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.

Milka Sokolović: JACARDI is a beacon of proactive change in Europe’s healthcare landscape

Promoting healthy eating habits and regular physical activity can greatly reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases, but the responsibility cannot fall solely on individuals. This is the approach championed by Milka Sokolović, Director General of EPHA, the European Public Health Alliance, and a member of JACARDI’s Stakeholder Advisory Board. Strong public health policies are crucial in ensuring access to healthy food options and encouraging physical activity. JACARDI plays a key role in driving these efforts, fostering cross-sector collaboration and advocating for policies that empower individuals to make healthier choices. At the same time, we must harness the power of civil society and advocate for stricter regulations on industries that harm health, including the tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed food sectors.

What does JACARDI mean to you and your organization in terms of its mission and values?

For EPHA and myself, JACARDI is a crucial initiative in combating cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases in Europe. Its focus on prevention, disease management, and cross-sectoral collaboration aligns with EPHA’s values of health equity and evidence-based policy. JACARDI’s comprehensive approach addresses these conditions and considers the broader social and commercial determinants of health, enhancing our joint advocacy for sustainable public health policies in the EU.

Based on your experience in public health, what do you consider the main barriers to reducing the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes in the EU, and how can these challenges be addressed?

Public health, particularly regarding non-communicable diseases like CVDs and diabetes, faces many challenges, including the influence of health-harming industries and varying public health policies across member states. To effectively counter these diseases we advocate for more stringent regulations on industries that negatively impact health, such as the tobacco, alcohol and ultra-processed food sectors. It is also vital to improve the coordination and integration of health policies across the EU for greater efficiency and uniformity.

Bridging the gap between political action and healthcare practice requires early stakeholder input in policy making. Leveraging the collective strength of civil society to advocate for these changes and prioritising public health in the political agenda is essential. JACARDI’s work addresses many of these critical areas.

In your experience, what are the most critical economic and political factors to consider when implementing health initiatives across different global settings?

Effectively addressing cardiovascular disease and diabetes requires understanding both economic and political contexts. Economically, resource availability and stable health financing are crucial for sustaining initiatives. Politically, long-term commitment from governments and stakeholders is necessary to implement robust health policies. Early engagement with policymakers ensures health initiatives align with regional and national priorities, improving their effectiveness.

The JACARDI model, emphasising cross-country and sector cooperation, including other joint actions like the JA PreventNCD, offers a blueprint for addressing these challenges. Through collaboration, JACARDI enhances the implementation of adaptable and resilient health strategies, serving as a framework for other global health initiatives.

What role do lifestyle changes, such as diet and physical activity, play in the prevention and management of CVD and diabetes, and how can public health policies better support these changes?

Lifestyle changes are fundamental in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes. Encouraging healthy eating habits and regular physical activity can significantly reduce the incidence of these conditions, but it cannot rely solely on the individual. Public health policies play a key role by facilitating access to healthy food options and promoting physical activity through the creation of safe and accessible public spaces.

Integrating lifestyle interventions into national health policies can have a positive impact on public health. From JACARDI’s perspective, this is being addressed through initiatives that improve health literacy and encourage active participation from diverse populations. Furthermore, educational campaigns and programmes in schools and workplaces can motivate behavioural changes.

Finally, comprehensive policy approaches are crucial and it is essential that public policies tackle health misinformation and provide citizens with the necessary tools to assess the information that they are exposed to.

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

JACARDI is a beacon of proactive change in Europe’s healthcare landscape. Its comprehensive approach to disease management and prevention addresses the rising prevalence of CVD and diabetes, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and effective management.

Beyond immediate health interventions, JACARDI integrates diverse healthcare approaches, ensuring inclusivity and adaptability for both urban and underserved populations. This ensures no one is left behind. Through these efforts, JACARDI strengthens European health systems’ ability to manage and prevent these diseases, promoting a healthier and more equitable future for all European citizens.

In a career that spans a quarter of a century and three countries, it was her unceasing quest for more impact and purpose in her work that brought Milka Sokolović to EPHA. As Director General, she instigates alliances and forges partnerships, while advocating for equitable solutions to European public health challenges, insisting on the vital role of civil society in reaching those solutions.

Milka Sokolović holds a degree in Biology from the University of Belgrade, and a PhD in Medicine from the University of Amsterdam. Through her research and academic roles at the Universities of Belgrade and Amsterdam, and her leadership roles at the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) and the European Nutrition Leadership Platform (ENLP), she has developed a remarkable expertise in scientific research, communication, and strategic partnerships.

Milka is skilled at developing and implementing organisational strategies, equipped with robust leadership competencies, and armed with ample enthusiasm, driven by Goethe’s “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”

Learn more about EPHA here and connect with Milka Sokolović here.

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

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.