Curbing the tide--non-communicable disease in the Pacific

This paper assesses the introduction of several small-scale sentinel data surveillance approaches. These data assist with improving the understanding of casual factors related to the development of NCDs at the local level in the Pacific and the design of subsequent interventions. While individually the data may be of limited value due to methodological considerations, their conjoint use provides a reasonably strong database upon which to base interventions. Within the highly resource constrained environment of the Pacific, such approaches are feasible and practical, while also ensuring that local data to develop local solutions, are available to inform evidence based decision making.