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Alarming WHO Report: Preventable Diseases Cause Premature deaths Across Europe
Table of Contents
A staggering number of Europeans are dying prematurely from preventable diseases, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). The report, updated on June 27th, 2025, reveals that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, and heart problems are the leading causes of death for individuals under the age of 70 across the continent.
The Scope of the Problem
The WHO warns that nearly two million deaths in Europe could be avoided each year by addressing key risk factors. These risk factors include:
- Tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- unhealthy diets
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
These factors contribute to diseases like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues, which are responsible for a important portion of premature deaths.According to the European Cardiovascular Disease Statistics 2022 edition, cardiovascular diseases cause 3.9 million deaths in Europe each year, accounting for 45% of all deaths [1].
Did You Know? Addressing risk factors could prevent or delay a significant number of premature deaths.
The Human and Economic Cost
The WHO estimates that every fifth man and every tenth woman in Europe die before the age of 70 due to NCDs. These premature deaths not only represent a profound human tragedy but also carry a significant economic burden. The organization estimates an annual loss of productivity exceeding $514 billion (almost 440 billion euros) due to these preventable illnesses.
Pro Tip: Early detection and high-quality treatment are crucial for managing NCDs and improving health outcomes.
Regional Disparities
While the WHO’s European region encompasses 53 countries,including EU members,Russia,Ukraine,and Türkiye,significant disparities exist in mortality rates. Wealthier nations like Germany,Austria,and Switzerland generally exhibit lower rates of premature death compared to some eastern European countries. Though
