The Western Pacific is a diverse and ever-changing Region. Growth and change have brought many challenges which in turn threaten the Region s health.
Poverty is one of the most important determinants of health status.
Within the Region many people still live in poverty and not only in the seven countries that are classified as Least Developed Countries. The transition to market economies in a number of countries and the impact of globalization had both positive and negative effects on health. Rapid population growth continues in a number of countries of the Region. Another trend with huge implications for the health sector is ageing. Environmental factors associated with urbanization and industralization contribute to much of the disease burden.