Archives of Hellenic Medicine

Last update:

09-May-2025

Arch Hellen Med, 42(Supplement 1), 2025, 73-79

SPECIAL ARTICLE

Prevention of non-communicable diseases and risk factors – pre-symptomatic screening and accidents

Ι. Tsiligianni,¹ Α. Christodoulakis,^1,2 Τ. Vasilakou,³ Α. Grozou,⁴ Α. Kaisidis,⁵ Τ. Manti,⁶ Μ. Bebi,⁷ Ε. Ntzani,⁸ Μ. Papadaki,⁹ Κ. Κritsa,¹⁰ Α.D. Tsouros¹¹
¹Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete,
²Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Welfare Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion, Crete,
³Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens,
⁴Former Diabetes Center, "Agios Panteleimon" General Hospital of Nikea, Pireus,
⁵Diabetes Center, "Venizelio-Pananio" General Hospital, Heraklion, Crete,
⁶Healthcare Center of Gastouni, Gastouni,
⁷Doctor of Public Health of National Health System and Ministry of Health, Athens,
⁸Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina,
⁹Laboratory of Health and Road Safety, Department of Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion, Crete,
¹⁰Community Health Worker, Master's Degree in Management of Health and Social Care Units,
¹¹Former Director of Policy and Governance for Health and Wellbeing, World Health Organization (WHO) Europe and Adjunct Professor, Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, United States of America

This opinion paper addresses the importance of preventing non-communicable diseases and risk factors through screening and accident prevention. Emphasis is placed on the role of the Greek public health system in promoting the health of the population and the need to implement evidence-based strategies to reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases. Additionally, it highlights the importance of addressing the most important risk factors for non-communicable diseases, including tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and excessive alcohol consumption. It also refers to the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has emphasized the shortcomings of the healthcare system, with the current situation requiring the creation of a system that prioritizes prevention and health promotion. In conclusion, there is an urgent need for action to address the major public health challenges facing Greece. For this reason, strategic and action proposals, based on the bibliography, are suggested by the authors.

Key words: Greece, Non-communicable diseases, Prevention, Risk factors.