Muscat: The Ministry of Health has launched the National Survey of Non-Communicable Diseases that could design the future health initiatives introduced in Oman. The National Survey of Non-Communicable Diseases project was launched by Sayyid Saud bin Hilal bin Hamad al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, in his office on Tuesday morning, in the presence of a number of health officials and officials related to the health sector. The survey, which was launched in Muscat Governorate during the current month of January, aims to collect accurate data on the prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory diseases, cancer, and heart disease, in addition to analysing the risk factors associated with them.
Dr Samira bint Musa al Maimani, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services in Muscat Governorate, speaking to the Observer, said, “This will provide us a database on the common non-communicable diseases that are prevailing in the Sultanate of Oman. The selected areas will be representative samples. The survey will be targeting individuals 15 years of age and above to see what are the common morbidities that are prevalent.” It is an important step taken because the future health projects will be based on this clinical evidence. The numbers will guide the decision-makers to choose the intervention.
"This survey will help us to see where we are standing, what our current performance level is, how we can measure it, and what strategies we need to put in place with the vision of 2040. So that we can reduce the economic burden on the country in regard to the non-communicable diseases,” Dr Samira pointed out.
All the governorates of Oman will have the survey conducted. Each governorate has been divided into different sectors and blocks.
The survey will include nationals and residents.The project seeks to provide reliable information that contributes to formulating evidence-based strategic plans to address these health challenges and enhance prevention.
She added that the results of the survey will help determine health priorities and develop policies that enhance the quality of life for every individual living in the Sultanate of Oman. The Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services in Muscat Governorate called on all citizens and residents to cooperate and participate effectively in the success of this national project that is in the interest of all.For his part, Sayyid Saud bin Hilal bin Hamad al Busaidi praised the efforts made to organise this survey, stressing the importance of enhancing cooperation between various parties to ensure the achievement of the project’s objectives and provide a sustainable, healthy future for members of society. This survey comes within the Ministry of Health’s plan to enhance the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, in line with national, regional, and international trends to enhance the health of communities.
Future expectations and use of results include guiding health policies: Using survey results to support health strategies, identify priorities in national action plans, and plan effective interventions. Monitoring national indicators is important for Oman Vision 2040 and international reports: the use of survey results to monitor progress in addressing these diseases at global meetings, including the Fourth United Nations High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases.
The Directorate General of Health Services in Muscat Governorate had organised earlier a two-day workshop on the National Survey of Non-Communicable Diseases, during which surveyors were trained on how to use maps to begin the survey process.
The first stage of the survey is updating maps and identifying families included in the survey (Omanis and residents). The second stage is the data collection: First visit to interview using a survey questionnaire, taking physical measurements such as blood pressure and height, and measuring visual acuity and mental strength The second visit will include taking instant measurements of blood glucose and fat levels at home while fasting and sending a urine sample to the laboratory to measure the instantaneous level of sodium, potassium, and creatinine. The third stage will consist of analysis and publication, including data refinement, analysis, and launch of the results of the National Survey of Non-Communicable Diseases.
Photos by Faisal al Balushi
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