We thank the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA), a leading European civil society alliance, made up of 80 public health NGOs, patient groups, health professionals and disease groups, working to improve health and strengthen the voice of public health in Europe, for supporting our call for more action on diabetes at European level through a new EP Diabetes Resolution next week.
As stated by EPHA:
- Diabetes is the only major NCD for which a 5% increase in premature deaths (in adults aged 30–69 years) has been observed since 2000. All people with type 1 diabetes, and about 60 million people with type 2 diabetes, need insulin. All people should have access, without discrimination, to nationally determined sets of promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative basic health services and essential, safe, affordable, effective, and quality medicines.
- Diabetes care and management: Type 2 diabetes accounts for nearly 90% of the of diabetes worldwide. The number affected is increasing rapidly with alarming trends in children and young adults (up to age 40 years). Early detection and proactive management are crucial for prevention and mitigation of microvascular and macrovascular complications and mortality burden.
- In the EU, with the introduction of a standardized mandatory Front of pack nutrition labelling legislation, it is a crucial time to get it right for public health ensuring health literacy is adequately addressed.
- We need a stronger, strategic leadership from the EU, with an ambitious Diabetes Plan accompanied by a Diabetes Mission, with clear and fully coordinated milestones, targets and responsibilities and working in close collaboration with Member States and other stakeholders.
A new Diabetes Resolution has the potential to bring about healthier and more equitable societies for people living with diabetes as well as all EU citizens living with NCDs and other conditions.
Read EPHA full statement here.
