Strengthening the role of prevention: a focus on nutrition

Representatives from the worlds of science, politics and other sectors of society came together to discuss concrete approaches to strengthening the role of prevention – with a particular focus on nutrition as a key lever.

The evening was chaired by Dr Jens Steinbrink from the Strategic Development Division at Charité. The panel discussion featured Prof. Susan Jebb (Professor of Diet and Population Health, University of Oxford), Prof. Britta Siegmund (Director of the Department of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Charité) and Prof. Heyo Kroemer (Chairman of the Executive Board of Charité).

Effective prevention policy: the introduction of the sugar levy

Prof. Susan Jebb offered an international perspective on effective prevention policy. As an advisor to the UK government, she played a key role in the introduction of the sugar levy; an example of how policy measures can support health-promoting behaviour. She made it clear that prevention is closely linked to social justice:

“Education is important, but it is not everything. We all know that vegetables are healthy and biscuits are unhealthy – and yet we keep reaching for the biscuits. We need to shape the environment in such a way that it makes it easier for people to make the right choices.”

She emphasised that scientists can raise public awareness of the need for prevention – and thus create a foundation for political action – not only by repeatedly presenting their findings, but also through a persistent appeal to values. She cited the success of the levy on the soft drinks industry introduced in 2018 (the sugar content in drinks fell whilst sales figures rose) as one of the best examples of prevention, and of the fact that health and profit need not be at odds with one another.

Cluster of Excellence ImmunoPreCept

Prof. Britta Siegmund focused on the perspective of translational prevention research. Many effective measures – such as bowel cancer screening or HPV vaccination – have long been available, but only realise their potential if they actually reach people.

“The question of what prevention will look like in ten years’ time,” said Siegmund, “should no longer be ‘what makes people ill’, but ‘what keeps them healthy’.” She is addressing this question, and the fundamental question of what health is, together with researchers from various institutions in the new ImmunoPreCept Cluster of Excellence.

Prevention as a strategic necessity

Prof. Heyo Kroemer placed the discussion within a broader context: demographic trends would place the healthcare system under enormous pressure in the coming years. Prevention was therefore not an optional extra, but a strategic necessity.

He emphasised that prevention must be designed to be low-threshold and accessible to all – regardless of educational background. In addition to technological solutions, simple changes in everyday life could also have a significant impact. As an example, he cited a measure currently under discussion in Singapore, where higher-placed sockets could help reduce the number of hip operations.

In the subsequent discussion with the audience, it became clear just how multifaceted the topic of prevention is: international comparisons, mental health, genetic factors and environmental conditions were addressed, as was the question of which target groups should be given greater focus in future.

To conclude, Susan Jebb summed up the central message of the evening:

“Prevention is the new cure.”