Hayley Jones, Director of WHO Collaborating Centre on Law and Noncommunicable Disease, shared on LinkedIn:
“Across the Western Pacific region, the ambition to reduce NCDs is clear. Turning every commitment into action remains our shared challenge.
Reflecting on a valuable first day at the 3rd Meeting of the Technical Advisory Group on Noncommunicable Disease Prevention and Control in the Western Pacific Region. I was honoured to be part of the TAG in Manila, alongside colleagues from a range of countries.
There were rich discussions and a strong consensus that preventing NCDs including cancer remains a critical regional priority, particularly through effective action on tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy diets, alongside stronger integration of NCD services into primary health care.
Hearing experiences from Mongolia, Viet Nam, China, the Philippines and Pacific Island countries reinforced that successful policy implementation must be locally grounded, supported by sustained advocacy, strong coalitions and practical technical assistance.
A recurring theme throughout the day was equity. Discussions highlighted the need to address widening health inequities, tackle the social and commercial determinants of health, and ensure policies are adaptable to emerging challenges, including digital marketing, AI and evolving technologies.
While the evidence and commitments already exist, implementation remains uneven. Policies on paper do not automatically translate into better health outcomes.
The conversations reinforced that stronger governance, laws, sustainable financing, accountability and enforcement are essential if we are to accelerate progress.
Looking forward to further discussions over the next two days and continuing to learn from colleagues across the region working to advance NCD prevention and control.”
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