Strengthening the health system response to population ageing in Pacific Island countries: policy brief

Overview

This policy brief examines the growing challenges and opportunities associated with population ageing in the Pacific Island Countries (‎PICs)‎, which include multimorbidity and disability particularly from noncommunicable diseases (‎NCDs)‎. It highlights the current demographic trends, existing service gaps and health system capacity in four PICs. It includes recommendations on actionable steps for governments and development partners to strengthen health workforce planning, improve long-term care and embed healthy ageing in national strategies. The brief emphasizes the importance of culturally grounded, community-based and multisectoral approaches to create equitable, person-centered health systems that are resilient and responsive to ageing populations in the Pacific.