Major and chronic diseases, report 2007.

Abstract

Blind spots in European health information\nOn June 6th 2008 the European Commission has published the Major and Chronic Diseases Report 2007. This report describes the state of the art of health information in Europe on 13 prevalent chronic conditions. Large differences between the Member States of the European Union became apparent. \n\nFor example, as compared to the old Member States, in the new Member States there is considerable premature death of Cardiovascular causes, which to a large extent is preventable. And Diabetes care for elderly patients seems to be inadequate in several Member States. Besides these topics, the report gives an overview of available health information for Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Cancer in general and more specifically Haematological Malignancies, Dementia, Depression, Maternal and Child Health, Multiple Sclerosis, Musculoskeletal Conditions, Oral Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Life Expectancy with Chronic Morbidity. \n\nBesides giving an overview of available data, the report aims to identify urgent gaps in information. This makes the report an important tool for both national and supranational policy makers. Next to that, the report will be a comprehensive guide for public health experts and researchers, showing them the availability, quality and comparability of data on major and chronic diseases in Europe.\n\nThe report was written by public health experts of the Task Force on Major and Chronic Diseases of the Health Information Strand of the Programme for Community Action in the field of Public Health 2003-2008. NIVEL has, through the DG SANCO funded Scientific Assistance Office (SAO) project, coordinated and supported the writing of the Major and Chronic Diseases Report 2007, and has contributed to the contents of the report.