8.C. Practice session: Sustainable implementation of public health actions matters - The case of JA PreventNCD

Abstract Cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) collectively contribute to 90% of deaths and 85% of years lived with disability, and a large part of this disease burden can be prevented. To reduce the huge burden of disease, structure and agency factors should be addressed comprehensively and sustainable. Basic definition of sustainability planning in public health actions is offering different opportunities for further exploration, development and innovation in this public health field. Sustainability planning in public health is an active planning process designed to ensure long-term project sustainability. It outlines the steps and stages of the sustainability planning process, including the assessment of the potentials and planning tools, to the writing of the sustainability plan. Despite the potential of the JA PreventNCD to have considerable impact on NCD prevention policies and practices, a major hurdle will be ensuring the sustainable uptake and implementation of the recommendations. This is a challenge faced not only by JA PreventNCD, but many, if not all other larger scale projects and initiatives, whether at the EU or national level. Joint Action (JA) on Cancer and other NCDs prevention - Action on Health Determinants (JA-PreventNCD) is addressing health promotion efforts and preventive measures critical to reduce the disease burden associated with cancers and other NCDs, by jointly addressing all main healthy lilfestyle determinants. Cross-cutting issues, such as heath equity, monitoring, intersectoral collaboration are at the core of that JA, engaging 26 member states of EU. This workshop will bring together public health researchers and practitioners who are attempting to find various ways to strengthen sustainability of the outputs of their projects activities. They will present varying approaches that will elucidate the challenges and opportunities. Participants will leave with a stronger grasp of the role of sustainability in large-scale public health programs, as well as with ideas of methods to apply in their work, and what pitfalls to avoid. The workshop is aiming to: • Showcase the concrete value and increase participants’ understanding and awareness of the challenges of the sustainable planning in the JAPreventNCD. • Challenge participants to think beyond short-term project planning and reflect on how they could consider the long-term impact of their project, despite short-term financing constraints. The workshop will offer an opportunity to: • Upgrade the participants understanding of approaches to strengthen the sustainable uptake and implementation of the results from their projects. • Present the sustainability approaches of the JAPreventNCD, especially the use of accountability cycle, to stimulate the discussion and mutual learning. • Raise awareness and increase the knowledge of participants about the importance and benefits of the sustainability planning. Key messages • Experiences of EU public health projects demonstrate sustainability planning is essential. • It enables understanding and developing approaches to uptake and sustainably implement project recommendations.