Chronic Diseases

The EUPHA Chronic diseases section aims to increase knowledge on chronic disease control, particularly to develop the evidence base needed to guide policy and identify best practices for combating chronic diseases. As a result, the Section seeks to contribute to a sustainable reduction of illness, disability and premature death, as well as to eliminate health disparities and negative socioeconomic consequences caused by chronic diseases.

The EUPHA section on Chronic Diseases (ESCD) was formally established at the 14th EUPHA annual conference in Montreux, Switzerland in 2006.

Strategies to fight chronic non-communicable diseases include (1) prevention and early detection, (2) health services reorientation, integrated care models, (3) disease management programmes, (4) new provider qualifications and settings, (5) surveillance, monitoring, evaluation and research strengthening.

Institutional and organizational challenges for policy-makers and managers involve (1) stimulating the development of new effective pharmaceuticals and medical devices, (2) designing appropriate financial incentives, (3) improving coordination, (4) using information and communication technology, and (5) ensuring evaluation.