Exploration of Strategies for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control and Relevant System Development in China

Abstract

Chronic non-communicable diseases have become a major threat to humanity. International studies have shown that of 57 million deaths worldwide in 2008, 36 million (63%) were caused by chronic non-communic- able diseases; of these, 29 million (80%) occurred in low and middle income countries. The WHO predicts that if the current trend continues, the annual number of deaths due to chronic non-communicable diseases will increase to 55 million by 2030. Due to acceleration of industrialization and urbanization, along with population aging and rapid changes of people's lifestyle, the morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases are rapidly increasing in China. Therefore, dealing with the prevalence of chronic non- communicable diseases has become one of the current major health issues for China to address. On the basis of summarizing the status of major chronic diseases in China, analyzing the key issues and key factors in chronic disease prevention and control, and reviewing and summarizing the experience from the previous projects, this paper proposes the following recommendations as strategies for chronic disease prevention and control and development of relevant system, which China should adopt. All relevant government departments should formulate corresponding policies; establish a coordinated and efficient work system with rational structure and clear division of tasks and responsibilities within the system. Implementation and development of integrated medicine in system is necessary. Work norms and requirements will then improve the performance and efficiency in chronic disease preven- tion and control in China. of the 57 million deaths in the world in 2008, 36 million (63%) died of non-communicable chronic diseases. These chronic diseases include cardiovascular disease (48%), cancer (21%), chronic respiratory disease (12%) and diabetes (3.5%). Among the deaths from chronic non- communicable diseases, 29 million (80%) occurred in low and middle-income countries. In these countries, 48% of deaths are premature deaths (death before 70 years old); this is much higher than the 26% in high-income countries. According to WHO estimates, the deaths caused by non- communicable chronic diseases will increase to 55 million by 2030 if the current trend continues (The 66th World Health Assembly, 2013; The World Health Organization, 2013). Therefore, responding to the epidemic of chronic non-communicable diseases is an issue the developing world must urgently address.