H.E. Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health presided over the fifth meeting of the National Non-Communicable Diseases Committee 2018 that took place today (Monday) at the Ministry headquarter with the presence of H.E. Dr. Ali Talib Al Hanai, MOH’s Undersecretary for Planning Affairs as well as the Committee members.  

The meeting approved last meeting’s minutes and reviewed the following up report, which affirms the importance of increased efforts to tackle risk factors causing such diseases including the tobacco use, unhealthy food and physical inactivity. The report as well underlines the significance of determining the necessary legislations in order to reduce and prevent the exposure of community individuals to these risks.

Furthermore, the meeting discussed the phases and challenges related to the integrated sectoral operational plan. The outcomes of the NCDs cost estimation workshop were also underlined.

Moreover, the meeting highlighted key indicators of the National Health Survey on NCDs, which was released last week, where it pointed out the increased prevalence rates of diabetes and obesity compared to 2008 health survey. In addition, the meeting provided an updated description of associations and societies role in implementing the National NCDs Plan.

Within the meeting, a proposal regarding the organization of the First International Conference on NCDs was presented to be held in the upcoming October with the aim of discussing the most crucial challenges and plans relevant to NCDs Control, along with reviewing the experience of countries that are advanced in this field.

At the end of the meeting, His Excellency the Health Minister praised the role of the committee members and their exerted efforts in the implementation and coordination of actions among various sectors.