Best Practices in NCD Prevention:

Insights from Leading Health Initiatives

Contents

  • Overall
  • HWQld, Health and Wellbeing Queensland, Australia
  • VicHealth, Victorian Health Promotion Foundation, Australia
  • HPB, Health Promotion Board, Singapore
  • ThaiHealth, Thai Health Promotion, Thailand
  • KHEPI, Korean Health Promotion Institute, Korea
  • WHO, World Health Organization
  • Conclusion

Overall

NCDs and factors

NCDs share common risk factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, are among the leading causes of death globally. These diseases share common risk factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. The rising burden of NCDs poses a significant global health challenge, contributing to a substantial proportion of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Effective prevention strategies are crucial in addressing this challenge, as they can significantly reduce the incidence and impact of NCDs. Addressing these complex issues requires a multifaceted approach that integrates scientific research, technological advancements, and social innovations to create sustainable solutions.

Aim of this case study

This case study aims to highlight effective and innovative strategies and initiatives in NCD prevention, showcasing the positive impact of successful implementations by exploring best practices from various organizations.

This case study aims to highlight effective strategies and initiatives in NCD prevention, showcasing the positive impact of successful implementations on improving community health and reducing the burden of these diseases. By exploring best practices from various organizations, including Health and Wellbeing Queensland (HWQld), Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth), Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), Health Promotion Board Singapore (HPB), Korean Health Promotion Institute (KHEPI), and the World Health Organization (WHO), this study underscores the importance of innovative approaches in tackling NCD risk factors.

These initiatives not only demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted interventions but also emphasize the need to promote health equity to achieve better health outcomes on a global scale.

HWQld, Australia

Health and Wellbeing Queensland

  • Situation
  • Challenges and Solutions
  • Implementation
    • Funding and Resources
    • Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Key Insights

Situation

Dealing with higher rates of overweight and obesity

“Bundaberg is a region in Queensland facing higher rates of overweight and obesity, despite having similar levels of nutrition and physical activity as the state average.”

The Bundaberg region faces a higher obesity rate compared to the overall Queensland average. Studies indicate that adult obesity rates in Bundaberg are approximately 38% higher than the state average1. Despite similar levels of physical activity and nutritional intake as the state average, this region continues to struggle with elevated obesity rates, which is a significant public health concern.

“Do Your Thing” initiative

The “Do Your Thing” initiative, under the ‘Building a Healthy Bundaberg’ Alliance (BaHB), aims to lower overweight and obesity rates in the Bundaberg region to below the national average by 2030. It focuses on enhancing the coordination, delivery, and communication of health programs in areas like nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and social wellbeing.

"Do Your Thing" initiative, HWQ, Queensland, Australia

A community-led initiative, to support residents of all ages in the Bundaberg Region to make healthy changes that work for them.

Whether it’s walking the dog, gardening or swimming, staying active and healthy can be easier than you think.

Explore different activities, hobbies and events across Bundaberg to find what works for YOU. Do Your Thing is here to help you find your thing!

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Leverage the existing services

Despite having similar levels of nutrition and physical activity as the state average, Bundaberg faces higher rates of overweight and obesity. This initiative plans to leverage the strengths of existing service providers and facilities to promote a more cohesive approach to health promotion. Health and Wellbeing Queensland, in collaboration with the Bundaberg Regional Council, the Department of Tourism Innovation and Sport, local community groups, peak health bodies, and research organizations, leads the effort to inspire residents to make meaningful and sustainable healthy lifestyle changes.

Focus on improving the coordination, delivery, and communication of health programs in areas like nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and social wellbeing, across various sectors.

Challenges and Solutions

  • Situation : Despite significant investments, Bundaberg region continues to have higher rates of overweight and obesity.
  • Need : Need for better coordination and synchronization among the various stakeholders.
  • Solution : Partnered with Evidn for a comprehensive Behavioral Systems Analysis and establishing a Local Leadership Group.

One significant challenge in the Bundaberg region has been the need for better coordination and synchronization among the various stakeholders involved in health and wellbeing initiatives. To address this, the “Do Your Thing” initiative partnered with Evidn, a behavioral science organization, to conduct a comprehensive Behavioral Systems Analysis. This analysis identified systemic challenges and outlined the necessary conditions for implementing a successful place-based health initiative. A key outcome was the establishment of a Local Leadership Group, which fosters collaboration and streamlines efforts across different sectors.

Implementation

Uncovering barriers such as limited visibility and access to high-quality programs, inadequate collaboration among organizations, and a fragmented approach to health and wellbeing promotion.

Between December 2020 and March 2021, Evidn engaged with 100 stakeholders from 33 organizations and reviewed 200 documents, uncovering barriers such as limited visibility and access to high-quality programs, inadequate collaboration among organizations, and a fragmented approach to health and wellbeing promotion. The “Do Your Thing” platform was subsequently launched to provide a collaborative space for stakeholders and promote a positive health identity in the region. Since its inception, the initiative has been involved in over 50 projects and activities, significantly enhancing community engagement and collaboration.

Funding and Resources

Health and Wellbeing Queensland allocated $262,000 to support the initiative, with additional funding for a PhD student’s research on the economic impacts of health investments in regional communities. The Local Leadership Group, comprising over 40 members from 28 organizations, has played a vital role in advancing these efforts through regular meetings and active engagement.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Nearly 20,000 community members participated in 500 events and activities, reflecting strong engagement and interest in the initiative.

A comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Framework was developed to measure the initiative’s impact. The baseline evaluation, completed in March 2022, highlighted the complexity of obesity and related health issues. Nearly 20,000 community members participated in 500 events and activities, reflecting strong engagement and interest in the initiative.

Key Insights

To support the long-term legacy of the initiative and adapt the “Do Your Thing” framework for other regions.

The data collected includes organizational behaviors, individual and peer networks, and broader community indicators, offering a holistic view of the region’s health and wellbeing. The follow-up evaluation in January 2023 indicated substantial progress in several areas, including enhanced coordination and community engagement. Ongoing discussions aim to support the long-term legacy of the initiative and adapt the “Do Your Thing” framework for other regions. The second phase of data collection will further assess the initiative’s effectiveness and guide future strategies for promoting healthy behaviors.

VicHealth, Australia

Victorian Health Promotion Foundation

Understanding the Problem

“NCDs account for 89% of all deaths in Australia.”

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major health concern in Australia, accounting for 89% of all deaths. The primary risk factors contributing to NCDs include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and exposure to air pollution. To tackle these issues, VicHealth has implemented several key initiatives aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles and preventing NCDs.

Implementation

Key initiatives

Future Active: Activating Underutilized Spaces

  • Creating opportunities for physical activity
  • Co-designed with young people
  • Collaboration with Reclink Australia, activate underutilized spaces in 16 local government areas.

One of these initiatives, Future Active: Activating Underutilized Spaces, focuses on creating opportunities for physical activity, especially in spaces that are currently underutilized. This program is co-designed with young people to ensure that the solutions meet their specific needs and preferences. In collaboration with Reclink Australia3, VicHealth has worked to identify and activate such spaces in 16 local government areas. This approach not only encourages physical activity but also empowers young people to take an active role in shaping their communities.

Future Active : Activating Underutilized Spaces
Spaces need to be like
Future Active : Activating Underutilized Spaces
Some activities they want
Future Active First milestone unlocked!

This approach not only encourages physical activity but also empowers young people to take an active role in shaping their communities.

Boosting Healthy Food Hubs

Another significant initiative is Healthy Food Hubs4, which aims to improve access to healthy, culturally appropriate, and environmentally sustainable food. This initiative supports local growers and producers through a place-based funding model and business accelerator programs. Operating in seven high-need areas, the Healthy Food Hubs initiative provides funding ranging from $500,000 to $700,000 over three years.

Food Hubs are places where communities can access locally produced and healthy foods, together.

Food hub benefits

  • Access to locally produced and healthy foods
  • Paid traineeships for young people in every hub to educate and mobilise their communities and transform our local food systems.
  • Increased opportunities for communities to celebrate, showcase and learn about diverse food cultures.​
Ubuntu Food Hub - VicHealth
Ubuntu Food Hub
Common Ground Project Food Hub - VicHealth
Common Ground Project Food Hub
Grow Cook Share Food Hub - VicHealth
Grow Cook Share Food Hub

It includes components such as a business accelerator, a youth traineeship program, and the creation of communities of practice and a youth food systems network. These efforts help to foster local food systems, promote healthy eating, and support economic development in local communities.

Future Reset: Young People, Arts and Mental Wellbeing

What: a Future Healthy initiative moving the dial on young people’s collective health and wellbeing through youth-led art projects.

Why: We know that young people aged 12-25 years have been hugely impacted by the pandemic, and mental wellbeing has suffered.

When: From 2022 – early 2025

Who:

  • By: VicHealth in partnership with 9 arts organisations
  • For: young people aged 12-25 years in Victoria and their communities

Ref: Future Reset: Young people, Arts and Mental Wellbeing

Additionally, the Future Reset: Young People, Arts and Mental Wellbeing initiative involves nine organizations and young leaders in co-designing arts projects and activations focused on mental wellbeing. This initiative uses digital platforms to engage young people online, providing a space for creative expression and community involvement. By addressing mental health issues through the arts, Future Reset aims to foster resilience and support among young people, helping them to navigate the challenges of modern life. These initiatives collectively contribute to a comprehensive approach to preventing NCDs by promoting physical activity, healthy eating, and mental wellbeing.

Aims to foster resilience and support among young people, helping them to navigate the challenges of modern life.

Collective Impact Model

Collective Impact is a framework for collaboration that engages communities, sectors and groups in place-based settings to address a complex social issue. And ultimately create social change.

The Collective Impact Model

The Collective Impact Model is a structured framework designed to address complex social problems through the coordinated efforts of various stakeholders. This model relies on several key elements to be effective.

Key elements of the collective impact model

  1. Common agenda
  2. Shared measurement
  3. Mutually reinforcing activities
  4. Continuous Communication
  5. Backbone support organization

1) A common agenda

All of the stakeholders within a collective impact project must have a shared vision for the social issue they are addressing.

First, it establishes a common agenda, which involves creating a shared vision and a mutual understanding of the problem at hand. This shared agenda ensures that all participants are aligned and working towards the same goals with a unified approach to solutions.

2) Shared measurement

It is important that stakeholders develop a set of shared indicators to assess the progress of the collective impact initiative. And evaluating these indicators through regular meeting.

Second, the model emphasizes the importance of shared measurement systems. By consistently collecting and measuring data across all participating organizations, the model ensures that efforts are aligned and that there is accountability for progress. This shared measurement allows for a clear understanding of the impact of different strategies and interventions.

3) Mutually reinforcing activities

Each participant’s actions are coordinated in a way that they complement and support one another.

Third, the model supports mutually reinforcing activities, where each participant’s actions are coordinated in a way that they complement and support one another. This ensures that the various efforts are not working in isolation but rather are integrated and working towards a common outcome.

4) Continuous communication

Trust is key. And the only way to build trust is through open communication and genuine collaboration.

Another crucial element is continuous communication. Regular and transparent communication among all participants helps build trust, ensures mutual understanding, and keeps everyone focused on the shared goals. This ongoing dialogue is essential for adapting strategies as needed and for maintaining engagement and commitment.

5) Backbone support organization

The backbone organisation needs the skills and resources to keep all the collaborative work on track.

Finally, backbone support organizations play a vital role in the Collective Impact Model. These organizations provide the logistical and strategic support necessary to coordinate the various efforts. They often manage the administrative tasks, facilitate communication among stakeholders, and help sustain the focus on the common agenda.

Key benefits

The Collective Impact Model offers several key benefits, starting with enhanced collaboration. By uniting various stakeholders such as nonprofits, governments, businesses, and community members, the model creates a collaborative environment where resources and expertise are shared. This pooling of resources allows for more comprehensive and cohesive efforts in addressing complex social issues.

Scalability and Sustainability

Another significant advantage is the model’s scalability and sustainability. Its structured approach facilitates the expansion of initiatives and the maintenance of long-term efforts, even as individual organizations experience changes or challenges. This resilience is crucial for sustaining impactful work overtime.

Addresses the root causes

The model also fosters systemic change. Through the coordinated efforts of multiple organizations, it addresses the root causes of social issues rather than just treating their symptoms. This holistic approach enables a more thorough and enduring resolution of these challenges.

All participants are working towards common objectives and tracking progress consistently.

Enhances the overall effectiveness and improved outcomes

Finally, the alignment of goals and strategies, along with the implementation of shared measurement systems, typically leads to more effective interventions and improved outcomes for the communities served. By ensuring that all participants are working towards common objectives and tracking progress consistently, the Collective Impact Model enhances the overall effectiveness of initiatives and their positive impact on communities.

Example

An example of this model in action is the Healthy Food Hubs initiative, which improves access to healthy food in Victoria’s high-need areas. This community-driven initiative uses a place-based funding model to support local food systems and sustainable production.

Place-based partnerships

Aims to create an optimal environment for children’s development by collaborating closely with local councils.

VicHealth’s health promotion strategy emphasizes place-based partnerships7, particularly through the Victorian Local Government Partnership (VLGP). This initiative aims to create an optimal environment for children’s development by collaborating closely with local councils.

Key elements

Key elements of this approach include

Systems mapping, planning, and evaluation

To better plan and assess the effectiveness of their interventions.

which involve thoroughly understanding local contexts and identifying existing resources and initiatives. By mapping these systems, VicHealth and its partners can better plan and assess the effectiveness of their interventions.

Local capability

To address specific health challenges in their communities and implement the initiatives effectively.

Another critical component is local capability and capacity building, which focuses on enhancing the skills and resources of local councils and community organizations. This effort ensures that these entities are equipped to implement and sustain health promotion initiatives effectively, addressing specific health challenges in their communities.

Best Practice Modules

Tailored to local needs.

Additionally, the implementation of best practice modules tailored to local needs provides a framework for delivering effective health interventions, adapting evidence-based practices to the unique circumstances of each community.

Summary

Communities of practice are also integral to VicHealth’s approach.

Financial resources allocated specifically to high-need areas.

To summarize, communities of practice are also integral to VicHealth’s approach, bringing together practitioners, policymakers, and community members to share knowledge, strategies, and experiences. This collaborative exchange fosters continuous learning and innovation in health promotion efforts.

Furthermore, place-based funding is a key strategy, with financial resources allocated specifically to high-need areas to ensure a significant and targeted impact. These initiatives highlight VicHealth’s commitment to reshaping health systems, fostering innovation, and promoting equity in health outcomes through community-led and informed approaches.

HPB, Singapore

Health Promotion Board

Leveraging ‘Choice Architecture’ to Encourage Healthier Eating

Key Takeaways

  • Overview : Reduce the burden
  • HPB’s Prevention Strategy
  • Food Strategies
  • Incentives and gamification

Reduce the burden

According to the National Nutrition Survey and National Population Health Survey 2022, 35% of the Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) burden could be reduced by mitigating risks such as smoking, poor diet, low physical activity, high blood pressure, high glucose levels, high body mass index, and high cholesterol levels. The Health Promotion Board (HPB) of Singapore tackles these issues through a comprehensive prevention strategy that includes both primary and secondary prevention measures.

HPB’s Prevention Strategy

Primary Prevention

Encourage healthy lifestyle

  • Healthy eating habits
  • Physical activity
  • Reduce smoking and tobacco

In primary prevention, HPB promotes mental health through public education, early intervention, and support services. Efforts to encourage healthy eating habits include reducing caloric intake and improving diet quality through public awareness campaigns and partnerships with food manufacturers. To promote physical activity, HPB runs community programs and public campaigns, and enhances infrastructure to make physical activity more accessible. Additionally, the board works to reduce smoking and tobacco use through education and supportive policies.

Encourage healthy eating habits through public awareness campaigns and partnerships with food manufacturers

Secondary Prevention

Detection

  • Early detection and management of chronic conditions
  • Also targets youth

Secondary prevention strategies focus on the early detection and management of chronic conditions through screening programs. HPB also targets youth with preventive services aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyles, such as school-based programs and youth engagement initiatives.

Food strategies

Goal: Reduce caloric intake and improve diet quality

For food strategy, HPB adopts an eco-systemic approach to influence both the supply and demand of healthier food options. The goal is to reduce caloric intake and improve diet quality through four key components:

Key components

of Healthier food options

when dining out, from manufacturer, hawker centers, malls, and supermarkets

  1. Increasing Awareness: This includes public education campaigns on food and nutrition, as well as program awareness and brand building.
  2. Product Innovation: HPB works with food manufacturers under schemes like the Healthier Ingredient Development Scheme (HIDS) to innovate and reformulate products for healthier options.
  3. Leveraging Partnerships: The Healthier Dining Program (HDP) collaborates with food and beverage operators to offer healthier dining choices, marked by storefront decals and menu labels. The Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) is another initiative, provides a front-of-pack labeling system to help consumers easily identify healthier products.
  4. Driving Consumer Demand: HPB engages in various initiatives, including tenancy specifications, catering and drink policies, and activations in hawker centers, malls, and supermarkets. The Eat Drink Shop Healthy (EDSH) Challenge, a digital initiative, encourages healthier purchases through a gamified experience where participants earn health points.

Increasing awareness, healthier choices, and encourage healthier eating (gamification)

Healthier options, Healthier Dining Program (HDP)

Healthier Options

To encourage F&B establishments to provide healthier meal options to their customers.

The programme has increased the availability and accessibility of healthier food and drink options in Singapore by over 10 times, spanning more than 300 brands and over 2,600 touchpoints, since 2014.

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Healthier Choice

“If you are a shopper looking for healthier food choices, all you have to do is to look out for the Healthier Choice Symbol”

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Eat Drink Shop Healthy Challenge

Every healthier purchase is a win
Win for you and your health with every healthier choice purchase!

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Promote healthier eating habits

To promote healthier eating habits, HPB has introduced several programs and measures to empower consumers.

  • Healthier Dining : The Healthier Dining Program (HDP) features decals at storefronts and on menus, helping consumers identify healthier options when dining out.
  • Healthier Choice : The Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS) program provides easy-to-understand labels on products.
  • Nutri-Grade : Additionally, the Nutri-Grade labeling system for beverages helps consumers reduce their intake of high-sugar or high-saturated-fat drinks.

These initiatives are supported by multi-year educational campaigns that inform the public about healthier eating and lifestyle choices.

Incentives and gamification

Furthermore, HPB uses incentives and gamification to encourage healthier eating and physical activity.

Healthier Eating Habits

The Eat Drink Shop Healthy (EDSH) Challenge involves unique QR codes given with healthier purchases, allowing participants to earn health points. The challenge also includes a digital passport system for accumulating QR codes and receiving rewards.

  • Healthpoints : Participants earn Healthpoints by purchasing healthier items and meeting physical activity milestones.
  • Digital Passport Gamification : Gamified accumulation of QR code scans with rewards for achieving milestones.

Physical Activity

Physical activity is promoted through gamification, with daily steps and Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) milestones nudging participants towards more active lifestyles. Participants can use fitness wearables to track their activity and sync data with the Healthy 365 app, earning health points for meeting milestones​

  • Physical Activity Gamification : Daily steps and MVPA milestones to nudge participants towards more active lifestyles.
  • Fitness Wearables : Participants use compatible wearables to track physical activity and sync data to meet milestones and earn rewards.

Healthy 365 App

Turn One day into Day one.

Get fitter. Eat healthier. Sleep earlier. We all have health goals that we hope to start on “one day”.

Question is, why not today? Kick-start your health journey and move towards
a Healthier You with Healthy 365.

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ThaiHealth

Thai Health Promotion Foundation

ThaiHealth has been a pivotal player in promoting physical activity in Thailand since 2010.

Aiming to reduce medical expenses and promote healthier lifestyles through social marketing and education about the benefits of physical activity.

Key Takeaways

  • Individuals with disabilities
  • Physical Activity Innovation for All Ages
  • Future Directions in PA Innovation
  • ThaiHealth’s Role and National Strategy + Result

Physical activity plays a crucial role in preventing and managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It is a key factor in maintaining overall health and well-being, helping to reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. In Thailand, technological advancements have the potential to democratize access to physical activities, making it possible for individuals, including those with disabilities, to engage in exercise and improve their health outcomes.

Individuals with disabilities

Innovations in Prosthetics and Artificial Organs

Thailand has seen significant developments in the field of prosthetics and artificial organs. Innovations include the creation of artificial retinas, prosthetic hearts, kidneys, and lungs, which are crucial for individuals requiring organ replacements. Additionally, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) kits have been developed to electrically stimulate muscles, aiding people with severe disabilities in gaining movement. Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology further assists individuals by connecting their brain to computers, enabling them to control movements through brain signals, offering a new level of independence and quality of life.

Physical Activity Innovation for All Ages

Feelfit activity tracker

Technological innovations in Thailand have also targeted various age groups and health needs. The Feelfit Activity Tracker is a tool that measures calories burned, steps taken, and classifies physical activity into five groups, helping users track their fitness levels.

For Children

For children, especially those with mental disabilities, force sensors are used to study foot pressure and adjust spaces to encourage physical activity, enhancing both physical and mental well-being.

For the Eldery

For the elderly, the SWING application facilitates arm-swing exercises, using motion sensors to analyze and improve mobility and memory.

Supporting Severe Disabilities

Furthermore, the FES Race and BCI Race initiatives provide opportunities for individuals with spinal cord injuries to engage in cycling and other physical activities, using electrical stimulation and brain-computer interfaces.

Future Directions in PA Innovation

Looking ahead, the integration of physical activity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents exciting possibilities for personalized exercise programs. Platforms that combine healthy eating, activity tracking, and personalized health interventions are on the rise.

Baojai

The BAOJAI (LightHearted) digital platform exemplifies this trend by promoting healthier lifestyles through personalized interventions, real-time feedback, and continuous health monitoring. The platform includes a Personalized Lifestyle Modification Program, which customizes health and wellness plans based on individual user data, such as dietary habits, physical activity levels, and health metrics. Users receive daily checkups on critical health indicators, including Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure, and glucose levels.

AI Integration

AI integration in the platform includes tools like AI Robin, which provides real-time feedback and personalized health tips, and AI Roger, which collaborates with healthcare professionals to refine intervention programs based on user data and trends.

To enhance user engagement, the platform incorporates gamification and a rewards system, motivating users to achieve health milestones. Comprehensive health monitoring is facilitated through the integration of smartwatches and other wearable devices, tracking physical activity, sleep patterns, and other health metrics. The platform also ensures data privacy and security by adhering to medical software standards and international data privacy regulations, such as IEC 62304, PDPA, Thai FDA regulations, and ISO certifications.

ThaiHealth’s Role and National Strategy

ThaiHealth has been a pivotal player in promoting physical activity in Thailand since 2010, following the WHO’s Global Strategy on Physical Activity. The organization aims to reduce medical expenses and promote healthier lifestyles through social marketing and education about the benefits of physical activity.

Collaboration

ThaiHealth has collaborated with various organizations to establish a national strategy for physical activity promotion, which includes creating supportive environments, promoting physical activity across all age groups, and developing systems to sustain these efforts.

Hosting the 6th International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH) conference in 2014, ThaiHealth helped catalyze significant initiatives, such as the Bangkok Declaration on Physical Activity, the Thailand Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth, and the development of the Master Plan for Physical Activity Promotion (2018-2030).

As a result of these efforts, by 2019, 74.6% of the Thai population engaged in sufficient physical activity.

ThaiHealth continues to promote urban designs that support physical activity, such as walkable cities and community wellness projects.

Tri-power strategy

The organization operates under three main strategies:

  • Wisdom Power : Developing knowledge and models
  • Social Power : Building cooperation with different sectors and international networks
  • Policy Power : Advocating for physical activity as a national agenda.

The ultimate goal is to achieve 100% of the Thai population engaging in sufficient physical activity, thus promoting holistic health for a better quality of life.

KHEPI, Korea

Korean Health Promotion Institute

Key Takeaways

  • Health status and Challenges
  • Implementation
    • National Health Policy Roadmap
    • Health Plan 2020
    • Monitoring System
    • Promotion Agenda
  • Achievements and Challenges

Health Status and Challenges

  • Korea’s life expectancy is high but individual health behaviors are deteriorating.
  • Smoking rates remain high, physical activity is declining, and unhealthy eating habits are prevalent.
  • Health inequality and income polarization are significant challenges.

South Korea boasts a high life expectancy, reflecting the country’s overall advanced healthcare system. However, despite this positive indicator, there are concerning trends in individual health behaviors. Smoking rates remain persistently high, while physical activity levels are declining. Additionally, unhealthy eating habits are widespread, contributing to the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These challenges are compounded by significant health inequality and income polarization, creating disparities in health outcomes across different socioeconomic groups.

Implementation

National Health Policy Roadmap

A healthy world created and enjoyed by all people together.

To address these issues, South Korea has established mid-to-long-term comprehensive health plans that are revised every five years. The overarching goals of these plans include extending Healthy Life Expectancy (HLE) and promoting health equity. The vision guiding these efforts is encapsulated in the statement: “A healthy world created and enjoyed by all people together.” This vision emphasizes inclusivity and the collective effort required to achieve equitable health outcomes.

Health Plan 2020

The Health Plan 2020 (HP2020) focused on promoting healthy lifestyle practices, managing chronic degenerative diseases, controlling infectious diseases, and tailoring health management strategies to specific population groups.

Notable successes

The plan achieved notable successes, such as increasing HLE and reducing health disparities between genders. These outcomes reflect the effectiveness of targeted interventions and comprehensive health strategies.

Monitoring System

A robust monitoring system is essential to track the progress and effectiveness of the health plans. Key aspects include:

  • Goal Achievement: Monitoring the performance trends of leading health indicators annually to assess whether targets are being met.
  • Health Equality: Evaluating health gaps by social factors, such as income and education, as well as by gender, to ensure equitable access to healthcare and resources.
  • International Comparison: Benchmarking Korea’s health outcomes against global standards and other countries to contextualize progress and identify areas for improvement.

Promotion Agenda

  • Detailed implementation plan
  • Public communication and participation
  • Monitoring and evaluation

To ensure the successful implementation of the health plans, South Korea prioritizes securing linkages with comprehensive national plans. This includes establishing detailed implementation plans and strengthening policy feedback mechanisms. Expanding public communication and participation is also crucial, as it fosters community engagement and ensures that policies are responsive to the public’s needs. Additionally, a sustainable system for monitoring and evaluation is maintained to continuously assess the effectiveness of health strategies and make necessary adjustments.

Achievements and Challenges

One of the significant achievements under HP2020 has been the meticulous monitoring and analysis of healthy life expectancy and health equity.

One of the significant achievements under HP2020 has been the meticulous monitoring and analysis of healthy life expectancy and health equity. This has allowed for more targeted interventions and policies that address specific health challenges faced by different population groups.

However, challenges remain, particularly in the management of healthcare by population group and the execution of policies to implement health plans effectively. Overcoming these challenges requires a coordinated effort and continuous improvement of health systems and policies.

WHO

World Health Organization

Contents

Overview

The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the South-East Asia Region is substantial and projected to grow. These diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses, pose significant public health challenges. To address these issues, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed various innovative strategies, encompassing scientific research, technological advancements, and social innovations. These efforts aim to improve health and equity by encouraging community participation and empowerment.

  • Aim to improve health and equity by encouraging community participation and empowerment.
  • WHO’s support includes developing processes, products, programs, policies, or systems to improve health and equity.

Tobacco Control Measures

  • MPOWER measures
  • Smoke-Free Dashboard and Mobile App
  • WHO Quit Tobacco App
  • Global Achieving

MPOWER measures

One of the notable innovations in NCD prevention is the adoption of the MPOWER measures, a comprehensive set of tobacco control strategies endorsed by WHO. The Netherlands has become a global leader in this area, becoming the fourth country to fully adopt these measures. As a result, the country has seen a substantial decrease in smoking rates, dropping from 25.7% in 2014 to 20.6% in 2021. This success is largely due to strong political commitment and effective collaboration between the government, international health organizations, and civil society.

MPOWER measures include:

  • Monitoring tobacco use and prevention policies.
  • Protecting people from tobacco smoke.
  • Offering help to quit tobacco use.
  • Warning about the dangers of tobacco.
  • Enforcing bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
  • Raising taxes on tobacco.

ref: https://www.emro.who.int/tfi/mpower/index.html

WHO Quit Tobacco App

In another promising development, the WHO Quit Tobacco App12 offers a digital platform for individuals seeking help to quit smoking or using smokeless tobacco, available in English for both Android and iOS devices.

Smoke-Free Dashboard and Mobile app

Additionally, Indonesia has introduced a Smoke-Free Dashboard and Mobile App11. This tool allows officials to record inspections, enforce regulations, and monitor compliance with smoke-free policies, thereby strengthening their tobacco control efforts.

There are nearly two million cases of tobacco related illnesses and that smoking kills over 225,000 Indonesians, making up over 21% of annual deaths.

Tobacco Control Implementation In Indonesia

Smoking-free mobile app

The smoking-free area monitoring application (KTR) is a software-based compliance recording and enforcement tool for mobile phones. This tool can be used by anyone throughout Indonesia.

The development of this tool was carried out by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs and partners with facilitation from the World Health Organization (WHO) in Indonesia

ref: Android app download

Global Achieving

These initiatives are part of a broader global effort to advance tobacco control, with some countries already achieving all MPOWER measures at best practice standards. Currently, four countries have reached this level, while eight others are just one measure away from completing the MPOWER package. Additionally, 36 countries are two measures away, reflecting a growing and widespread commitment to comprehensive tobacco control worldwide.

SAFER Interventions for Alcohol Control

Strategies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol through restrictions on availability, enforcement of drink-driving countermeasures, access to screening and treatment, bans on advertising, and excise taxes.

  • Detailed implementation plan
  • Public communication and participation
  • Monitoring and evaluation

To address the harmful use of alcohol, WHO has developed the SAFER initiative, which outlines five high-impact strategies.

Five high-impact strategies

  1. Strengthening restrictions on alcohol availability.
  2. Advancing and enforcing drink-driving countermeasures.
  3. Facilitating access to screening, brief interventions, and treatment for alcohol use disorders.
  4. Enforcing bans or comprehensive restrictions on alcohol advertising and sponsorship.
  5. Raising prices through excise taxes and pricing policies.

Examples

For instance, Ireland implemented comprehensive health labeling on alcohol products, making it the first EU country to do so, providing consumers with critical information about the health risks associated with alcohol consumption. Similarly, Nordic countries, excluding Denmark, have established government-owned retail monopolies to control alcohol sales, effectively reducing alcohol consumption and related harms through limited availability, marketing bans, and higher taxes.

South-East Asia HEARTS Initiative

The South-East Asia HEARTS initiative is a comprehensive program specifically designed to tackle NCDs in the region by addressing key risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and bolstering health systems.

Targets significant risk factors

The South-East Asia HEARTS initiative is a comprehensive program specifically designed to tackle NCDs in the region by addressing key risk factors and bolstering health systems. The initiative targets significant risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as tobacco use, high salt intake, and the presence of industrial trans-fatty acids in food. It emphasizes the importance of standardized, evidence-based protocols for treating hypertension and diabetes within primary healthcare settings. This approach ensures that all patients receive high-quality care based on the latest scientific evidence.

To Promote

Promotes healthy lifestyle changes through public health campaigns and community engagement, encouraging behaviors such as healthy eating, increased physical activity, and smoking cessation.

The initiative also promotes healthy lifestyle changes through public health campaigns and community engagement, encouraging behaviors such as healthy eating, increased physical activity, and smoking cessation. Furthermore, the initiative ensures access to essential medicines and technologies, critical for managing chronic conditions effectively.

Strategy

Focusing on risk-based management.

Complemented by multidisciplinary healthcare teams to provide comprehensive and coordinated care

A significant component of the HEARTS initiative is its focus on risk-based management, where healthcare providers use tools to assess individual risk levels and tailor their treatment accordingly. This strategy is complemented by a team-based care approach, involving multidisciplinary healthcare teams to provide comprehensive and coordinated care. The initiative includes robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track its implementation and outcomes, collecting data on health improvements, treatment adherence, and the availability of necessary medical resources.

Digital Technologies for Mental Health

WHO has increasingly integrated digital technologies into its mental health strategies, recognizing their potential to expand access to care.

Step-by-Step App

A digital self-help intervention designed for adults with depression.

Weekly 15-minute call + Assessment

Primarily focusing on behavioral activation, through a short, structured program lasting five to eight weeks.

For example, the WHO Step-by-Step App is a digital self-help intervention designed for adults with depression. It provides evidence-based techniques, primarily focusing on behavioral activation, through a short, structured program lasting five to eight weeks. The app is minimally guided by trained non-specialists, offering weekly 15-minute calls to support participants. This digital approach allows for broader reach and accessibility, especially in regions with limited access to traditional mental health services. Participants complete online baseline assessments and post-assessments two months after enrolling, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the program’s effectiveness.

Collaboration

School Interventions

Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the long-term health behaviors of their students.

Manuals for schoolteachers to implement measures preventing NCD risk factors among schoolchildren, fostering healthy habits from an early age.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the critical importance of early interventions in preventing non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors among children. To support this, WHO has developed comprehensive manuals for schoolteachers, offering practical modules focused on promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing unhealthy behaviors. These educational resources empower teachers to implement effective health programs within schools, laying the foundation for healthy habits during a crucial developmental stage.

For example, these modules may include

  • Lessons on balanced nutrition
  • The dangers of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
  • and The benefits of regular physical activity.

By incorporating these lessons into the school curriculum, teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the long-term health behaviors of their students.

GenNext – Exit NCDs

To guide schoolteachers in implementing measures to prevent NCD risk factors among schoolchildren, including equipping the necessary tools.

An example of such an initiative is the GenNext – Exit NCDs program, an innovative tool designed to guide schoolteachers in preventing NCD risk factors among students. The manual provided under this initiative contains six modules, which are divided into two major sections: promoting a healthy lifestyle and preventing unhealthy behavior. This resource equips educators with the necessary tools and knowledge to instill healthy habits in children from a young age, fostering an environment that encourages lifelong health.

The manual is divided into two major sections:

  1. Promoting a healthy lifestyle
  2. Preventing unhealthy behavior

Government Leadership in Health Innovation

Capacity-building + Long-term public financing + Comprehensive measurement

The WHO emphasizes the crucial role of government leadership in advancing health innovation by prioritizing health policies, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and creating a culture of innovation and continuous learning within the public sector. This includes capacity-building initiatives to stay abreast of emerging health trends and allocating long-term public financing to scale mission-oriented health innovations. Comprehensive measurement systems are also essential to assess the processes and outcomes of these innovations, facilitating ongoing learning and adaptation.

WHO’s support

Comprehensive strategies encompass prevention, treatment, and continuous monitoring to significantly enhance public health.

The WHO Western Pacific Regional Innovation Strategy, 2023, highlights the need for strategic and coordinated efforts to advance health innovations. Additionally, WHO supports member states by providing norms and guidance, enhancing capacity-building, and shaping innovation ecosystems, helping countries effectively tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and improve public health outcomes. These initiatives underscore the importance of comprehensive strategies that encompass prevention, treatment, and continuous monitoring to significantly enhance public health.

In Conclusion

Key Success

  • The collective efforts of various health organizations and initiatives
  • Community engagement
  • Comprehensive strategy, Holistic, and Inclusive approach
  • Commitment and effective Learning

Review

There must be a commitment to proactive NCD prevention strategies and continuous improvement, and ongoing collaboration among global health stakeholders.

The collective efforts of various health organizations and initiatives demonstrate the potential for significant progress in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases. From comprehensive tobacco control measures and alcohol regulation strategies to the integration of digital technologies for mental health, these case studies showcase a range of innovative approaches tailored to local contexts.

By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, leveraging technological advancements, and promoting community engagement, these initiatives not only address immediate health challenges but also pave the way for sustainable health improvements. The lessons learned from these diverse strategies emphasize the importance of a holistic and inclusive approach to public health, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to achieve better health outcomes and improved quality of life.

Commitment

To truly make a difference, there must be a commitment to proactive NCD prevention strategies and continuous improvement. Ongoing collaboration among global health stakeholders is crucial for driving better health outcomes worldwide, ensuring that the fight against NCDs remains dynamic and effective.

References

  1. Adult obesity rates in Bundaberg, Cancer Council Queensland, https://cancerqld.org.au/
  2. “Do Your Thing” initiative, HWQld, Queensland, Australia
  3. Reclink, Australia, https://reclink.org/
  4. Healthy Food Hub, VicHealth, Victoria, Australia
  5. Future Reset
  6. Collective Impact Model, VicHealth, Victoria, Australia
  7. Place-based partnerships, VicHealth, Victoria, Australia,  https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/resources/vichealth-strategies/strategy-2023-2033
  8. Healthier Dinging Programme, HPB, Singapore, https://www.hpb.gov.sg/healthy-living/food-beverage/healthier-dining-programme
  9. Make a Healthier Choice Today, HPB, Singapore, https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/make_healthier_choice
  10. Eat Drink Shop Healthy Challenge, HPB, Singapore
  11. MPOWER, WHO, https://www.who.int/initiatives/mpower
  12. Quit Tobacco App, WHO
  13. Smoke-Free Dashboard, Indonesia, https://dashboardktr.id/
  14. SAFER – Alcohol control initiative, WHO
  15. GenNext – Exit NCDs intervention tool for prevention of NCD risk factors among schoolchildren, WHO
  16. SEAHEARTS for accelerating CVD control, WHO
  17. WHO Step-by-Step app, WHO