A Healthy Future: Primary Health Care and the Chronic Disease Epidemic in East Asia and Pacific examines the growing burden of chronic diseases in the East Asia and Pacific region and the critical role of primary health care in preventing, managing, and controlling these conditions. The report highlights gaps in health system capacity and emphasizes that strengthening primary care is essential for improving health outcomes, reducing costs, and achieving more equitable access to essential services.
Key Insights
Rising Chronic Disease Burden: Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory conditions are increasing rapidly, posing major health and economic challenges.
Primary Health Care as Foundation: Strong primary health systems are key to early detection, continuous management, and prevention of chronic illnesses, reducing pressures on hospitals and specialized services.
System Gaps and Inequities: Many countries in the region face shortages of trained health workers, limited access to essential medicines, and disparities in care quality between urban and rural areas.
Economic and Social Impact: Chronic diseases contribute to high out-of-pocket costs, reduced productivity, and widening health inequalities, threatening broader development goals.
Policy Imperatives: Investing in primary health care infrastructure, workforce capacity, preventive services, and universal health coverage is critical to curb the chronic disease epidemic and ensure healthier, more resilient populations.
