The changing context in Europe, due to an ageing population, economic transitions and urbanization and globalization has lead to an alarming increase in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Presently, within the WHO European Region NCDs account for 87% of all deaths and 77% of the overall disease burden.  As result NCDs represent a major challenge to sustainable development, including the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals. Yet the links between NCDs and sexual and reproductive health are not often recognized. This 75th issue of Entre Nous explores the many parallels between NCDs and sexual and reproductive health in terms of vulnerabilities and risks for and as a result of ill health, such as, poverty, inequity, social determinants of health and socio-cultural factors.