The Hidden Epidemic: Chronic Diseases in Europe

While we often think of viruses as the deadliest threats, a startling new report reveals that chronic diseases are claiming millions of lives in Europe and Central Asia each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a staggering 1.8 million deaths annually are tied to noncommunicable diseases that could largely be prevented with improved medical care and public health strategies.

Pandemic Setbacks and Rising Risks

Though this figure is an improvement from 2010, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely hindered progress toward reducing preventable deaths even further. Worryingly, risk factors like obesity continue to rise, and as the population ages, the burden of these chronic health issues is expected to escalate.

The Alarming Statistics

The scope of the crisis is immense: in the WHO’s European region, which includes 53 countries, one in five men and one in ten women under 70 succumb to preventable health conditions. A significant 60% of these deaths are linked to lifestyle choices such as tobacco and alcohol use, high blood pressure, unhealthy diets, obesity, and lack of exercise. The remaining 40% could be avoided with timely access to adequate healthcare.

Wake-Up Call from WHO