Non-communicable diseases prevention and control: The current status in Taiwan and 5 western pacific countries

Objectives: Non-communicable diseases (NCD) are one of the leading causes for global deaths and disabilities, accounting for approximately 68% of deaths. International communities have made it a top priority to reduce the burden of NCD as part of the effort to achieve sustainable development. The study intends to provide policy implications for Taiwan by investigating the trends of premature NCD mortality and risk factors in Taiwan and five other countries in the Western Pacific Region. Methods: The paper retrieved 2000-2015 data for five countries from the UN Global SDG Indicators Database and WHO Global Health Observatory Data Repository, including premature NCD deaths, alcohol consumption per capita, prevalence of current tobacco use, and prevalence of overweight and obesity. Data for Taiwan were obtained from databases of national surveillance and surveys. Results: Increase in life expectancy was accompanied by a decreasing trend of premature NCD mortality in each country. In Japan and South Korea, premature NCD mortality was relatively low, compared to other countries. In terms of behavioral risk factors, South Korea's alcohol consumption per capita was higher, while China and Vietnam experienced a rising trend. Prevalence of current tobacco use in all countries was decreasing, with the lowest male smoking rate in Taiwan. However, trend of overweight and obesity was on the rise in all countries. Malaysians and Taiwanese males had higher prevalence than other populations. Similarly, physical inactivity rate was higher in these two countries. Conclusions: NCD prevention and control in Taiwan need to be strengthened. We suggest that a comprehensive NCD prevention framework be implemented, including development of a surveillance system conducive to monitoring, evaluation and international comparison.