European Nations Show Divergent Trends in Chronic Disease Mortality

A recent global analysis reveals that progress in reducing deaths from chronic diseases has stagnated in many wealthy nations, particularly in Europe. The study, conducted by a research team that includes experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Imperial College London, assessed chronic disease mortality across 185 countries and territories. While overall mortality from chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological conditions declined in approximately 80 percent of countries during the 2010s, the rate of improvement was notably slower compared to previous decades.

According to Leanne Riley, one of the study’s authors and head of the WHO’s surveillance, monitoring, and reporting unit, the global burden of chronic diseases “remains unacceptably high.” Among developed nations, Germany and the United States emerged as the poorest performers in reducing chronic disease deaths. Although Germany experienced an overall decrease, women aged 30 to 75 saw slight increases in mortality rates linked to lung cancer and dementia.

In contrast, Nordic countries such as Denmark, Norway, and Sweden demonstrated significant improvements. The report highlights Denmark as the West’s “regional benchmark” for chronic disease mortality, primarily due to declining death rates among working-age adults.

Central and Eastern Europe Show Mixed Results

Countries in Central and Eastern Europe generally reported improvements in chronic disease mortality during the 2010s. Notably, Moldova recorded the most significant decline in chronic disease risk. The research indicates that effective alcohol control policies in Russia and other nations in this region have contributed positively to health outcomes.

The findings were published in The Lancet medical journal ahead of a crucial meeting at the United Nations General Assembly scheduled for later this month, where nations are expected to reaffirm their commitment to tackle chronic diseases and enhance mental health initiatives. Despite these political commitments, there are concerns that such agreements often do not translate into actionable national policies or increased funding.

Majid Ezzati, another author of the study and a professor at Imperial College London, emphasized the importance of prioritizing healthcare access. He pointed to tobacco and alcohol control measures, availability of diabetes medications, cancer screenings, and treatments for heart attacks as essential areas for investment. “In many countries, effective healthcare programmes … may not be reaching the people who need them, and they are being left out of the health system,” Ezzati stated.

The researchers are calling for enhanced investment in chronic disease prevention and treatment, urging that solutions must effectively reach the populations most affected by these health challenges. As global health leaders prepare for discussions at the UN, the urgency of addressing chronic diseases has never been more pressing.