Brussels, 12 June 2024 — Today marks the launch of a groundbreaking report by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Commercial Determinants of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) in the WHO European Region. The report, co-authored by Jappe Eckhardt, delves into the significant impact of commercial factors on public health, particularly focusing on how industries such as tobacco, alcohol, ultra-processed foods, and fossil fuels contribute to the prevalence of NCDs.
The high-level event in Brussels, where the report was unveiled, drew considerable media attention, including coverage from The Guardian. The Guardian's article "Tobacco, alcohol, processed foods and fossil fuels ‘kill 2.7m a year in Europe" emphasises the urgent need to address the influence of these commercial determinants, highlighting the role of industries in exacerbating health risks and contributing to preventable deaths.
Jappe expressed the importance of the report in shaping future public health policies. "Understanding how commercial interests impact health is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat NCDs," said Eckhardt. "This report provides a comprehensive analysis that can guide policymakers in the WHO European Region and beyond."
The WHO's report calls for increased regulation and public awareness to mitigate the negative health impacts of these industries. It also highlights successful case studies and strategies that have been implemented in various countries to reduce the burden of NCDs.
For more details, the full report is available at the WHO's official repository: WHO Report on Commercial Determinants of NCDs.
