A new World Bank report called for urgent reforms in primary health care (PHC) to help East Asia and the Pacific (EAP) confront the rising burden of chronic disease and protect long-term growth.
The report, “A Healthy Future: Primary Health Care and the Chronic Disease Epidemic in EAP,” warned that the rapid increase in chronic, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) risks overwhelming health systems and slowing income growth across the region.
The World Bank said the economic case for reform is strong, noting that effective PHC delivers high returns. Estimates show that every $1 invested in PHC can generate up to $16 in economic benefits through improved health, higher productivity, and job creation.
“Strong primary health care systems do more than safeguard well-being. Healthier people learn more, work more productively, and save and invest more—benefits that help countries expand opportunity, build human capital, create jobs, and drive inclusive prosperity,” said Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, Vice President for EAP at the World Bank.
“EAP represents a significant contribution to the World Bank’s goal to deliver quality, affordable health services to 1.5 billion people by 2030. Reforming primary health care to address the region’s most pressing health challenges will be crucial to help reach that goal,” he added.
Achieving milestones, facing new risks
Over the past three decades, EAP countries have made major health gains. The under-five mortality rate fell from 57 deaths per 1,000 live births to 15, while life expectancy increased from 68 to 77 years.
Despite longer lives, people in the region now spend nearly a decade in poor health. Aging populations, rapid urbanization, and unhealthy lifestyles are driving a surge in NCDs among working-age adults, undermining productivity and increasing health care costs.
The report underscores prevention as the most effective response. PHC services such as screening, early detection, and timely treatment are essential to prevent and manage NCDs and reduce avoidable hospital admissions. However, many health systems in EAP remain focused on treatment rather than prevention. Public awareness of NCD risks is low, and PHC facilities are often seen as inadequate, prompting patients to delay care or bypass primary facilities in favor of hospitals.
“Improved primary health care is critical for sustained growth in East Asia and the Pacific,” said Aaditya Mattoo, EAP Chief Economist at the World Bank. “By investing in prevention, embracing innovation, and strengthening community-level health services, EAP countries create new opportunities for economic progress and improve the quality of life across the region.”
The report emphasizes that reforms must reflect each country’s fiscal capacity, technical readiness, and political context. It recommends four priority actions: equip PHC providers with the infrastructure, tools, and skills to manage NCDs; improve care quality by tracking performance and rewarding results; ensure PHC services are affordable, or free for low-income populations; and encourage healthier lifestyles by informing, nudging, and incentivizing people to seek preventive care.
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