Abstract: Investing in prevention and improved control of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) will reduce premature death and preventable morbidity and disability, and improve the quality of life and well-being of people and societies. No less than 86% of deaths and 77% of the disease burden in the WHO European Region are caused by this broad group of disorders, which show an epidemiological distribution with great inequalities reflecting a social gradient, while they are linked by common risk factors, underlying determinants and opportunities for intervention. This document contains an action plan for implementation of the European Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases. Taking account of Members States’ existing commitments, it focuses on priority action areas and interventions for the next five years (2012–2016) within a comprehensive and integrated framework. It has been developed through a consultative process, guided by the Standing Committee of the Regional Committee, and including meetings of NCD focal points and of the European Health Policy Forum for High-Level Government Officials. Its formulation has taken place against a backdrop of development of the new European health policy (Health 2020) and the Public Health Framework for Action, as well as the First Global Ministerial Conference on Healthy Lifestyles and Noncommunicable Disease Control (Moscow, April 2011) and the United Nations high-level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases (New York, September 2011) and takes account of these processes.

Abstract: The European action plan to reduce the harmful use of alcohol 2012-2020 was endorsed by all 53 Member States of the WHO European Region in September 2011. The action plan includes a range of evidence-based policy options to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. Furthermore, this document includes the Regional Committee resolution EUR/RC61/R4, a list of indicators, with definitions, linked to the indicators used in the European Information System on alcohol and Health and a checklist or set of questions for Member States. The action plan is closely linked to the 10 action areas from the global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol adopted at the World Health Assembly in May 2010. The primary audience for the action plan is the national authorities in the WHO European Region responsible for alcohol policy, mainly the ministry of health and other ministries including finance, education, social welfare, transportation, criminal justice, as well as nongovernmental organizations, researchers, civil society, the private sector, and international partners.