Belgium. A new report from Brussels emphasizes the preventive and curative importance of integrative medicine with regard to non-communicable diseases.
The International Federation of Anthroposophical Medical Associations (IVAA) reported that the European Parliament has recognized the important role of integrative medicine in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases. In a new report by the EU Parliament, published in December 2023, a parliamentary subcommittee on public health emphasized that comprehensive prevention strategies are needed to curb the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Europe. Non-communicable diseases include, for example, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases, as well as mental and neurological diseases. Non-communicable diseases currently account for around 80% of all illnesses in the European member states and are still responsible for 90% of all deaths. This makes them the main cause of avoidable premature deaths, according to the committee. In addition to recommending further preventive measures, the authors of the report advocate for the holistic, patient-oriented approach of integrative medicine and emphasize that it should be used in a complementary way to conventional treatment approaches. A more comprehensive application of integrative medicine is a key factor in improving the European healthcare system.
More at IVAA
Draft report European Parliament
Translation Joshua Kelberman
Photo Sofia Lismont
