[Health Promotion Policies for All in Taiwan]

Health promotion was defined at the first International Conference on Health Promotion held by the World Health Organization in 1986 as a process that enables the public to improve their health. Moreover, the United Nations High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases in 2011 highlighted that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 63% of deaths worldwide, with major NCD-related risk behaviors including tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol, and unhealthy diet. In 2013, the WHO announced the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2013-2020, with the United Nations listing NCDs prevention and control as a major topic for nations in Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Health). Both Taiwan and the world face the dual threats of population aging and NCDs, adding to the importance of health promotion and NCDs prevention and control. This article first introduces the relevant global health trends and the corresponding status of Taiwan and then examines the major NCDs prevention and health promotion policies in Taiwan. In creating a health-supportive environment for all people and enhancing health literacy and empowerment among the general public, we hope to ensure that every individual, family, and city joins the ongoing effort in Taiwan to enable all individuals to make the best, informed decisions for their health.