Muscat – The launch ceremony took place at the Mercure Hotel in Muscat under the auspices of by Her Highness Sayyida Dr. Mona bint Fahd Al Said, Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Cooperation at Sultan Qaboos University and Chairperson of the National Committee for the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases.

The event was attended by key figures, including His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al Mandhari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Planning and Regulation, who delivered a speech highlighting the importance of the survey. He emphasized the Sultanate’s commitment to improving its health system through evidence-based policies aimed at addressing the growing challenges posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, and mental health disorders.

H.E. Dr. Al Mandhari shared alarming statistics, revealing that NCDs contribute to 80 perent of deaths in Oman, costing the nation approximately one billion Omani riyals annually in both treatment and non-treatment costs. Additionally, Oman records more than 6,500 new diabetes cases each year, while the prevalence of high blood pressure, cancer, and obesity continues to rise. These diseases place significant pressure on public health services and the national economy.

He also noted that Oman Vision 2040 places a strong emphasis on health, aiming to build a sustainable health system that prioritizes prevention and reduces the burden of NCDs. The government has already implemented several initiatives, including early detection programs for diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney failure, as well as strategies for tobacco control and promoting physical activity and healthy eating.
Dr. Jean Jabbour, WHO Representative in Oman, also spoke at the ceremony, praising the launch of the National Survey of Non-Communicable Diseases. He highlighted the increasing burden of these diseases on Oman’s healthcare system and the importance of understanding the risk factors, such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity. Dr. Jabbour stressed that the data collected from the survey will provide crucial insights into the prevalence of these risk factors and help inform future health interventions.

The National Survey of Non-Communicable Diseases aims to gather accurate data on the prevalence of these diseases, which will help strengthen public health strategies and support evidence-based decision-making. The first phase of the survey, which began on December 29, 2024, focused on updating family lists across Oman’s governorates in preparation for selecting a random sample of participating families. The second phase, scheduled to begin in April 2025, will involve collecting field data through health questionnaires and clinical measurements, such as height, weight, blood pressure, and blood tests for glucose and cholesterol levels.

The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Undersecretaries of the Ministry of Health, Governors from across Oman, and representatives from the WHO and other relevant authorities. The launch of this survey represents a significant milestone in Oman’s ongoing efforts to combat non-communicable diseases and promote public health.