Responding to the growing urgency to accelerate action on the NCD-related SDGs, WHO/Europe launched the 100-week challenge in October 2023 at the 73rd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe in Astana, Kazakhstan, to catalyse implementation of policies and programmes with the potential to save the maximum number of lives.

The launch marks the 100-week countdown to the 4th High-level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of NCDs in 2025. The 100-week challenge represents the collective, concerted effort of WHO/Europe and its Member States to make every week count to achieve the internationally agreed NCD-related SDG targets. It also serves as an opportunity to reassert our commitments and gives impetus to our collaboration in 2024–2025.

Over the next 100 weeks, WHO/Europe will support Member States to identify and prioritize WHO NCD best buys – actions that will show a positive health and economic impact in the short-to-medium term (2–7 years). We will also support countries to focus on strategic investments to ensure fundamental, long-term, generational shifts to make Europe more resilient to NCDs.

SNI is developing a toolkit to support Member States in the 100-week challenge. It will help to guide policy-makers in determining and implementing the policies and programmes that can deliver the fastest and most impactful results. The toolkit will include tailored country packages with country-relevant policy options, data and evidence. The 100-week challenge is about supporting all policy-makers to make every week count.