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

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-communicable 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 noncommunicable 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 prevention and control in China.