WHO and The Lancet have launched a groundbreaking series on social prescribing in the Western Pacific region, shedding light on the transformative power of community-based initiatives. This initiative, published in The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific, showcases how social prescribing can revolutionize health and well-being across diverse settings. By connecting individuals to non-clinical community services, such as social activities, exercise groups, and peer support, social prescribing addresses the social determinants of health, combats loneliness, and fosters stronger social connections for healthy aging.
While social prescribing has gained momentum in Europe and North America, the series emphasizes the importance of bridging the evidence gap in the Asian context. It presents practical insights from countries like Cambodia and the Lao People's Democratic Republic, filling the void in knowledge from Asian settings. Dr. Mikiko Kanda, Healthy Ageing unit lead at the WHO in the Western Pacific Region, highlights the significance of this collaboration, stating, 'This collaboration with The Lancet helps bring regional experience to the global conversation on social prescribing.'
The WHO has been at the forefront of social prescribing, becoming the first WHO unit to formally introduce it to Member States. They have developed essential resources, including the WHO Social Prescribing Toolkit and a dedicated WHO Academy course, to support global implementation. This series further strengthens the collaboration between WHO and The Lancet, building on their previous special issue on healthy aging. Experts from collaborating centers like SingHealth Community Hospitals in Singapore and Kyoto University School of Public Health in Japan contribute to the series, offering valuable regional perspectives.
As populations age and social disconnection becomes more prevalent, the interest in social prescribing is growing across the Western Pacific. Countries like Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Malaysia are embracing social prescribing, while Australia, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore are in the process of implementing it. The WHO Commission on Social Connection has also recognized social prescribing as a promising approach to combat social isolation and loneliness. However, the organization emphasizes the need for further evidence to inform effective policies and programs, calling on Member States and academic partners to contribute to the global knowledge base.
The WHO Collaborating Centre for Healthy Ageing and Equity, Kyoto University School of Public Health, is set to host an international conference on social prescribing in May 2026, providing a platform for global dialogue and knowledge exchange. For more information, contact the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific Healthy Ageing unit at wproage@who.int, or visit their website to explore the potential of social prescribing in supporting healthy aging and building resilient, age-friendly societies.
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