The Republic of Palau is a small island nation in the North Pacific with a population of 17,501. The islands of Palau are geographically isolated, considered rural, and medically underserved. The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and risk factors are very high and account for more than 75% of all deaths and disabilities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTobacco use is the biggest single preventable cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Western Pacific region. Currently, 14 Pacific Island countries have ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and, in having done so, are committed to implementing tobacco control measures aligned with the FCTC. Progressing strong and effective tobacco control legislation is essential to achieving long term gains in public health in small island countries.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTobacco remains a major risk factor for premature death and ill health among Pacific Islanders, and tobacco-related disparities persist. Eliminating these disparities requires a comprehensive approach to transform community norms about tobacco use through policy change, as contained in the World Health Organization international Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Three of the six U.
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