MUSCAT : The survey, which will include field visits to residential neighbourhoods, aims to collect vital data on the prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, and heart diseases in the Sultanate of Oman.

It will target individuals aged 15 and above, including both citizens and residents, and will involve visits to 1,200 families across Muscat Governorate.

Consent will be obtained from participants before the survey begins.

The launch event was patronised by His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, who highlighted the importance of collaboration between various sectors to ensure the success of this critical national project. He expressed confidence that the survey would play a key role in promoting public health and improving healthcare services across the governorate.

Dr. Samira bint Musa Al Maimani, Director General of Health Services in Muscat Governorate, emphasised that maintaining human health is fundamental to building a prosperous society. She described the survey as a strategic step toward achieving Oman Vision 2040, which aims to create an integrated and sustainable health system.

The survey will provide accurate data on the increasing threat of non-communicable diseases and enable the development of effective strategies for prevention and healthcare improvement.

She further explained that the project is not just a scientific study but a national initiative that will provide a comprehensive database on the health status of the population, supporting informed decision-making to enhance health services and preventive programs. It also fosters a partnership between the health sector and civil society, encouraging active participation in safeguarding the health of families and communities, she added.

Dr. Fatima bint Ahmed Al Hana’i, Director of the Planning and Studies Department, outlined the survey’s three main objectives: determining the burden of non-communicable diseases, creating a comprehensive national database, and supporting health planning and interventions.

The survey will be conducted in three phases: updating maps of the families to be surveyed, collecting data through two field visits, and analysing the results for publication. The findings are expected to guide policies and priorities in national health strategies.

Salem bin Saeed Al Tobi, field supervisor for the National Survey of Non-Communicable Diseases in Muscat, explained that specialized field teams would visit families across all six wilayats of the governorate. Over 25 field surveyors will ensure the collection of health data with high accuracy and confidentiality. The survey will include questionnaires and health tests, aiming to analyze risk factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, smoking, and substance consumption.

This national survey is part of the Ministry of Health’s broader strategy to prevent and control non-communicable diseases, in line with global efforts to improve community health and well-being.

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