The World Health Organization estimated that in 2019 there were about 1 billion people over the age of 60, a figure projected to rise to 1.4 billion by 2030 and 2.1 billion by 2050. As populations age, the demand for primary health care, long-term care, and management of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in older adults continues to grow.
In response to the challenges of an aging society and the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese Taipei proposed the APEC Conference on Promoting Community-based Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Integrated Care Model. The conference brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers from APEC economies to share innovations in NCD prevention and management, with a focus on community-based integrated care for older people.
The conference took place on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at the Chang Yung-Fa Foundation International Conference Center, Room 801. The event was held in a hybrid format, accommodating both in-person and virtual participants in light of COVID-19 restrictions.
About the Conference
The program featured a keynote speech, multiple session tracks, and presentations covering models of comprehensive care and management in NCDs. Sessions addressed topics such as diabetes and obesity care, cardiovascular disease management, community-based integrated care frameworks, and health policy strategies relevant to APEC economies.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Chan Juliana Chung Ngor, Chair Professor at the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics and Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The session was moderated by Prof. Yue-Chune Lee, Adjunct Professor at the Institute of Health and Welfare Policy, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), Chinese Taipei.
Program Highlights
Speakers from across the APEC region contributed to a rich exchange of knowledge and experience. Presenters included:
- Prof. Chin-Hsiao Tseng
- Prof. Masafumi Kitakaze
- Prof. Shingo Fukuma
- Dr. Chao-Chun Wu
- Dr. Hsing-Yi Chang
- Dr. Chun-Ying Lee
Conference materials, including the program book and presentation slides from the keynote speech and sessions, were made available to attendees. Virtual participants received a dedicated background for online participation. In keeping with environmental sustainability, physical program books were not distributed; attendees were encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
Registration was managed through an online form, with limited in-person seating requiring confirmation for entry. Consent for the use of photographic images was included as part of the registration process.
Resources
Downloadable materials from the conference are available on the Download page, including virtual backgrounds, the conference program book, and presentation slides. The full agenda can be viewed on the Agenda page, and speaker profiles are listed on the Speakers page.
For inquiries, contact the organizers at apecncds2023@2023apecncds.org or by phone at +886-2-2881-4577. Additional contact options are available on the Contact page.
The conference served as a platform for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers from across APEC economies to exchange insights on integrated care approaches tailored to community settings. Discussions emphasized the importance of shifting from hospital-centric models toward locally rooted prevention and management strategies that address the complex needs of aging populations. By highlighting diversified care innovations and practical implementation experiences, the event aimed to strengthen local capacity and foster collaborative networks throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
