Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory illness, and diabetes remain the leading cause of premature death and disability in the WHO European Region, according to a new report released by WHO/Europe. Alarmingly, one in five men and one in ten women in the region die before the age of 70 due to NCDs—many of which could be prevented or treated with timely and effective healthcare.

The report, titled “Avoidable Mortality, Risk Factors and Policies for Tackling NCDs: Leveraging Data for Impact,” reveals that around 1.8 million deaths in the region every year are avoidable. Of these, 60% are linked to preventable causes such as tobacco and alcohol use, high blood pressure, unhealthy diets, obesity, and lack of physical activity. The remaining 40% result from treatable conditions that could be managed through early diagnosis and access to quality care.

Progress in curbing premature mortality from NCDs has been significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing the region off track to meet global NCD targets for 2025 and 2030.

“Noncommunicable diseases are not just preventable or treatable; they are also largely ignored. Yet the truth is, if NCDs were a virus, the world would be in lockdown,” said Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “Our findings show that nearly 2 million deaths can be avoided every year with better prevention or treatment, while saving billions of dollars in healthcare costs. Addressing NCDs with bold prevention policies is a political choice. The high burden of NCDs in our societies is not inevitable. We have the power and tools to turn things around.”

The economic cost of inaction is staggering. Productivity losses from avoidable NCD deaths in the region are estimated at over US$ 514.5 billion annually. Despite this, investments in NCD prevention remain critically low, even though public health measures have proven to deliver high returns.

The report also highlights persistent health disparities across Europe. While gaps between countries have narrowed since 2010, preventable risk factors—such as tobacco use, obesity, and hypertension—remain disproportionately high in the eastern part of the region. Cardiovascular diseases and preventable cancer deaths also continue to be more common among men.

However, the report offers a note of optimism. Ten countries—Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland—have already achieved the 2025 target of reducing premature mortality from the four major NCDs by 25% in both men and women. These countries have successfully implemented WHO-recommended strategies, known as “best buys,” and strengthened health systems to reduce risk factors. As a result, they have seen annual declines of over 2% in NCD-related deaths, particularly from cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

Another 26 countries in the region could still meet the 2025 goal if they scale up their efforts and investment in NCD prevention and care, the report suggests.

“A healthier future tomorrow requires bold action today,” said Dr Gauden Galea, Strategic Adviser to the WHO Regional Director’s Special Initiative on NCDs and Innovation. “The upcoming Fourth High-level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on NCDs is a pivotal moment for countries to recommit to fighting NCDs and investing in long-term health.”

The WHO report serves as both a wake-up call and a roadmap—reminding countries that the tools to tackle NCDs already exist. What’s needed now is political will, targeted investment, and a renewed focus on prevention to ensure healthier lives for millions across the European Region.