Call for applications: 2027 summer school - Systems thinking and innovation for the prevention of noncommunicable diseases and a healthy ageing population in the WHO European Region

What requirements must applicants meet?

Required: - Relevant professional experience in public health, innovation, healthy ageing and NCD prevention, or NCD risk factors; education; experience; personal statement; and potential for future collaboration. The WHO European Region continues to face a considerable burden from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs are the leading cause of death and disability in the Region and account for more than 80% of all deaths. One in five men and one in 10 women in the Region die before the age of 70 from major NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. Approximately 1.8 million avoidable deaths from NCDs occur each year in the Region. Around 60% are associated with preventable risk factors and could be avoided through effective public health interventions, and 40% are considered treatable through timely access to high-quality health services. Progress has been made, and mortality from several NCDs and risk factors has declined over time. However, the pace of progress remains insufficient to meet many agreed global targets, and recent years have brought significant setbacks. Some risk factors are also moving in the wrong direction. WHO/Europe estimates that almost 60% of adults in the Region live with overweight or obesity, as do approximately one in three school-aged children. Obesity is influenced by wider food, economic, social, commercial and physical environments. Insufficient physical activity remains a concern, and tobacco and alcohol continue to contribute substantially to premature mortality. The economic consequences are considerable. Annual productivity losses associated with avoidable NCD mortality are estimated at approximately US$ 514 billion. NCD prevention is not only a health issue; it is also relevant to economies, workplaces, communities, social protection and sustainable development. Population ageing, demographic change, urbanization, technological developments, environmental pressures, changing food and commercial environments, and economic uncertainty are creating both opportunities and challenges for public health. These changes are interconnected. The challenge is to understand how these changes interact and how health systems and societies can adapt. Preferred: Not specified by the provider