On 11 November 2025, JA PreventNCD hosted its pre-conference in Helsinki as part of the European Public Health Conference. The event brought together policymakers, researchers, public health practitioners, and youth representatives to examine how Europe can strengthen and align its efforts to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across all levels of governance.
The programme reflected one of the core aims of the Joint Action: to support Member States in developing effective, evidence-based, and equitable prevention policies.
Setting the Direction for Prevention
Knut-Inge Klepp, Scientific Coordinator of JA PreventNCD, opened the session by emphasising the need to address prevention at every level—from individuals to the wider structural determinants of health. He highlighted how JA PreventNCD is working to develop a comprehensive prevention framework, strengthen monitoring capacity, reduce health inequity, and contribute to more coherent and less fragmented public health efforts across Europe.
Moderator Hanna Tolonen (current president of EUPHA Public health monitoring and reporting section / JA PreventNCD member) stressed the urgency of prevention given Europe’s demographic changes, pressures on health systems, and local environments that do not always support healthy lifestyles.
Primary prevention and intersectoral approaches in the forthcoming European Commission Plan for Cardiovascular Health
Marianne Takki from the European Commission (DG SANTE) presented the forthcoming EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, which will prioritise prevention, screening, and care. The plan integrates cross-cutting themes highly relevant to the Joint Action, such as social inequalities, research, innovation, and digital tools, and will be co-created with Member States. Takki also engaged the room to a conversation about the topic, creating a lively and important dialogue.
Her presentation underscored the alignment between the Commission’s priorities and JA PreventNCD’s goal of strengthening evidence-based prevention across Europe.
Health promotion and NCD prevention initiatives at European level – support for national action
20 Years of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
Hanna Ollila (THL), thematic coordinator for tobacco in JA PreventNCD, highlighted achievements made since the launch of the WHO FCTC, as well as growing challenges such as industry interference and the need for stronger regulation of emerging nicotine products. A new JA PreventNCD policy brief was developed by the team working with health in all policies, focusing on safeguarding policy from commercial influence – an issue central to the Joint Action's work.
Transforming Food Systems
Ellen Huan-Niemi (Luke) discussed structural drivers of unhealthy diets and emphasised the need to shift from food systems that prioritise cheap calories to those that deliver nutritious, sustainable food.
Silke Cnockaert (Sciensano) presented evidence from JA PreventNCD on corporate political activity within the food industry, demonstrating how industry practices can hinder public health progress and the adoption of effective policies.
Fiscal Measures and Warning Labels
Maria Neufeld (WHO Europe) highlighted the importance of health taxation and alcohol warning labels as equitable prevention tools. She underlined the strong evidence showing that alcohol and sugar taxes reduce consumption and health inequalities, while generating revenue for governments.
Health equity in national policy making and the case of public food procurement
Health Inequities in National Policies
Kadri Tammur and Oscar Garcia presented preliminary findings from policy mapping in 17 countries within JA PreventNCD. Their results show that while many national NCD policies mention inequities, few include monitoring systems or mechanisms to address them in practice.
Transformative Potential of Public Food Procurement
Betina Bergmann Madsen (City of Copenhagen) demonstrated how long-term investment in public food procurement can drive healthier and more sustainable food environments. Copenhagen’s model—serving over 115,000 meals daily across municipal kitchens—shows how procurement can support political priorities and long-term structural change.
NCD prevention at community level
Local Commitment and Community-Level Prevention
Rosana Peiró Pérez (Fisabio) shared insights from 48 community-level pilots in JA PreventNCD. Securing political commitment was a decisive factor for success, with local leaders increasingly recognising the economic and social benefits of investing in health promotion.
Arnfinn Helleve (Norwegian Institute of Public Health) presented the Norwegian Public Health Act, illustrating how legislation, local data, and clear accountability can strengthen public health planning and action.
Panel: Current political developments: where are we heading & implications for public health and equity
The closing panel brought together voices from Finland’s ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, WHO, UNICEF, the JA PreventNCD youth advisory group and the JA PreventNCD's External Expert Advisory Board. Key messages included:
- the importance of framing prevention as an economic and societal investment,
- the value of involving youth as essential partners for long-term change,
- the need to protect policy from commercial influence, and
- the importance of long-term, systemic approaches to prevention.
The JA PreventNCD pre-conference highlighted the growing momentum for aligned, effective, and equitable NCD prevention in Europe. The discussions reinforced the Joint Action’s mission: to support cross-sectoral collaboration, strengthen the evidence base for prevention, and help Member States implement policies that reduce inequalities and promote healthier environments for all.
As JA PreventNCD moves forward, the key messages from Helsinki will contribute to shaping activities, supporting Member States, and strengthening the collective impact of NCD prevention across Europe.