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Strategic and collaborative actions at the regional level are imperative to maintain and fortify the region’s quality of health. Southeast Asia is facing a triple burden of diseases which are the rise of communicable diseases (CDs), noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and the health impacts of climate change (Castillo-Carandang et al. 2020, pp.803-819). Demographic transition into an ageing population in some ASEAN Member States (AMS) further compromised the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) community’s health quality. The rapid economic growth and urbanization in the ASEAN region also contribute to the proliferation of lifestyle-related NCDs risk factors, such as tobacco and alcohol use, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet. The latter triggers the increase of overnutrition on top of undernutrition and micronutrient deficiency.

The rising burden of noncommunicable diseases The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictive access to health facilities hamper efforts to manage NCDs (WHO 2020) and disturb healthcare delivery services for NCDs’ treatment. The burden of NCDs in ASEAN is intensified by: (i) the surging of tobacco and alcohol use, especially among the younger generation, caused by the absence of relevant policies and appropriate marketing and consumption restriction; (ii) the substantial numbers of injury-related deaths and disability,
particularly mortality rates caused by road traffic injuries (RTIs) and occupational-related injuries;
and (iii) the rising concern over mental health and malnutrition issues. Promoting a healthy lifestyle for a healthy ASEAN Community
A robust framework accommodating the region’s diverse conditions is necessary to address the increasing health risks. As various sectors heavily influence NCDs initiatives (see Figure 1), the framework requires a holistic and multi-sectoral approach. This approach will place a vital role in individuals and communities, empowering them to take action on their health and create a sustainable health security system. These empowering actions are the essence of Health Promotion. Promoting a healthy lifestyle will encourage engagement in health programs and individual health ownership, reducing modifiable behavioral risks. ASEAN’s strategies to achieve the ASEAN Community’s
health potential through healthy lifestyle promotion throughout life and strengthening the costeffective multi-sectoral intervention for prevention and control of NCDs align with efforts to control mentioned health risks. Therefore, this policy brief aims to discuss the progress of the ASEAN Member States in promoting a healthy lifestyle and recommend policy actions tailored to ASEAN and
its Member States.

source:
https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ASCC-RD_Policy-Brief_Health5-2024.pdf