Ongoing projects
Joint Action on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention including Smoke and Aerosol Free Environments
Tobacco use remains the single leading cause of preventable death in the European Union, and alcohol use is the leading risk factor of global disability-adjusted life years in the age group 25–49 years. Both tobacco and alcohol consumption are key drivers of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other major non-communicable diseases. Together, their harms are synergistic, and they impose an even more significant toll on population health, health systems, and social equity across Europe.
Official website: jasafe.org
The aim of the Joint Action is to support strategies and policies aimed at reducing the burden of cancer and other non-communicable diseases.
The specific objectives of this joint action are:
– Improve the joint capacities of Member States to plan and implement cancer and other NCD prevention policies and activities at both national, regional and local levels.
– Improve data and the monitoring system for cancer and other NCDs and their common risk factors.
– Contribute to the reduction of social inequalities in cancer and other MCDs.
– Engage and support key stakeholders in the field of cancer and MCN prevention, including decision-makers at all levels of government, civil society organizations, professionals, the general population, and patient groups to facilitate cooperation and joint efforts.
Through coordinated action, shared evidence, and practical implementation research and guidance, JA-SAFE supports Member States in translating proven prevention measures into real-world impact, contributing to the EU ambition of a tobacco-free generation and reduced alcohol-related harm, as well as stronger health promotion systems.
JA-SAFE brings together public authorities, research institutes, and health organisations from across Europe to prevent and reduce tobacco use, exposure to second-hand smoke and aerosols, and alcohol-related harm at both population and individual level.
The project encompasses nine work packages under five thematic areas: smoke-free environments, alcohol prevention, cessation, steps towards a tobacco-free generation, and supporting health promotion and disease prevention in Europe.
Focus areas:
1. Smoke-free environments: Promoting a Smoke and Aerosol Free (SAFE) Europe
2. Alcohol prevention: Preventing Alcohol-Related Harm in Europe
3. Cessation: Scaling up Interventions for Tobacco Control and SAFE in Healthcare Settings
4. Tobacco-free generation: Accelerating the Path to a Tobacco-Free Generation in Europe
5. Health promotion and disease prevention: Strengthening Disease Prevention and Health Promotion in Europe
2025–2029
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (UOA) leads the Project Coordination of JA-SAFE under Work Package 1, ensuring effective governance and coherent implementation across the Joint Action. Overall coordination and management are carried out by the Project Coordinator, Constantine Vardavas, supported by the Project Secretariat.
Project brings together 60 partner institutions from 23 European countries.
Dr. Dr. Cristina Martínez (IP: WP5)
Dra. Marcela Fu
Dr. Armando Peruga
Dra. Montse Ballbe
Dra. Dolors Carnicer-Pont
Dra. Laura Antón
Dra. Olena Tigova
Judith Saura
Clara Fábregas
Laura Perdiguero (project manager)
Dra. Anna Tokar (project manager)
Not available