The Marshall Islands Minister of Health has called for a co-ordinated global response and stronger leadership to fight lifestyle diseases which are at crisis level.
Amenta Matthew was speaking at a high-level meeting of the United Nations on what are known as non communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
She also praised the role of Taiwan in helping the Marshall Islands combat the problem.
"The ROC Taiwan is a primary partner in addressing NCDs including through medical mobile missions in our local hospitals, donation of medical supplies and most significantly in the treatment of cataract patients with diabetes."
Amenta Matthew told delegates the amount having to be spent on fighting the epidemic locally is unsustainable although the Marshall Islands has some success stories.