Four 'culprits' cause 2.7 million European deaths each year

In a report titled “Commercial determinants of non-communicable diseases in the WHO European Region”, the global health agency called for “strict regulation to curb the power of harmful industries” and promote the protection of public health.

WHO says smoking causes 1.15 million deaths each year in Europe. Photo: DW

“These four industries kill at least 7,000 people in our region every day,” Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, expressed concern in a statement.

Specifically, the WHO report said that 1.15 million deaths each year in Europe are due to smoking, 426,857 due to alcohol, 117,290 due to a diet high in processed meat and 252,187 due to a diet high in salt.

These numbers don't even include deaths from obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar or high cholesterol levels — all of which are linked to unhealthy diets.

The UN agency accused the four industries of obstructing public policies that could affect their profits, noting that industry tactics include targeted marketing strategies, misinformation, social media advertising and “distortion of science” such as funding research that advances their goals.

“These tactics threaten public health gains made over the past century and prevent countries from achieving universal health coverage,” WHO said.

The WHO report added that industry lobbying is hampering efforts to tackle non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, and called for stronger health regulations.

WHO stressed that “the primary concern of all large corporations is profit”, while owning a large market share “often translates into political power”.

According to the WHO, nearly 60% of adults and a third of children in Europe are overweight or obese. The most recent data, from 2017, shows that one in five deaths from cardiovascular disease and cancer in Europe are a result of unhealthy eating habits.

WHO is calling on countries to enforce stronger regulations on unhealthy marketing, monopolistic practices and lobbying. “People must always come before profits,” said Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

Nguyen Khanh (according to WHO, DW)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/bon-thu-pham-khien-27-trieu-nguoi-chau-au-tu-vong-moi-nam-post298984.html