Health experts say many countries at crucial junction

Medical experts gathered in Beijing on Saturday to share the latest research achievements in non-communicable disease prevention and control and boost international cooperation.

Led by Wang Youfa, Vice President of Xian Jiaotong University Health Science Center and Dean of Global Health Institute, the research focuses on epidemiological trends, influencing factors, technology applications and the impact of COVID-19 in 37 countries and regions in the Western Pacific region.

The results, obtained through the collaborative efforts of 35 experts from eight countries, were published online on Nov 30 in The Lancet Regional Health—Western Pacific, the world renowned medical academic journal.

Health inequality was a focal point. The mortality rate from non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries is higher than in high-income countries, the researchers found.

Low- and middle-income countries are currently at a crucial junction, Wang said, because the growth of non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes is relatively moderate mild, "meaning that it's essential to seize the opportunity now to prevent more serious problems" in the future.

Wang added that China's experiences in establishing health insurance coverage, upgrading community medical facilities, improving medical services to the poor, making huge contributions to the world and serving as a valuable example to other developing countries has been astounding.

Francesco Branca, director of the Department of Nutrition for Health and Development at the World Health Organization, said the meeting was of great significance. At present, the WHO is working to promote global cooperation, in particular in the use of digital health technologies to help the global community prevent and control of chronic diseases.

Cai Jie, editor-in-chief of The Lancet Regional Health—Western Pacific, calls for more local evidences and focus on vulnerable population on NCD prevention and control.

Yang Zishuo contributed to this story.