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Overweight or obesity affect 1 in 3 children in Croatia, new survey shows 06-07-2021
The results of new research into childhood obesity in Croatia indicate that 35% of the country’s children aged 8–9 suffer from being overweight or obese. Nationally, results show the obesity problem is greater in boys, affecting 17.8% of boys compared to 11.9% of girls.
An adapted alcohol screening test will help to fight health harms in the Russian Federation and beyond 01-07-2021
WHO/Europe has presented a new package of Russian- and English-language materials to help primary health-care workers in many countries of the eastern part of the WHO European Region to identify patients with risky drinking behaviours. The materials will allow health professionals to support people who might experience harm from drinking or be at risk without even knowing it.
Our choices are individual but can be influenced – high-profile celebrities have the power to encourage healthy behaviours 27-06-2021
When an influencer or public figure is seen consuming or endorsing unhealthy products, such as foods and beverages high in salt, fats and sugars, this often has an immediate effect on their followers. It may influence their consumption, attitudes and preferences. Even a simple action by a high-profile celebrity can have a significant impact and cannot be underestimated.
New WHO report shows how manufacturers attempt to avoid regulation of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products 21-06-2021
A new WHO report “Litigation relevant to regulation of novel and emerging nicotine and tobacco products: comparison across jurisdictions” offers governments examples of the legal arguments that industry has used in attempts to evade or minimize regulation, as well as how courts have addressed those arguments.
WHO Regional Director sets focus on equity, drug security and health systems during Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum 14-06-2021
The need to ensure drug security and equitable access to vaccines while strengthening national health systems has been highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. During a week-long visit to the Russian Federation for the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, stressed the importance of health equity and international collaboration.
WHO study points to interventions for improving cardiovascular health in Tajikistan 09-06-2021
A new WHO/Europe study reveals that improved blood-pressure control at the primary health-care level in Tajikistan can be achieved in 12 months using WHO tools. Elevated blood pressure is a condition directly linked to many cardiovascular diseases, which are prevalent in the country.
Commit to Quit smoking this World No Tobacco Day 31-05-2021
Today on May 31, WHO/Europe celebrates World No Tobacco Day. Under the tagline “Commit to Quit”, the aim of this year’s campaign is to support 100 million people worldwide in their attempt to give up tobacco through a range of initiatives and digital solutions.
World No Tobacco Day 2021: awards for tobacco control in the WHO European Region 26-05-2021
WHO/Europe launches a new Russian-language podcast on the hottest health topics 25-05-2021
“The how of WHO” (“ВОЗ рекомендует” in Russian) is a new podcast from WHO/Europe. It is tailored specifically to the interests of Russian speakers across the broad and diverse WHO European Region. The aim of the podcast is to explain in simple terms where public health recommendations come from and what an individual can do to stay healthy.
High rates of childhood obesity alarming given anticipated impact of COVID-19 pandemic 11-05-2021
In some countries of the WHO European Region, 1 in 3 children aged 6 to 9 years is living with overweight or obesity. Mediterranean countries have the highest rates of obesity, but the situation there is starting to improve.
New WHO data reveals main risk factors for noncommunicable diseases in Tajikistan 04-05-2021
People in Tajikistan have a relatively high risk of developing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer. The recently published WHO/Europe report “STEPS prevalence of noncommunicable disease risk factors in Tajikistan 2017” reveals the major health risk factors for the country, and how they can be reduced.
People in prisons should not be left behind amid COVID-19 vaccination 26-04-2021
People living and working in prisons should not be neglected as national programmes of COVID-19 vaccination roll out across the WHO European Region and globally. That is the main message of a recent article published by WHO/Europe in the Lancet journal.
Designing cities for health: how to change urban environments for the better? 16-04-2021
Living in cities has been linked to higher exposure to pollution, lack of physical exercise, and a resulting increase in noncommunicable diseases. However, innovations in urban design can reverse this trend and show how cities can make people’s health better. Experts gathered at the WHO Urban Design for Health online symposium 14–16 April to share success stories that are already having an impact across the WHO European Region.
Alcohol policies for the European Region: new WHO research reveals eastern Member States are leading the way 15-04-2021
Although the WHO European Region has experienced an overall decrease in alcohol consumption levels, this trend is only associated with the progress achieved by a small number of countries mainly from the eastern part of the Region. With a few notable exceptions, western European countries, including countries within the European Union (EU), have made little or no progress in the reduction of alcohol consumption.
Opportunity for improvement as new WHO report sheds light on promotion of unsuitable baby foods in Poland 06-04-2021
Inappropriate promotion of commercial baby foods can undermine parents’ confidence in home-produced foods and breastfeeding, as well as encourage dietary habits that may lead to obesity and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
Less salt for a longer life – a doctor’s advice for a healthy diet 09-03-2021
Eating less salt saves lives, but many people in the WHO European Region find it difficult to change their diets. On the occasion of Salt Awareness Week 2021, WHO/Europe shares the experience of Dr Joana Ferreira, who is helping her patients in Portugal find healthier alternatives for processed or traditional foods to reduce their salt intake.
Better than screening: with WHO’s help Ukraine chose a cost-efficient policy to prevent breast cancer 08-03-2021
International Women’s Day (IWD), 8 March is an opportunity to highlight a health issue that affects up to 1 out of 10 women in many countries of the European Region - an inspiring story of Ukraine’s search for the best tool to fight breast cancer. The country’s authorities used WHO/Europe’s expertise and advice to change their initial plans for nationwide mammography screening and started developing a more promising early diagnosis programme. The move will save Ukraine thousands of lives and millions of euros in loans.
How healthy are children’s eating habits? – WHO/Europe surveillance results 03-03-2021
World Obesity Day is on 4 March, and on this occasion WHO/Europe raises the urgent need for promoting healthy eating habits among children. This recommendation is based on the results of round 4 of the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI), which were recently published in an article in the journal Nutrients and in a WHO/Europe factsheet which summarizes the data.
WHO reviews effect of physical activity on enhancing academic achievement at school 18-02-2021
Regular physical activity, increasing physical education and active classrooms not only protect schoolchildren’s health but also improve their academic achievement. This is the finding of a wide-ranging review on Physical Activity and Academic Achievement carried out by WHO/Europe as part of its drive to ensure that young people get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day.
Fighting childhood cancer with education: Russian Federation’s experience 15-02-2021
On International Childhood Cancer Day 2021, WHO/Europe highlights progressive ways to achieve better outcomes for children with cancer in the WHO European Region. The Russian Federation’s steps to merge paediatric haematology and paediatric oncology into one medical specialty is an inspiring example of how countries’ health and education systems can adapt to new methods and save children’s lives.
New WHO report reveals urgency of confronting tobacco use among women 12-02-2021
A new report by WHO/Europe about women and the tobacco epidemic has been launched. The report, “Through a gender lens: women and tobacco in the WHO European Region”, has revealed that, although tobacco use among women is decreasing overall, the rate is going down at a much slower pace than in men, and in some countries it is increasing.
Forum for tackling misinformation on health and NCDs 03-02-2021
WHO has created a forum for tackling misinformation on health and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
Reaching Turkey’s health policy goals could avert thousands of deaths says research from WHO/Europe 19-01-2021
Approximately 20 000 deaths could have been averted in Turkey in 2017 if the country had reached its current goals of reducing tobacco and salt consumption by 30%, and physical inactivity by 10%, according to WHO/Europe experts in an article published in the Lancet. The study calculated possible outcomes of the action plan for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) adopted in the country for 2017–2025.
Uzbekistan is making healthy diets a cornerstone of national policy with the help of WHO 12-01-2021
Uzbekistan is taking important steps towards the prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) with technical guidance and support from WHO. Recently, the country adopted a series of important measures that can significantly improve food safety and the quality of nutrition, reducing many health risk factors for the population.

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