Cardiovascular diseases cause a staggering 47% of all deaths among women in the WHO European Region. Tragically women continue to experience delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes following acute cardiovascular events. Too often, women are diagnosed later, receive specialist care later, and are treated using evidence that has historically been derived from studies in which women have been underrepresented. Last week I was delighted to join colleagues at the Women's Cardiovascular Health Workshop, convened by the University of Copenhagen, the European Society of Cardiology and @WHO_Europe. The upcoming Women's Cardiovascular Health Consortium, a unique multi-sectoral platform that brings a wide range of partners in public health together, will strengthen the evidence base, translate evidence into clinical practice, raise awareness among women and communities, and speak with one united voice to advance health equity across our Region.

Today, we brought together leaders of medical specialty associations from the European Region to explore how we can work together in new and more impactful ways. The potential is enormous. Specialty associations bring deep clinical expertise, trusted professional networks and a direct understanding of patients’ needs and health system realities. @WHO brings a public health mandate, a whole-of-health-system perspective, close work with governments and the convening power to connect partners. By combining these strengths, we can better support countries and improve health outcomes across the Region. The meeting culminated in the signing of a joint statement proposing closer collaboration with associations in addressing the health workforce crisis, strengthening prevention and health promotion, using digital tools and AI responsibly, preparing health systems for future threats, and advancing climate action for health. This is the kind of partnership at the heart of our Second European Programme of Work: working differently, with stronger alliances, to deliver greater impact for people. @UEMSEurope | @EASLnews | @EPHA_EU | @EuroRespSoc | @escardio | @ESEndocrinology | @IDFEuropeBXL | @FIGOHQ | @EBCOG_EU | @WoncaEurope | @WHO_Europe

Liver disease is often silent until it is advanced. Too many people reach specialist care after chances for prevention and early intervention have been missed. Speaking at the #WHA79 side event on holistic approach to metabolic health and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) prevention and care, convened by @EASLnews, I stressed that it is time to move from fragmented approaches to integrated prevention and care. That means we need to: ▶️integrate liver and metabolic health into broader NCD and primary care frameworks ▶️ invest in prevention policies that address the drivers of disease, including unhealthy diets and alcohol consumption ▶️ strengthen surveillance, implementation research and accountability To support this work, @WHO_Europe is designating a new WHO Collaborating Centre at @imperialcollege to strengthen data, training and country support. Grateful to Egypt’s Health Minister Prof. Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, EASL Secretary General Prof @DebbieShawcros1, and all high-level speakers and partners for helping put metabolic and liver health higher on the global health agenda. We know the drivers. We know the solutions. The task now is to implement health promotion policies at the scale people need.

Physical activity is one of the simplest and most powerful things we can do for our health. And it does not have to start with big changes - it can be as simple as walking to work, taking the stairs, cycling, or simply spending less time sitting still. On this World Day for Physical Activity, I invite you to make movement part of everyday life. Let’s Walk the Talk. Here is my short message. @WHO | @WHO_Europe

Congratulations to Norway for banning the marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks to children – a timely move to protect the next generation. This action responds to a real public health challenge: more than 1 in 5 school-aged children in Norway are living with overweight or obesity, while 8 in 10 food and drink ads aimed at children promote unhealthy nutrition. Norway’s step shows that governments can act decisively to protect children’s health, and I hope this example encourages other countries across our Region to follow suit. Read more here: bit.ly/4t0hrkR

WHO’s work will remain grounded in evidence, politically neutral, and focused on those who need it most. I shared this message with 18 medical professionals from Brazil, China, Jordan, Mexico and Viet Nam visiting @UNCityCPH as part of the noncommunicable diseases and health systems course led by the University of Copenhagen. Drawing on my humanitarian experience, I underlined that health must never be politicized, and that our responsibility is greatest towards those who are too often left behind. Meeting professionals from across the world who share this sense of purpose was deeply encouraging. That diversity is a strength, creating space for shared learning, fresh perspectives and a stronger commitment to equity, solidarity and better #HealthForAll.

In major European economies – such as the UK, France and Germany – over 75% of people with fatty liver disease (MASH) remain undiagnosed. Without urgent action, the prevalence of advanced liver disease could see a 40% increase by 2030. This was a key focus of my meeting with the @imperialcollege team and @EASLedu leadership today in London 🇬🇧. I’m looking forward to our first Pan-European report on steatotic liver disease to map prevalence, early detection and care models – so countries can scale their response to match the magnitude of a challenge costing European health systems ~€35 billion each year in direct medical expenses. With Imperial’s designation as a @WHO Collaborating Centre on steatotic liver disease in its final stage, @WHO_Europe gains a trusted strategic partner to drive evidence into policy and real-world impact.

Heartbroken to see the catastrophic impact of severe weather, including Cyclone Ditwah, across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia & Thailand. My thoughts are with the families grieving more than 1,000 lives lost, with those still searching for missing loved ones, and with the millions who have been displaced or affected. Together with @RD_WPRO, @WHOWPRO, @BoehmeCatharina and @WHOSEARO, we at @WHO_Europe stand in full solidarity with the people of 🇮🇩 🇱🇰 🇮🇳 🇲🇾 🇹🇭, and with their health ministries and government agencies, as they confront this immense humanitarian and health crisis. My deepest appreciation goes to the first responders, health workers and emergency teams who are working under extremely challenging conditions to reach stranded communities, restore essential services and protect lives amid such devastating loss. 📷 Ishara S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images; Eranga Jayawardena/AP; Binsar Bakkara/AP; Chamila Karunarathne/EPA