STOCKHOLM, 25 February. /TASS/. About 76,000 children die each year before reaching the age of five, the European Regional Office (ERB) of the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

The study provides an overview of the health status of the population of the WHO European region based on the latest available data relevant for all 53 member states in Europe and Central Asia.

In general, the level of child mortality in Europe is among the lowest compared to the rest of the world. The difference between the countries with the highest and the lowest death rates ranges from 1.5 to 40.4 deaths per 1,000 newborns. The gap is substantial, and addressing it is a challenge. The WHO European region has long been known for its good healthcare systems, but now Europe faces significant problems in various spheres, particularly when it comes to maintaining the health of minors and adults and addressing chronic diseases.

The report identifies five primary causes of under-five mortality: preterm birth complications, birth asphyxia, congenital heart disease, lower respiratory tract infections, neonatal sepsis, and other infections. There are additional health challenges for children and adolescents: one in five adolescents in the WHO European region suffers from a mental disorder; suicide is the leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds; girls consistently report lower levels of mental wellbeing than boys; one in ten 13-15-year-old children uses tobacco products of various kinds, including e-cigarettes; nearly one in three school-aged children is overweight and one in eight suffers from obesity.

Quality of food, bad habits

Foods high in salt, fat, and sugar negatively impact consumption patterns of both children and adolescents, leading to long-term health issues. However, markets in most countries are still flooded with these unhealthy products. The report also noted that cardiovascular disease accounts for 33.5% of premature deaths from non-communicable diseases in the region, with the risk being almost five times higher in Eastern Europe and Central Asia than in Western Europe. At the same time, approximately 32.8% of people die from cancer.

There are other challenges related to non-communicable diseases. The WHO European region has the highest rate of alcohol consumption, with an average of 8.8 liters of pure alcohol per adult per year. The highest consumption rate is currently found in the EU, while the lowest is in Central Asian countries. Tobacco use among adult Europeans remains prevalent - 25.3% of people overall. The region is unlikely to meet the target of a 30% reduction in smoking by 2025.