ExCo and EEAB Meeting Successfully Concludes in Menorca

The second in-person meeting of the JA PreventNCD Executive Committee (ExCo) was held on September 24-25, 2024, on Lazareto Island, Menorca. This meeting marked a significant milestone, bringing together the ExCo and the External Expert Advisory Board (EEAB) for the first time since the project's launch. Both bodies worked together to review progress, provide strategic input, and set the direction for the next phases of the project. 

The Setting: Lazareto Island 

The venue, Lazareto Island, provided an inspiring backdrop for the discussions, with its rich history in public health. The event was hosted as part of the 35th Menorca Summer School of Public Health, a fitting location given the focus of the JA PreventNCD project on reducing the burden of cancer and other NCDs in Europe.  

The first day of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the progress of the project at month 8. Leaders from various Work Packages (WPs) presented their achievements and discussed upcoming challenges. Presentations covered critical areas such as regulation and taxation, healthy living environments, social inequality, and sustainability.   

Throughout the day, EEAB members were introduced to the project’s scope and objectives. They were invited to provide their expertise and insight on how the WPs could maximize their impact. The feedback from the EEAB proved invaluable, offering fresh perspectives on the project's scientific and policy relevance. These contributions culminated in a joint feedback session that emphasized areas for further focus and improvement. 

The second day began with a session on communication and dissemination, led by Solveig Karlsdóttir from the Directorate of Health, Iceland, who heads the WP on Communication and Dissemination. This session emphasized the importance of strategic communication in promoting the project’s objectives and ensuring that key messages reach the right audiences. Simultaneously, the EEAB held a separate meeting to finalize their recommendations, which were later presented to the ExCo. 

The final session of the meeting brought both bodies together to discuss next steps and summarize the outcomes. Harry Rutter, Chair of the EEAB, delivered a succinct report, reinforcing the importance of continued collaboration and data-driven approaches to NCD prevention. A lively discussion followed, allowing ExCo members to address any outstanding questions and align on the strategic direction moving forward. 

Aside from the formal meetings, the event provided ample opportunity for networking and informal discussions. The setting of Lazareto Island and the relaxed pace of Menorca fostered a collaborative atmosphere, with participants enjoying meals together and sharing insights beyond the scheduled agenda. 

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the ExCo and EEAB are well-positioned to lead the JA PreventNCD project through its next phase. The synergy between scientific rigor and policy guidance, bolstered by the fresh insights of the EEAB, will ensure that the project continues to make strides in reducing the burden of NCDs across Europe. 

The next steps will involve refining internal reporting mechanisms, enhancing collaboration between work packages, and ensuring that the lessons learned in Menorca are carried forward into the wider work of the consortium. 

The success of the ExCo and EEAB meetings in Menorca sets a positive tone for the future of JA PreventNCD. With the EEAB’s input and the ExCo’s commitment to impactful prevention strategies, the project is on track to meet its ambitious goals. Participants left the island with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear roadmap for the months ahead.