Sixteenth meeting of the WHO Action Network on Salt Reduction in the Population in the WHO European Region: Bern, Switzerland, 8–9 July 2024: meeting report

Overview

To help facilitate progress towards the globally agreed target to cut salt intakes by 30% by 2025, the WHO Action Network on Salt Reduction in the Population in the WHO European Region, also known as the European Salt Action Network (‎ESAN)‎, was established in 2007. The sixteenth ESAN meeting took place in Bern, Switzerland, on 8–9 July 2024. The meeting welcomed 19 participants, including the representatives of nine Member States, invited speakers and WHO staff. Participants heard a detailed update on national salt (‎sodium)‎ reduction activities and/or studies in seven countries. Experts from the WHO Regional Office for Europe and WHO headquarters presented an update on WHO’s salt reduction efforts. External experts provided an overview on the prevention and control of iodine deficiency in the Region and on how to deal with myths and misleading information that threatens to undermine the public health message on salt reduction. Finally, participants worked in groups to explore the issues around food reformulation and industry collaboration.