Health status and epidemiological capacity and prospects: WHO Western Pacific Region

Abstract

Background: This article on the state of epidemiology in the WHO Western Pacific Region (WPR) is the first in a series of eight articles commissioned by the International Epidemiological Association (IEA) to identify global opportunities to promote the development of epidemiology. Methods: Global mortality and disease data were used to summarize the burden of mortality, disease, risk factor and patterns of inequalities in the region. Medline bibliometrics were used to estimate epidemiological publication output by country. Key informant surveys, Internet and literature searches and author knowledge and networks were used to elicit perspectives on epidemiological training, research, funding a..