The Joint Action on Cancer and Other Non-Communicable Diseases – Action on Health Determinants (JAPreventNCD) is a European Joint Action co-funded by the European Union’s EU4Health program, with the participation of 111 partners from 25 countries. The aim of JAPreventNCD is to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and cancer in Europe by: a) strengthening the capacity of Member States to design and implement prevention policies at national, regional, and local levels, b) improving surveillance systems for NCDs and their common risk factors, c) contributing to the reduction of social health inequalities, and d) fostering collaboration with key stakeholders in the field of prevention, including policymakers, civil society organizations, healthcare professionals, and patient groups. Through the integration of evidence-based best practices and enhanced cross-country collaboration, the project seeks to reinforce public health systems, promote health equity, and ensure the sustainability of national healthcare systems.
Our institution participates in Work Package 7 (WP7), titled “Reducing Social Inequalities in Health”, which constitutes a core component of the project. WP7 focuses on addressing the social determinants that exacerbate the impact of NCDs, particularly among vulnerable populations. Within this framework, pilot actions are being implemented in various countries, aimed at health promotion, disease prevention, and community empowerment for populations with limited access to healthcare services or low levels of health literacy. Specifically, our participation in WP7.5 involves the pilot implementation of best practices to address social inequalities through two actions in Greece:
- 5.2: Focuses on improving oral health literacy among older adults using innovative digital tools and interventions to promote oral health.
- 5.3: Includes the implementation of the World Health Organization’s ICOPE (Integrated Care for Older People) guide, which supports a comprehensive, person-centered assessment and care approach and aims at maintaining functional ability and preventing dependency among older adults.
Greece’s involvement, lead scientifically by the University of West Attica (UNIWA), includes collaboration with municipalities and local community structures, the development of digital tools to promote oral health literacy, training of population and healthcare professionals, and the monitoring and evaluation of the target population. The actions are designed to ensure the active participation of citizens, empower health professionals, and support the sustainable integration of these interventions into Primary Health Care setting.
Through WP7, the “JAPreventNCD” project highlights the importance of equitable access to prevention and healthcare, promoting social justice and reducing health inequalities at the European level.
Project Τitle: Joint Action on Implementation of Best Practices in the area of Non-Communicable Diseases (JA PreventNCD)
Project Duration: Jan 2024- Dec 2027
Project URL: https://preventncd.eu/
Project Framework & Funding: €95.5 million, of which €76.4 million (80%) is funded by the EU. Funding for UNIWA: €388,452.80, of which 20% is provided through national resources – Public Investment Program of the Ministry of Health.
Scientific coordinator (UNIWA): Dr Theodoula Adamakidou, Associate Professor of Community Nursing, Nursing Department
Consortium – Partners: More than 110 partners from 25 countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine)
