The new WHO/Europe report “Action on salt and hypertension” promotes an integrated approach to reduce salt intake and better control hypertension. The measures presented in the report can save thousands of lives every day across the WHO European Region.
High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for death and disability in the Region, causing almost one quarter of deaths and 13% of disabilities. It usually has no symptoms, and if it remains uncontrolled it can have potentially devastating consequences, such as heart attacks and strokes. High salt intake raises blood pressure and therefore remains a serious health threat.
We know what works, and evidence-based interventions and tools that reduce salt intake and control hypertension are available, but many countries are not able to implement them. Decision-makers can take stronger action to break these barriers and bring better health to people.
Launch webinar: the report’s findings and policy actions
The launch webinar will examine the report’s findings and present solutions and actions for policy-makers. Among the policies known to make an impact are WHO’s cost effective “best buys”, which include the mandatory reformulation of food products, front-of-pack labelling, treatment of hypertension with medication, and reducing cardiovascular risk through drug therapy and counselling. The webinar will also shed light on the barriers to implementation and describe evidence-based ways of overcoming them.
The UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.4 encourages countries to reduce premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases by one third by the year 2030. Tackling hypertension and cutting salt consumption by at least 25% is one of the most effective ways to reach SDG 3.4 and save an estimated 900 000 lives by 2030.
Register via the link below.