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Introduction. Cancer is the second cause-of-death mortality pattern in the Republic of Moldova. The study of both cancer mortality by age and its detailed causes is an important tool for evidence-based public health policy. The study aims at comparing recent changes in cancer mortality with long-term trends, depending on specific causes and age. Material and methods. This study was carried out on the reconstructed 1965-2018 death time series, according to the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases. Standardized death rates were computed. Results. After a gradual increase in the ‘70s and ‘80s of the last century, cancer mortality rate showed “reversed” patterns and started to decline in the ‘90s. This decline was due to the data quality issue and to the competing risks of dying from other causes sensitive to the social and economic circumstances of the ‘90s. Since the beginning of the millennium, cancer mortality has resumed its growth that continues up to now. Despite the increasing overall trend in cancer mortality rate during 1965-2018, the analysis by age and specific causes revealed opposite trends. Conclusions. The malignant neoplasms specific for certain sites and age groups (stomach, uterus, leukaemia in children) showed, however some therapeutic progress, while the situation for other tumour sites (lung, breast, and intestine) worsened significantly. The moderate decrease in lung cancer in the 1990s should be cautiously interpreted.

The monograph examines cause-specific mortality trends in Moldova in 1965-2020. The analysis is based on the reconstructed time series of deaths after mortality and population adjustments. The reconstructed mortality series are available and regularly updated in the Human Cause-of-Death Database https://www.causesofdeath.org. Several statistical annexes to the monograph are available, including online (https://github.com/PeninaOlga).

Since the start of the pandemic, “The Demography of COVID-19 Deaths” database (dc-covid.site.ined.fr/en) aims at providing COVID-19 related death counts along with well-documented metadata. The targeted audience is the research community and beyond (e.g., policy-makers, journalists). As of mid-May 2021, the database contains daily cumulative death counts attributable to COVID-19 reported by 19 countries in Europe and beyond, and updated weekly. Data are broken down by sex and age and, when possible, by place and date of occurrence of the death. Data documentation includes detailed descriptions of the sources and points out issues of quality and coverage of the data. Through this information, it is possible to assess data inconsistencies hampering comparability over time and/or across countries. In particular, the database webpages point out seven data-related issues to take into account for accurate cross-country comparisons of the pandemic. Compared to other databases on the same topic, the strength of “The Demography of COVID-19 Deaths” database is to provide high-quality data and metadata through a rigorous process of data collection. The poster describes the approach and content of the database with the purpose of promoting its usage.

Background: Excessive salt intake is associated with noncommunicable diseases, especially with hypertension, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Implementation of comprehensive and effective strategies can reduce salt intake and related disease burden. The aim of the present research was to analyse the current situation and existing evidence to inform national salt reduction strategy. Material and methods: An analysis of current status of national salt reduction initiatives and hypertension prevention, as well as of scientific publications and governmental websites was done to identify the most effective interventions applicable in the Republic of Moldova. Results: Four out of 10 individuals have raised blood pressure in the Republic of Moldova and the prevalence of hypertension and hypertension linked disease has tripled over the last 15 years. There is a strong link between salt consumption and hypertension. Currently, salt consumption in almost every country is too high. Three out of nine targets on noncommunicable disease prevention and control, which were internationally and nationally assumed, provide the baseline to reduce the salt intake in the Republic of Moldova. The main strategies applied in different combinations at the international level to reduce salt intake are regulations, food reformulation, food labelling, colour coding based on salt content, taxation and education campaigns. Conclusions: The biggest reduction in salt consumption can be achieved by comprehensive multicomponent strategy involving legal measures, mandatory reformulation, nutritional labelling, efficient enforcement and a good leadership.