The Thai Health Promotion Foundation: Two Decades of Joint Contributions to Addressing Noncommunicable Diseases and Creating Healthy Populations

• Published in: Global health science and practice 2024-04, Vol.12 (2), p.e2300311
• Main Authors: Tangcharoensathien, Viroj, Adulyanon, Supreda, Supaka, Nuttapun, Munkong, Rungsun, Viriyathorn, Shaheda, Sirithienthong, Siriya, Kanhachon, Siriyaporn, Marten, Robert
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Foundations; Health Promotion; Humans; Noncommunicable Diseases - prevention & control; Southeast Asian People; Thailand
• ISSN: 2169-575X; 2169-575X
• DOI: 10.9745/GHSP-D-23-00311

Globally, the current investment in preventive care is inadequate and ineffective for addressing noncommunicable diseases and their causes. The Thai Health Promotion Foundation, with its sustainable funding from 2% levies on tobacco and alcohol, together with partners, has been used to address noncommunicable diseases effectively. Despite the global burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and evidence that investment in preventive care improves health and is cost effective, per capita spending on preventive care is very low compared to curative care. Prioritizing preventive care strategies to address NCD risk factors requires strong government leadership, supportive legislation and health policies, and multisector interventions. Health promotion foundations that have secure and sustainable funding can be used strategically to address NCD risk factors, complement government spending on preventive care, and contribute to promoting healthy populations. Together with partners, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, established in 2001 and funded by a 2% levy on tobacco and alcohol, contributed significantly to addressing NCD risk factors. It can serve as a model for other countries.