EASO was pleased to participate in the RC75 side event: strengthening health security planning through evidence and risk based approaches.
Competing priorities in central and national health systems present a stark reality, and limited resources are an increasing challenge during these times. Nonetheless, EASO believes that addressing obesity is essential for strengthening European and national health security and building resilient health systems.
As a chronic, relapsing disease and a gateway to multiple non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, liver disease (MASH and MAFLD), chronic kidney disease and several types of cancer, obesity places a sustained burden on healthcare capacity, workforce productivity, and economic stability. We saw this point of vulnerability during the covid pandemic, when people living with obesity were recognised to be more vulnerable to risk of serious disease. As DG Santé Director Antonio Parenti said during his discussion at the RC75 event, “If resilience is the goal, integration is the method”. Solidarity is key in supporting resilience; to this end, EASO encourages and provides support for development of National Obesity Plans as a key part of national health system planning.
By prioritising obesity management and prevention within national health strategies, governments can reduce vulnerability to future health crises, improve population resilience against both infectious and non-communicable disease threats, and safeguard national security by protecting human capital and ensuring the long-term sustainability of health systems, and improved quality of life for their citizens.