26
Jan

In East Asia and the Pacific (EAP), people are living longer but not necessarily healthier lives. As populations age and urbanize, an epidemic of chronic diseases including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease is taking hold, affecting workers in their prime, eroding productivity, and escalating health care costs. The most effective strategies to address this health crisis—prevention, screening, early diagnosis, and care management—are best implemented by a strong primary health care system. However, many EAP countries are using outdated models, focusing on cure rather than prevention and monitoring inputs instead of patient outcomes. Providers lack the capacity and incentives to deliver quality services, and patients lack the knowledge and motivation to adopt healthy lifestyles.

This session will present findings from a new World Bank report on PHC in the East Asia and Pacific Region. (expected to be launched in Mid-January 2026). The report identifies proven, cost-efficient, and impactful policy interventions relevant for ministries of health and those responsible for health policies. It also provides evidence that could help ministries of finance determine how resources are best allocated to improve the health of both people and the economy.