Life Expectancy in the Western Pacific: A Resilient Region Amidst Challenges

According to a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO), countries in the Western Pacific Region have shown remarkable resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing the smallest decline in life expectancy compared to other WHO regions. The life expectancy in this region fell by only 0.07 years during 2020-21, a stark contrast to the global average decline of 1.7 years. This achievement has positioned the Western Pacific as the region with the highest life expectancy among WHO’s six regions, rising from 72.0 years in 2000 to 77.4 years in 2021.

Progress Amidst Challenges

Despite these encouraging statistics, the Western Pacific Region, which encompasses 37 countries and areas across Asia and the Pacific, faces significant challenges in achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These global goals, adopted by world leaders, aim to eradicate poverty and inequality, protect the planet, and ensure that all individuals enjoy health, justice, and prosperity by 2030. The WHO report titled Health Statistics in the Western Pacific Region 2023: Monitoring Health for the SDGs highlights both the advancements made and the urgent need for action to address persisting health inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic.

The Rise of Noncommunicable Diseases

One of the most pressing health concerns in the Western Pacific is the rise of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Once dominated by infectious diseases and injuries, the region is now witnessing a significant epidemiological shift, with NCDs such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer accounting for nearly 90% of deaths. Although the probability of premature death from NCDs has declined by over 25% since 2000, the region is grappling with rapid population aging. Currently, more than 245 million individuals aged 65 and older reside in the Western Pacific, a figure projected to double by 2050, many of whom are living with NCDs.

Risk Factors: Alcohol and Tobacco Use

Alcohol and tobacco use are major risk factors contributing to the rise of NCDs. Since 2000, alcohol consumption in the region has surged by 40%. Although there was a decline from 7.2 liters per capita in 2015 to 6.1 liters in 2019, the overall increase remains a public health concern. Similarly, while tobacco use decreased from 28.0% of adults smoking in 2000 to 22.5% in 2022, this rate still exceeds the global average of 20.9%.

Mental Health Crisis

Mental health issues are also a growing concern, with alarmingly high suicide rates in certain countries within the region. Factors such as stigma, limited access to mental health services, and socioeconomic challenges contribute to this crisis, highlighting the need for comprehensive mental health strategies.

Environmental Health Challenges

Climate and environmental health issues further complicate the health landscape in the Western Pacific. Although urban air pollution levels decreased from 2010 to 2019, they remain significantly above WHO-recommended levels, exposing urban populations to unhealthy air quality.

Mixed Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage

Universal health coverage (UHC) is another critical SDG target where the Western Pacific has seen mixed results. The UHC service coverage index, which measures access to essential health services, increased impressively from 49 to 79 points out of 100 between 2000 and 2021. However, access to healthcare services varies widely across the region, with some countries scoring as low as 30, indicating significant barriers to basic healthcare.

Despite the growing burden of NCDs, access to essential health services for these diseases has not improved significantly, remaining stagnant since 2010. In contrast, access to services for infectious diseases has improved dramatically, rising from just 18 points in 2000 to 82 points in 2021.

Health Spending Trends

Health spending in the Western Pacific has increased substantially, tripling from approximately US$383 per person in 2000 to US$1,336 in 2021. However, despite these investments, the proportion of people experiencing catastrophic health expenditures—defined as spending more than 10% of their income on healthcare—has doubled, rising from 9.9% in 2000 to 19.8% in 2019.

Urgent Action Required

Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, emphasized the need for urgent action to sustain health gains in the region. “While we celebrate the significant health gains that the Western Pacific Region has achieved, we must also acknowledge urgent challenges in sustaining progress,” he stated. The upcoming seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, scheduled for October 21-25, 2024, in Manila, will focus on addressing these pressing health needs.

A New Vision for Health

The proposed new vision for the region, titled Weaving Health for Families, Communities, and Societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025-2029), symbolizes the collaborative efforts required to improve population health. This vision is built on five vertical strands of action led by governments, including transformative primary health care for UHC, climate-resilient health systems, and technology and innovation for future health equity.

The WHO will also focus on three horizontal strands of action, emphasizing the need for effective communication and support systems to tackle complex health challenges that extend beyond the health sector.

Conclusion

As the Western Pacific Region navigates the complexities of health challenges, the commitment of governments, WHO, and partners to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 is crucial. The path forward requires collaboration across multiple sectors to address social determinants of health and ensure that no one is left behind. The upcoming discussions at the Regional Committee will be pivotal in shaping a healthier future for the region, weaving together efforts to improve health, well-being, and ultimately save lives.