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Health Education in Schools

From September 2024, a new school subject called 'health education' (edukacja zdrowotna) will be taught in primary and secondary schools. The subject will touch on all health topics, including healthy eating and physical activity.

Active School Programme

Active School is a national programme to support physical activity by providing sports classes and activities in schools. It is aimed predominantly at children, but also supports sports activities for adults. Its three core activities are 'Active Weekend', 'Active Orlik' and 'Active to the Square'.

Commercial Determinants of Noncommunicable Diseases in the WHO European Region

This report highlights the substantial impact of commercial determinants on noncommunicable diseases (‎NCDs)‎ in the WHO European Region. Nearly 7500 deaths per day in the Region are attributed to commercial determinants, such as tobacco, alcohol,processed food, fossil fuels and occupational practices. These commercial products and practices contribute to 25% of all deaths in the Region. The report’s chapters systematically explore various facets of how commercial interests exacerbate NCDs and key strategies used by commercial actors to negatively influence NCD-related policies at the national and international level. The reportalso provides selected case studies from the Region to illustrate key strategies and outcomes of industry influence on health policies.The report then calls for urgent and coordinated action to address the commercial determinants of NCDs. It advocates for building coalitions based on the values of equity, sustainability, and resilience. Public health actors are urged to develop competencies in economic and legal frameworks, enforce transparency, and manage conflicts of interest effectively. The report underscores the need for robust financial reforms and strict regulation to curb industry power and protect public health. By implementing these strategies, the Region can accelerate progress towards global NCD targets and Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

JA PreventNCD

Joint Action to Prevent Non-Communicable Diseases and Cancer (JA Prevent NCD) is a three year project funded by the EUforHealth 2021-2027 programme. It is designed to reduce the burden of cancer and NCDs across Europe by supporting member states (22 EU member states and Iceland, Norway, and Ukraine) to implement effective prevention strategies by focusing on both personal and societal risk factors. The project aims to reduce fragmentation and duplication of actions.

E-training for professional groups involved in activities to combat overweight and obesity

The National Institute of Public Health is offering free e-learning training courses for all professionals involved in activities to combat overweight and obesity as part of the implementation of the National Health Programme for 2021-2025. Topics discussed include nutritional requirements, prevention of NCDs, multifaceted approaches to combating obesity, and the impact of diet on health.

National Cardiovascular Diseases Programme for 2022-2032 (NPChUK)

This programme aims to reduce the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Plans for implementation include the promotion of a healthy lifestyle across the entire population with focus on increasing physical activity, improving nutrition, and reducing obesity. There are also plans to invest in and improve medical care for CVD, increase medical staff, and expand screenings.

KOS-BAR - Comprehensive Medical Care for Morbid Obesity

KOS-BAR is s a pilot programme to provide comprehensive specialist care for patients treated for morbid obesity. The programme includes bariatric surgery, preoperative care, rehabilitation, psychological support, and dietary advice. By December 2024, 13,766 patients had participated in the program. The program has now been extended until June 30, 2026.

National Health Programme for 2021-2025 (Narodowy Program Zdrowia)

The goal of this strategic public health plan is to increase the number of years lived with health and reduce social health inequalities in Poland. One of its five key objectives is the prevention of overweight and obesity. This is proposed to be achieved through a number of measures, including the promotion of physical activity, the design of a new labelling system, and nutritional education. (Document in Polish)

Sugar tax levy

In August 2020, legislation was passed which placed a levy/tax on beverages containing sugar, caffeine or taurine & some alcoholic beverages. The tax is tiered based on sugar content, and was implemented in 2021.

Adoption of regulations aimed at limiting consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (Discussion)

Position of the National Consultant in the field of Public Health on launching a discussion on the adoption of regulations aimed at limiting the consumption of high-sugar products, including beverages

Healthy eating recommendations: Plate of Healthy Eating

Poland published the current version of its dietary guidelines for general the population in 2020.

National Oncology Strategy (NSO) for 2020-2030

The National Oncology Strategy is a ten-year plan to combat cancer in Poland. Its goal is to increase early detection of cancers, reduce mortality, and improve quality of life during and after treatment. The strategy also includes investing in lifestyle education to reduce obesity and promote healthy living. (Document in Polish).

Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards trans fat, other than trans fat naturally occurring in fat of animal origin

Measures to limit or virtually eliminate industrially-produced trans fatty acids in food intended for the final consumer and/or for supply to retail. Adopted by The European Commission from April 2019. (Available in multiple languages)

Cities for Better Health - Warsaw

Warsaw joined the Cities for Better Health programme in 2019. The programme aims to promote actions to create a healthier urban environment. In Warsaw, the priority is to prevent obesity and diabetes among young people.

European practical and patient-centred guidelines for adult obesity management in primary care

This article aims to provide obesity management guidelines specifically tailored to GPs, favouring a practical patient-centred approach. The focus is on GP communication and motivational interviewing as well as on therapeutic patient education. The new guidelines highlight the importance of avoiding stigmatization, something frequently seen in different health care settings. In addition, managing the psychological aspects of the disease, such as improving self-esteem, body image and quality of life must not be neglected.

'Don't Serve Yourself a Disease!' Campaign

This media campaign was intended to draw attention to obesity and associated non-communicable diseases, by encouraging people to reflect on their eating habits and adopt healthier lifestyles.

Health Employer

Programme for improving health and wellbeing of employees. Employers can apply for certification

Online Diet Centre

The Online Diet Centre is an online dietary clinic offering free consultations for individuals and families. Consultations feature advice from a dietitian, a mental health dietitian and/or a physical activity specialist. In 2024, over 11,000 online dietary consultations were provided.

School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme

"Applicable since 1 August 2017, the EU school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme combines two previous schemes (the school fruit and vegetables scheme and the school milk scheme) under a single legal framework for more efficiency and an enhanced focus on health and educational. The scheme supports the distribution of products, educational measures and information measures. The scheme supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables, milk and certain milk products to schoolchildren, from nursery to secondary school. EU countries approve a list of products (in collaboration with their health and nutrition authorities) which will help achieve the schemes objective of helping children to follow a healthy diet. Priority is for fresh fruit and vegetables and for plain milk. In order to support a varied diet and/or specific nutritional needs, EU countries may also make processed fruit and vegetables such as juices and soups and certain milk products such as yoghurt and cheese, available. Additionally, under stricter conditions, milk-based drinks may be included." - EU Commission

GNPR 2016-2017: Infant and young child nutrition - Breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling

This programme was reported by countries for the 2nd WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 module on actions related to infant and young child nutrition. Information provided by WHO GINA Programme.

National Health Program for 2016-2020

National health program aiming to improve the diet, nutritional status and physical activity of the society.

National Program for Combating Cancer Diseases

Act on Safety of Food and Nutrition - Amendment

The Polish Act on Safety of Food and Nutrition was updated in 2014 to include mandatory nutritional standards for food in schools, coming into force in 2015. The amendment also set restrictions on advertisement and promotional activity in schools. (Document in Polish)

Sport Development Programme 2020

The vision set out in the Programme, to be implemented through strategic sport activities, is a society with a well-developed habit of practicing physical activity with sufficient frequency and intensity to enjoy a healthy and longer life.

Standards of Food Advertising targeting Children

In 2015, a self-regulatory code was published by the Broadcasters and the National Broadcasting Council of Poland (KRRiT). This self-regulatory code - “Standards of Food Advertising targeting Children” - was an adaptation of the EU pledge. The code applies to broadcasters and advertisers and prohibits the advertisement/marketing of unhealthy food and drink to children under the age of 12.

European Union (EU) Action Plan on Childhood Obesity 2014-2020

EU Action plan. To contribute to halting the rise in overweight and obesity in children and young people (0-18 years) by 2020

Stop abstention from PE classes (Stop zwolnieniom z wf)

The main goal of this campaign is to promote physical activity among schoolchildren and adolescents and to encourage them to attend physical education (PE) classes at school.

EU Regulation 1169/2011

Passed in 2011, EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from October 2011.

Evaluation of the EU school milk and fruit scheme

This report found that the EU School Milk Scheme has had a very limited real impact on schools, and makes recommendations based on its shortcomings for the EU School Fruit Scheme.

Principles of healthy eating for aduts

These principles of healthy eating were developed and endorsed by the National Food and Nutrition Institute in collaboration with the Ministry of Health

The Toy Box Study

The Toy Box intervention is a multicomponent, kindergarten-based, family-involved intervention, focusing on the promotion of water consumption, healthy snacking, physical activity and the reduction/ breaking up of sedentary time in preschool children and their families.

The Toy Box Study

The Toy Box intervention is a multicomponent, kindergarten-based, family-involved intervention, focusing on the promotion of water consumption, healthy snacking, physical activity and the reduction/ breaking up of sedentary time in preschool children and their families.

Principles of healthy eating for children and adolescents

These principles of healthy eating were developed and endorsed by the National Food and Nutrition Institute in collaboration with the Ministry of Health

Healthy Stadia Network

"At Healthy Stadia, we encourage professional and amateur sports clubs, league operators, national and international governing bodies of sport to develop their stadia and sports facilities as health-promoting environments. We do this by supporting them to adopt a range of policies and practices in support of the health of their fans, their staff and the surrounding community. The definition we give to Healthy Stadia is: Healthy Stadia are… those who promote the health of visitors, fans, players, employees and the surrounding community… places where people can go to have a positive, healthy experience playing or watching sport."

The Choices Programme

The Choices Programme is a global, front-of-pack initiative designed to help consumers to easily select healthy food options and to help industry to improve their products. Regional product criteria have been developed for Europe. These are being used in Poland (with a slight deviation) and the Czech Republic.

Wiem, co Wybieram

It is a food labeling program whose main goal is precisely to make it easier for consumers to choose food products. The logo Wiem, co Wybieram placed on the packaging makes it easier to choose products that can become part of a well-balanced diet. The second, very important goal of the Wiem, co Wybieram Program is to encourage food producers to review and change their recipes in order to offer consumers products in accordance with international nutritional recommendations. The program is open to all food producers operating on the Polish market whose products meet the qualifying criteria. Wiem, co Wybieram is part of the International CHOICES Program, introduced in many countries around the world.

Marketing legislation act

"The existing legislation related to advertising aimed at children comprises the Act of 23 August 2007 on combating unfair commercial practices and the Broadcasting Act of 29 December 1992. Article 9 of the former stipulates that: “In all circumstances, the following aggressive commercial practices shall be regarded as unfair commercial practices: including in an advertisement a direct exhortation to children to buy advertised products or persuade their parents or other adults to buy advertised products for them”. On 8 July 2010, the Federation of Food Producers created a voluntary code of food advertising to children, based on the solutions contained in the EU pledge. The code prohibits advertising of food in the media when more than 50% of the audience consists of children aged under 12 years. In addition, the code does not allow the advertising of food in primary schools. Restrictions on the advertising of food products do not apply to products that meet specific nutritional criteria based on accepted and documented scientific evidence and/ or national and international dietary recommendations." - WHO

National Health Programme 2007-2015 (Narodowy Program Zdrowia na lata 2007-2015)

National Health Programme - document in Polish

National programme for the prevention of overweight, obesity and non-communicable diseases through diet and improved physical activity 2007-2016

The programme is carried out in cooperation with the Polish Platform for Action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, which was established in July 2005 with a particular focus on counteracting and preventing overweight, obesity and other diet-related diseases. The National Programme aims to reduce the incidence of overweight and obesity mainly by improving nutrition and increase of physical activity, reduce morbidity, and mortality from chronic non-communicable diseases, but does not refer to marketing to children.

'Keep Fit'

"The National "Keep Fit" Programme is aimed at educating school children and their families so as to achieve sustainable development of pro-healthy eating habits through promoting an active lifestyle and balanced diet."

EU health and nutrient claims regulation

Regulation nº 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified health and nutrient claims. The European Commission approves claims provided they are based on scientific evidence and accessible consumers. The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for evaluating the scientific evidence supporting health claims. Nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile.

GNPR 2016-17 (q7) Breastfeeeding promotion and/or counselling

WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 reported the evidence of breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling (q7)