people with lower socio-economic status, migrants, ethnic minorities, and LGBT groups all have a higher prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

I must say this is an ambitious objective for such a large project, and it might be quite challenging to mainstream diversity, reach everyone, and ensure that everyone adopts principles of equity and diversity.

How do you see the significance of cultural diversity in the development of diabetes and CVD treatment? And what is the most important or critical aspect of this?

This is significant because you are addressing these particularly vulnerable groups. It is therefore crucial to ensure that you consider meeting people with their diverse identities, vulnerabilities, and characteristics in order to effectively tackle the issues of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Implementing diversity can be challenging, but you’ve brought it to the forefront. Ideally, the insights gained from this project will inspire experts to incorporate them into their own work and organizations long after it concludes. JACARDI brings together a diverse group of experts, representing a wide range of educational backgrounds, nationalities, ethnicities, and experiences. This diversity is a tremendous asset to the project, as it brings many different perspectives to the table.

You are providing training for healthcare professionals on cultural diversity. Are there questions that professionals often ask?

Some people ask why it is necessary to discuss diversity, especially if they are already working with a patient-centered approach. My answer is always that while you might have a patient-centered approach, it doesn’t necessarily require that you, as a health professional, reflect on your own background, biases, and stereotypes. Understanding these is crucial when interacting with patients.

Additionally, we discuss health inequalities: that many people are worse off in terms of health because they have fewer opportunities from the beginning of their lives, simply because they belong to specific groups and face discrimination within the healthcare system. These differences also exist among various groups, such as people with disabilities or those from the LGBT community, and so on.

What is your message to healthcare professionals then?

My message is that you need to see the whole person in front of you, in addition to knowing the prevalence of diseases and risk factors and being able to diagnose. This is not easy, because as a healthcare professional, you have to consider many things during a short appointment.

I believe we are trying to improve communication and interaction between healthcare professionals and patients by raising awareness of the disadvantages the patient may face, as well as the risk factors. At the same time, it’s important to recognize what professionals bring into the meetings.

This is a lifelong learning process, not something that can be mastered through a short course. Applying these lessons in practice after completing a course is an entirely different challenge.

Janne Sørensen is a specialist in diversity and diversity competence, based at the Department of Public Health at the University of Copenhagen. Her work focuses on integrating diversity competence into medical education through training programs for students and healthcare professionals. Alongside her teaching, Janne conducts research on various aspects of diversity and addresses issues of discrimination within medical student communities.

Learn more about Janne Sørensen and her work and connect on LinkedIn.

Silvia Ussai: JACARDI aims to fill the gaps in the management of NCDs

“This initiative is remarkable because, while many projects focus on non-communicable diseases, JACARDI prioritises policy integration”, says Silvia Ussai, a member of JACARDI’s Scientific Advisory Board. Drawing on over a decade of experience in shaping health policies across local, national, and international levels, and managing major programs like H2020, and NextGenEU, she underscores how JACARDI tackles critical gaps towards the reduction of major risk factors leading to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

What significance does JACARDI hold for you and your organization in terms of its mission and values?

JACARDI truly goes beyond the state of the art in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It is a transformative initiative in the fight against NCDs. For the first time, JACARDI seeks to standardise approaches within and beyond the EU to ensure a coherent strategy for NCDs, and cardiovascular diseases in particular.

The project recognises that there are significant differences in the way countries address NCDs due to differences in government investment and health care frameworks, resulting in different patient pathways. By adopting a standardised approach based on the highest scientific standards, JACARDI brings an innovative dimension to healthcare.

This initiative is remarkable because, while many projects focus on non-communicable diseases, JACARDI prioritises policy integration. Its commitment to high standards of care throughout the patient journey is closely aligned with the mission and values of our organisation.

In your experience, what are the most critical economic and policy considerations when implementing health initiatives in diverse global settings?

When I was a medical student, my professor of internal medicine used to say: “the two most challenging things to achieve with patients are convincing them to stop smoking and losing weight”. These are the main drivers of non-communicable diseases. It’s important to focus on behavioural science and provide patients with evidence to effectively support these changes.

Let me give you an example. Pregnancy is often accompanied by advice to stay physically active, but the consequences of insufficient activity — such as what it means in real life to depend everyday on insulin injections to keep your baby safe — are not clearly communicated. Many patients do not fully understand how their habits affect their lives, with consequences such as gestational diabetes, which is highly disruptive. And that is where JACARDI comes in, to fill that gap, to give patients the information to understand what they can do, what their power is, and the consequences of not following certain guidelines.

Policymakers also need to recognise the importance of investing in the prevention of NCDs. The effectiveness of preventive programs remains largely overlooked, despite all the evidence highlighted during the COVID pandemic. Budget constraints make it difficult to prioritise among multiple health threats, including infectious diseases and cancer. Patients need to be actively involved in prevention, rather than relying on drugs alone. Without their engagement and empowerment, financial resources will always be insufficient to address these pressing health challenges.

How do you see JACARDI’s role in tackling the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in Europe?

JACARDI addresses key gaps in the management of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, such as health literacy and patient behaviour. If you look at the JACARDI work plan, work packages reflect this in a crystal clear manner, relying on the highest standard of scientific evidence to date to improve outcomes of NCDs. So JACARDI is leading the healthcare transformation toward the prevention of NCDs at the EU level and beyond.

What role do you believe JACARDI can play in shaping future healthcare policies and practices, especially in low-resource settings?

I believe the most important role it can play is to scale up and transfer lessons learned in developed countries to low-resource settings. By acting as a pioneer, it can help to replicate successful policies and practices and guide other regions in addressing these health challenges.

Silvia Ussai is an International Public Health Manager with a unique skill set obtained through a double degree as Doctor of Pharmacy and Medical Doctor. She holds a specialization in International Healthcare Management from SDA Bocconi and, in 2019, she successfully completed the Program on Negotiation (PON), the executive-level negotiation training offered by Harvard University. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Ussai has made significant contributions to health policies and pharmaceutical systems at local, regional, national, and international levels.

Learn more about Silvia Ussai and her work and connect on LinkedIn.

Knut Inge Klepp and Linda Granlund: It’s important to find ways to build a community

With more than 1,600 health care professionals, scientists and public health experts involved, both JACARDI and JA PreventNCD recognize the necessity of fostering and building a strong sense of community and collaboration. According to the coordinators of JA PreventNCD, Knut Inge Klepp and Linda Granlund, building that sense of unity is no small feat, but is essential to make the most of the extraordinary investment and collective effort to tackle non-communicable diseases across Europe. In this conversation, the two coordinators explore the opportunities presented by this unprecedented joint commitment to prevention and the challenges of coordinating such large-scale projects.

What does JACARDI mean to you personally and to JA PreventNCD?

Knut Inge Klepp: There are so many synergies and so many opportunities for collaboration. It’s really useful to be able to work closely with the coordination team at JACARDI. Having colleagues you can share your victories and challenges with strengthens us as a team.

Linda Granlund: I agree with Knut Inge. Working closely with JACARDI is incredibly valuable for us, both as coordinators and as collaborators. It allows us to discuss details, but also to make sure that we avoid any overlap. On a personal note, I have lived with type 1 diabetes for 42 years, so staying informed about the developments in this field is not only professionally important but also deeply relevant to me.

Thank you for sharing! As Dr. Gauden Galea of WHO Europe explained at the Synergy meeting in Brussels this autumn (Strengthening NCD Monitoring Systems in the EU: A Collaborative Approach), after the COVID pandemic, the momentum for prevention and treatment of noncommunicable diseases was lost and the focus shifted to other areas of public health. How do you see the situation now?

Knut Inge Klepp: Well, we have these two joint actions, where the European Commission and the Member States have combined their efforts together, along with the smaller action grants. In total, almost 200 million euros are on the table. I think that reflects a significant turning point. Moving forward, our focus will be on making the best use of the substantial financial support, human capital and political commitment behind these projects.

Linda Granlund: When the Commissioner emphasized this focus, it signaled a significant shift, underscored by strong engagement and active involvement from Member States. With 21 countries participating in JACARDI and 25 in JA Prevent, it’s clear that these nations are committing substantial effort and resources to support our work.

How do you maintain focus while providing flexibility for task leaders and experts?

Linda Granlund: It’s important, to refer back to the background documents, Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the Healthier Together initiative. These provide essential guidance amid the many details of the project, work packages, tasks and subtasks. Without anchoring our efforts to these overarching goals, it’s easy to lose focus.

Knut Inge Klepp: First and foremost, it’s important to recognize that this is a significant challenge and we are fully committed to addressing it. Building on what Linda mentioned, our main objective is to ensure that our work aligns with the background documents. We regularly review these objectives and ask work package leaders, task leaders, subtask leaders and even pilot leaders to reflect on how their efforts contribute to the overall objectives. This ongoing process ensures that we are constantly reminded of what we are working towards and what we want to achieve.

Coordinating a project of this scale requires resilience, flexibility, bulletproof management and scientific rigor. What has been the most unexpected challenge you have faced so far in your first year, requiring you to think outside of the box?

Knut Inge Klepp: There are many challenges. One thing we’ve focused on recently is realizing that while we have frequent contact with a smaller group of work package leaders and maybe the task leaders and so on, there are probably between 500 and 1,000 people involved in this project – many of whom we haven’t met personally. We’ve interacted with a lot of them on screen, but it’s also important to find ways to build community, ownership of the project and a common culture. And that is also something that you are very consciously working on within JACARDI.

Linda Granlund: We have talked a lot about the different cultures involved when you have 25 countries working together. Finding a common tone is very important. How do we talk about the project? What do we emphasize? This process takes time, especially as the people involved come from different backgrounds, even if some share similar expertise.

Your dedication to creating a more health-promoting environment in Europe is well reflected in your work with a Youth Advisory Group. In your vision, what’s the NCD issue you envision for them to have to solve when you hand over the future?

Knut Inge Klepp: I started working on my first international non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention project in 1979. That was 45 years ago. Looking back, 30 years seems like a pretty short time. The scale and the context are different, but it’s striking that some of the issues we’re dealing with are quite similar. I think one of the values of this youth panel is their ability to bring a perspective that is grounded in their reality. In terms of health issues, we are seeing the convergence of NCDs with mental health and infectious diseases. The pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of people with underlying NCDs to infectious diseases. Addressing these interconnected challenges is something that today’s young people will have to deal with, even as we continue to work towards solutions in the present.

Linda Granlund: I think when we hand over the results in four or five years, we’ll have an understanding of that. Collaboration across sectors is essential, as we now focus on addressing the underlying factors that contribute to preventing NCDs. These are primarily related to the health care system, but we need to involve the other sectors more, such as the school sector, the transport sector, and create a mutual understanding of why they need to be involved and in what capacity. With the support of the EU Commission, this approach will benefit all the countries involved.

Learn more and connect:
JA Prevent NCD

Linda Granlund is the Division Director for Public Health at the Norwegian Directorate of Health, a role she has held since 2015. With over 20 years of experience, she has led initiatives to improve public health and nutrition. Previously, Linda worked in roles including Director of Health and Nutrition at a Norwegian food company that produces and markets some of the country’s most well-known and beloved food products, where she advanced projects to promote healthier eating. Linda also served as Vice Chair of Diabetesforbundet, the Norwegian Diabetes Association, advocating for better diabetes care. Her expertise spans health policy, nutrition, and public health advocacy.

Connect on Linkedin here.

Knut Inge Klepp is the Executive Director of the Division of Mental and Physical Health at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. He has had an extensive career in public health, previously serving as the Director General of Public Health at the Norwegian Directorate of Health. Klepp is also an adjunct professor at the University of Oslo. His academic focus includes adolescent nutrition, obesity prevention, and nutrition policy. He has led numerous EU research projects, has published over 250 papers in peer reviewed journals and contributed significantly to international health initiatives, including WHO’s efforts to reduce non-communicable diseases.

Learn more about Knut Inge Klepp and his work here and connect on LinkedIn here.

Elisabeth Dupont: A joint approach on CVD and diabetes is more than just the sum of the two!

JACARDI has the potential to be truly transformative according to Elisabeth Dupont, Regional Manager at the International Diabetes Federation Europe (IDF Europe) and member of JACARDI’s Stakeholder Advisory Board. In an enlightening discussion, we explore the powerful synergy of tackling diabetes and cardiovascular diseases through an integrated approach. With years of experience in patient advocacy, Elisabeth shares valuable insights on policy engagement, stressing the importance of early collaboration with policymakers, while harnessing the collective voice of national diabetes associations and people with lived experience. Her expertise particularly shines through when discussing patient involvement in healthcare initiatives.

How do you see JACARDI’s role in tackling the increasing prevalence of diabetes in Europe?

Over 32 million people in the EU live with diabetes, and this figure is expected to rise to 38 million by 2030. Adding to this challenge is the fact that more than one-third of people with diabetes remain undiagnosed, underscoring the urgent need to improve diabetes prevention, management, and care. Diabetes is a highly complex and evolving condition, with various expressions and causes, requiring a life-course approach. Its scientific and policy links to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) further highlight the importance of initiatives like JACARDI.

The Joint Action on Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes, which addresses the entire patient pathway, has the potential to be truly transformative. By bringing together 76 partners across 21 countries, JACARDI will enhance understanding of the diabetes landscape at regional, national, and European levels. Successful pilot projects will serve as proof of concept, demonstrating what truly impacts health outcomes and quality of life for people with diabetes, and how healthcare systems must adapt or transform to improve detection, early diagnosis, access to education, and high-quality treatment and care. A joint approach on CVD and diabetes is more than just the sum of the two!

What advice do you have for JACARDI’s pilots to translate their results into policy?

My first piece of advice would be to engage with policymakers as early as possible, leveraging the support and influence of national diabetes associations and people with lived experience. Translating project results into policy changes requires collaboration with the community and a clear understanding of how the project aligns with regional and national diabetes priorities, such as addressing healthcare workforce shortages, improving access to care in rural areas, or enhancing early diagnosis, integrating care and ensuring equitable access to innovation. It’s also essential to demonstrate the added value for healthcare systems and highlight the pilot’s positive impact on patient outcomes and quality of life.

IDF Europe is one of the key stakeholders of JACARDI. How can we strengthen this cooperation to address the growing challenge of diabetes and bring real and tangible added value to populations and patients?

IDF Europe is an umbrella organization of 72 diabetes associations, active in 45 countries, representing both people living with diabetes and healthcare professionals. IDF Europe strongly believes that the voice of people living with diabetes must remain central at all levels to ensure that interventions, innovations, and policy changes truly address their needs and deliver tangible impact. We welcome the opportunity to advise work package leaders and pilot leaders to ensure patient input and feedback are consistently integrated.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the Joint Action, it is crucial to establish ongoing communication with the wider diabetes community, keeping them regularly informed of progress and involving diabetes associations in pilot activities where their contributions can enhance the project. Additionally, we suggest leveraging the IDF Europe network to communicate about the Joint Action and co-develop advocacy campaigns that promote policy changes based on successful pilot outcomes.

Elisabeth Dupont has been working for more than 15 years as senior project manager for the International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research, the African Cancer Registry Network and the US National Cancer Institute Center of Global Health. In 2019 she joined IDF Europe as Regional Manager. She is passionate about promoting collaboration and partnerships and putting the voice of people living with chronic conditions, including diabetes, center stage.

Learn more about IDF Europe here and connect on LinkedIn here.