Oral

Providing the citizens a healthy and safe living is the mission of the Department of Health (DOH) in Taiwan. To cope with emerging issues and act proactively toward ageing society, DOH has initiated changes with public health policies through successful coalition building. We assessed Taiwan Tobacco Control Programs based on WHO MPOWER strategies and estimated the cost effectiveness of smoking cessation services. Between 2004 and 2007, the male smoking rate decreased, so did the percentage of exposure to secondhand smoke in the workplaces and at home. Taiwan has many early success stories in controlling communicable diseases. Plague, smallpox, rabies, malaria, and polio were eradicated. From the SARS experiences, we learned to implement a multi-dimensional surveillance network which makes Taiwan’s influenza pandemic preparedness plans effective and promising. In addition, after the implementation of harm reduction programs in 2005, the annual number of new HIV infections decreased for the first time in 2006. The Health Information Technology Development includes electronic circulation of health information from birth to death that improves health care knowledge and capability. This development has enabled Taiwan to use the data from the National Health Insurance IC Card and legalized and regulated electronic medical records.

Session Objectives: 1. Discuss public health policies in Taiwan that embrace changes and create success. 2. Articulate tobacco control measures in Taiwan based on WHO MPOWER strategies. 3. Share the strategies of Taiwan’s multi-dimensional surveillance network for early detection of disease outbreaks. 4. Discuss the prevention strategies and challenges of HIV in Taiwan. 5. Understand how Taiwan schematizes its strategies and goals for the development of health informatics.