A European initiative to reduce NCD risks in disadvantaged youth
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for 74% of global mortality. While research has provided extensive insights into risk factors and prevention strategies, translating this knowledge into practical applications—especially for disadvantaged populations—has proven challenging. To bridge this gap, the EU-funded project FRESHAIR4LIFE is dedicated to implementing a multidisciplinary prevention package designed to reduce tobacco and air pollution exposure in mid- to late adolescents from underprivileged backgrounds.
A four-year global collaboration
FRESHAIR4LIFE is a four-year initiative that began in January 2023 and will continue until December 2026, with a total budget of over two million euros, fully funded by the European Union. Coordinated by Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) in the Netherlands, the project brings together a consortium of international partners working in five countries: Greece, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Romania, and Uganda. These nations share a significant burden of NCDs, yet each presents a unique social and environmental landscape, providing an opportunity to develop adaptable and scalable prevention strategies that can be applied globally.
A tailored approach to health prevention
Building upon the foundation of the FRESH AIR initiative launched in 2010 by the International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG), the project takes an implementation science approach. The first step involves assessing each country’s specific needs and identifying opportunities for action. Through close collaboration with local stakeholders, FRESHAIR4LIFE will leverage research tools and relationships developed in previous projects to ensure that interventions are not only evidence-based but also sustainable in the long term.
A key feature of the project is its flexibility in tailoring interventions to suit different national contexts. Researchers and healthcare professionals will be working closely to develop a customized “intervention palette”—a set of proven strategies that can be adapted as needed. These may include very brief advice on smoking cessation, media campaigns to raise awareness, and the “If-then” approach to encourage behavioral change. Countries may also explore additional strategies, such as policy reforms, the introduction of clean cookstove initiatives, personal exposure monitoring, and enhanced support programs to help adolescents quit tobacco use. Depending on the specific challenges faced by each population, broader public awareness campaigns may also be implemented.



Towards a healthier future
Collaboration plays a central role in this initiative. The project involves leading research institutions such as Maastricht University Medical Center+, The University of Edinburgh, and the University of York, working alongside key partners like Makerere University in Uganda, The Initiative in Pakistan, and Panepistimio Kritis in Greece. Further expertise is provided by organizations like NCD Child and the University Medical Center Groningen, ensuring that the project benefits from a diverse range of knowledge and experience.
By integrating innovative digital tools, artificial intelligence, and strategies aimed at combating climate change, FRESHAIR4LIFE aligns with the European Union’s broader policy priorities, including the Digital Agenda, Clean Air, and Biodiversity. The project’s outcomes are expected to have a lasting impact, not only in the participating countries but also as a model for future NCD prevention programs worldwide.
Through a combination of scientific research, policy advocacy, and community engagement, FRESHAIR4LIFE is paving the way for cleaner air and healthier lives. By focusing on adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds, the project is taking a crucial step toward reducing the risk of NCDs and creating a more sustainable and equitable future for young people across the globe.