In order to bring you the best possible user experience, this site uses Javascript. If you are seeing this message, it is likely that the Javascript option in your browser is disabled. For optimal viewing of this site, please ensure that Javascript is enabled for your browser.
Did you know that your browser is out of date? To get the best experience using our website we recommend that you upgrade to a newer version. Learn more.

ESC elected to head secretariat of European Chronic Disease Alliance

Main goal will be to advocate for the establishment of a comprehensive European Union (EU) framework on chronic diseases by 2017

Public Health
Health Policy


Sophia Antipolis, 23 January 2015: The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has been elected to head the secretariat of the European Chronic Disease Alliance (ECDA) for the next two years.

The announcement comes as the ECDA holds its first meeting of 2015 in Brussels today.

Professor Johan De Sutter, cardiologist in Ghent, Belgium, will chair the ECDA in 2015 and 2016 on behalf of ESC. He said:

“Over the two year period our main goal will be to advocate for the establishment of a comprehensive European Union (EU) framework on chronic diseases by 2017. In parallel, we will continue to provide scientific evidence for policy makers on risk factors for chronic diseases including tobacco, poor diet and low physical activity to help them tackle these issues in legislation. Crucial topics in the EU pipeline include air quality and trans fatty acids. ”

Professor Frans Van de Werf, chair of the ESC European Affairs Committee, said:

“The ESC welcomes the chance to hold the secretariat of the ECDA and appreciates the confidence of the membership in electing us to the role. The ESC was a founding member of the ECDA in 2010 and will sustain current efforts to promote health as a key priority for decision makers across the EU.”

ENDS    

Notes to editor

About the European Society of Cardiology
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) represents more than 80 000 cardiology professionals across Europe and the Mediterranean. Its mission is to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in Europe.
http://www.escardio.org/Pages/index.aspx

About the European Chronic Disease Alliance
The European Chronic Disease Alliance (ECDA) is a coalition of European health associations sharing the same interests in combating preventable chronic non communicable diseases (NCDs), through European public health policies. The ECDA comprises 11 European health organisations representing millions of chronic disease patients and health professionals. The ECDA’s mission is to reverse the alarming rise in chronic diseases by providing leadership and policy recommendations based on contemporary evidence.