MUSCAT – Healthy life expectancy at birth is a key global indicator that measures not only how long people live, but how many of those years are spent in good health, free from chronic diseases and disabilities. This distinguishes it from traditional life expectancy, which focuses solely on lifespan without accounting for health quality.

According to estimates by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Oman surpassed the global average of 63.1 years, as well as the Middle East and North Africa average of 62.7 years, highlighting the country’s success in balancing longevity with quality of life.

An analysis of the indicator’s trajectory reflects the resilience of Oman’s healthcare system. After a slight decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the index fell to 62.74 years in 2021, it rebounded to 65.51 years in 2022 before reaching its current level in 2023 – demonstrating effective health crisis management and recovery.

This progress places Oman on track to meet the targets of the Oman Vision 2040, which aims to raise healthy life expectancy to 67 years by 2030.

Health experts attribute this achievement to a strategic shift from curative to preventive care, alongside increased adoption of modern technologies and artificial intelligence for early disease detection and improved service delivery.

At the same time, officials point out the critical role of individual behaviour in sustaining these gains. Lifestyle factors – particularly in the context of rising non-communicable diseases – remain key determinants of healthy life expectancy.

Preventive approaches such as regular medical check-ups, early screening for chronic conditions, adherence to immunization programs, and maintaining healthy habits, including physical activity and balanced nutrition, are essential to further progress.

Mental health is also gaining recognition as a core component of overall well-being, while community awareness and environmental responsibility continue to support improvements in quality of life nationwide.