4.O. Round table: Please mind the gaps: toward harmonization of Europe’s non communicable disease monitoring systems

Abstract Reaching the WHO's noncommunicable disease (NCD) targets by 2030 requires not only effective policies but also robust systems to monitor both risk factors and disease outcomes. Monitoring enables countries to track progress, identify emerging challenges, and assess the real-world impact of interventions. However, current approaches vary significantly in quality, frequency, interoperability, and scope. This workshop proposes a multi-tiered approach to NCD monitoring that combines periodic national health examination surveys (HES) with continuous data streams, including questionnaire-based surveys, disease registries, administrative health data, and citizen-generated inputs. HES, conducted every 5-6 years, can provide high-quality biological and behavioral data to inform national planning and international comparisons. In the interim, more frequent self-report systems and register data can support timely situational awareness and policy action. However, several challenges persist: Health examinations are resource-intensive and difficult to coordinate across countries. Episodic reporting may limit alignment with political cycles and weaken accountability. Interoperability across systems and sectors remains limited. This roundtable will explore whether current timelines and models allow for timely public health action and whether political benchmarks (e.g. elections every four years) should inform monitoring design. The session will include four short expert presentations (5-7 minutes each), followed by a 20-minute open roundtable discussion facilitated by the moderator. And 5 minute wrap up. The discussion will explore contrasting perspectives and generate shared reflections on the feasibility and value of harmonized monitoring. Key messages • A multi-tiered approach combining episodic health examinations and continuous surveys enhances NCD monitoring effectiveness. • Harmonization and interoperability of data systems are crucial for timely, evidence-based public health interventions across Europe.