Health Challenge in Europe: Rising Non-Communicable Diseases and the Impact of COVID-19
Europe is witnessing a concerning trend in declining human health, despite an increase in life expectancy. Diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), pulmonary disease, and depression are on the rise, posing significant challenges. Unlike communicable diseases, these ailments, known as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), cannot be transmitted from one person to another like bacterial or viral infections.
In the Netherlands, individuals typically encounter their first NCD around the age of 45. Considering that these conditions are chronic, and the average life expectancy is 81 years, people require medical attention for NCDs for almost half of their lives. This places a considerable burden on both individuals and society as a whole. The concept of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) helps measure the societal cost of diseases by quantifying the number of years lost due to disability or premature death. In high-income countries, NCDs account for 85% of DALYs, and in the Netherlands, 9 out of the top 10 causes of DALYs are NCDs (Figure 1).
The urgency for societal health improvements has been further highlighted by the outbreak of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019, which escalated into the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. It became evident that individuals with pre-existing conditions like obesity, CVD, T2D, or pulmonary disease experienced more severe disease progression and higher mortality rates compared to those in good health. This placed an immense burden on healthcare systems worldwide, forcing hospitals to reduce non-urgent medical care or even struggle to provide timely treatment for patients in need. Consequently, societies now face substantial medical and economic debts as a result of these challenges.
Addressing the health challenge in Europe requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on prevention, early detection, and effective management of NCDs. Efforts should be directed towards promoting healthy lifestyles, including regular physical activity, balanced diets, and mental well-being. Investing in robust healthcare infrastructure, research, and innovation will be crucial in developing advanced treatments and therapies. Moreover, close attention must be paid to vulnerable populations to ensure equitable access to healthcare services and reduce health disparities.
By prioritizing the prevention and control of NCDs and building resilient healthcare systems, Europe can work towards improving the overall health and well-being of its population. This multifaceted approach will not only mitigate the impact of existing health challenges but also better prepare societies to handle potential future health crises effectively.
