McCabe Centre’s Director, Hayley Jones, reflects on the 3rd Meeting of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Noncommunicable Disease Prevention and Control in the Western Pacific Region, held in Manila from 11-13 August 2026:

There were rich discussions and a strong consensus that preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, remains a critical regional priority. This includes effective action on tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy diets, alongside stronger integration of NCD services into primary health care.

Hearing experiences from Mongolia, Viet Nam, China, the Philippines and Pacific Island countries reinforced that successful policy implementation must be locally grounded and supported by sustained advocacy, strong coalitions and practical technical assistance.

A recurring theme throughout the meeting was equity. Discussions highlighted the need to address widening health inequities, tackle the social and commercial determinants of health, and ensure policies remain adaptable to emerging challenges, including digital marketing, artificial intelligence and evolving technologies.

While the evidence and commitments already exist, implementation remains uneven. Policies on paper do not automatically translate into better health outcomes. Conversations reinforced that stronger governance, legislation, sustainable financing, accountability and enforcement are essential if we are to accelerate progress. 

Days 2 and 3 focused on action, particularly on hypertension, strengthening primary health care and health financing. A key question throughout was: What practical actions should WHO prioritise over the next two years to best support countries in achieving their targets?

We heard an inspiring session on the elimination of cervical cancer, led by Australian epidemiologist and cancer researcher Professor Karen Canfell AC FAHMS, University of Sydney, and Dr Kathleen Schmeler, Associate Professor of Gynecologic Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The session highlighted the importance of coordination and collective action to turn ambition into impact.

We were also delighted to be joined by former Hong Kong Health Minister and TAG member, Professor Sophia Siu Chee Chan, who highlighted opportunities to strengthen the health workforce and build capacity to effectively tackle NCDs.

The stormy weather in Manila provided a fitting backdrop to discussions on the shared challenges facing the region, including the growing burden of NCDs, ageing populations, the impacts of climate change and ongoing resource constraints.
Several messages stood out throughout the week:

• The imperative to increase investment in NCD prevention. It is the only way we can hope to stem the tide.
• The importance of keeping NCDs high on the political agenda, both globally and locally, to maintain momentum and drive action.
• The need for well resourced WHO teams and country offices to support implementation.
• Better coordination across funders, partners and agencies.

These are not new insights, but they remain critical strategies for improving health outcomes for all.
The three days provided a valuable opportunity for learning, collaboration and, importantly, a shared focus on what we can do next to support countries in delivering better health outcomes.

Thank you to the WHO team for their hard work in organising a productive and impactful meeting.
- Hayley Jones, Director