EAST ASIA

Abstract

The geography of infectious diseases in East Asia is diverse due to significant variations in climate (subtropical, temperate, and subarctic) as well as marked differences in environment, population density, and cultures. Socioeconomic changes have led to significant improvements in healthcare in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China’s major cities. Rural China and Mongolia continue to experience inequity in access to healthcare and public health measures, thus impacting the type and incidence of infectious diseases that occur in these areas. China is the world’s most populous country with over 1.3 billion persons. Although the public health system has been improved by substantial investments from all levels of government, infectious diseases still remain a major population health issue and are influenced by rapid urbanization and climate change. At present, the migrant population searching for better employment opportunities in urban areas exceeds 221 million in China. Gonorrhea, hepatitis, TB, malaria, and measles are the most frequently found microorganisms and diseases among migrant population from rural areas to big cities. © 2025 selection and editorial matter, Eskild Petersen, Lin H. Chen and Patricia Schlagenhauf; individual chapters, the contributors.