Muscat: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) poses an increasing threat on a global scale and in the Sultanate of Oman, these diseases contribute significantly to the mortality rate of approximately 80 per cent of all deaths.
Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, said in the report published by the Ministry of Health that One in five adults is dying from NCDs before the age of 70 years.
The report, 'Monitoring Sultanate of Oman’s National Response to tackle non-communicable diseases', also indicated that NCDs impose a substantial economic burden with an estimated RO 1.1 billion annually or approximately 3.6 per cent of the country's GDP as per 2019 figures. The four primary NCDs namely cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases accounted for 76 per cent of the total healthcare expenditures in 2019.
Through the concerted efforts, the Sultanate of Oman aims to reduce the impact of NCDs on the population. The target is to reduce premature mortality rate by one third by the year 2030 by implementing comprehensive strategies and interventions.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a healthier society by promoting preventive measures, raising awareness, and facilitating access to quality healthcare services. To address the issue, the Sultanate of Oman is actively engaged in nationwide efforts by embracing a multi-sectoral approach.
One of the key recommendations is to restrict the usage of tobacco within the country. Recent data reveals that the current tobacco usage among adolescents (aged 13-15) stands at 6 per cent, and the objective is to reduce it to 2 per cent by 2030. Similarly, among adults, the current prevalence is 8.5 per cent, with a target of lowering it to 5 per cent.
Various measures have been implemented to achieve these targets. One such measure involves increasing taxes on tobacco products to discourage consumption. Additionally, anti-tobacco mass media campaigns have been launched to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of tobacco use. Furthermore, a comprehensive plan has been enacted to regulate tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.
The aim of these efforts is to curb the prevalence of tobacco use in the Sultanate of Oman and promote a healthier society.
By implementing strategies such as taxation, awareness campaigns, and strict regulations, the government hopes to reduce tobacco consumption among both adolescents and adults. Ultimately, the goal is to create an environment that discourages tobacco use, improves public health outcomes, and contributes to the overall well-being of the population.
According to the report, it is evident that there are several health challenges that need to be addressed in the Sultanate of Oman. The prevalence of obesity among adults currently stands at 30.7 per cent, but there is a target to reduce it to 24.1 per cent by 2030.
Similarly, the salt intake, which is currently at 8.5 per cent, is planned to be decreased to 6 per cent. the report highlights that raised blood pressure affects 33.6 per cent of adults, with a goal to bring it down to 26.9 per cent and raised blood glucose levels are observed in 15.7 per cent of the population, and efforts are underway to reduce it to 12.3 per cent.
Household air pollution, primarily caused by inefficient and polluting cooking and heating methods, has a significant impact on NCDs. Respiratory diseases like acute lower respiratory infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are linked to exposure to household air pollution. The daily mean concentration of PM2.5 in Oman (Muscat Governorate only) was about 18 μ/m3 in 2022, while the WHO guidelines is to lower it to 15 μ/m3.
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