CHRONIC DISEASES -- A RISING CONCERN
Chronic diseases are a growing public health challenge, accounting for 76% of MoH’s budget in 2022, with treatment costs reaching RO 609 million
Published: 06:02 PM,Feb 16,2025 | EDITED : 10:02 PM,Feb 16,2025
CHRONIC DISEASES
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses pose a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide, and Oman is no exception.
These diseases account for approximately 60 per cent of all deaths globally, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that 80 per cent of these fatalities occur in low- and middle-income countries.
Dr Amal al Siyabi, a public health specialist at the Ministry of Health’s Department of Community Health Initiatives, highlighted the economic burden of NCDs. In 2022, the cost of treating these diseases reached RO 609 million, consuming 76 per cent of MoH's total budget. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death, responsible for 32.5 per cent of fatalities, followed by cancer at 9.9 per cent, far exceeding deaths from infectious diseases (11.2 per cent).
Several lifestyle factors contribute to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, including physical inactivity, smoking, unhealthy diets and alcohol consumption.
Dr Amal emphasised that physical inactivity alone causes 3.2 million deaths annually, making it one of the most significant indirect contributors to chronic illnesses.
Rapid lifestyle changes - such as reduced physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, alcohol consumption, and chronic stress - have further fuelled the increase in NCDs. Prevention, she stressed, is the most effective way to combat these diseases. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of NCDs, with five key preventive measures playing a crucial role.
They are:
#Balanced diet: A nutrient-rich diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, while reducing fat, sugar and processed foods.
#Regular physical activity: At least 30 minutes of exercise daily to improve cardiovascular health.
#Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke.
#Routine medical screenings: Regular health check-ups for early detection and treatment.
#Stress management: Adopting techniques to reduce psychological stress and maintain mental well-being.
Acknowledging the rising health crisis, Oman has launched several national initiatives to combat NCDs through prevention, awareness and lifestyle changes.
One of the most notable initiatives is ‘Check and Reassure,’ a programme that targets citizens over 35 for early detection of chronic diseases at all primary healthcare centres. Additionally, the government has increased taxes on tobacco and sugary drinks to reduce consumption and mitigate associated health risks.
Other proactive measures include, reducing salt content in bread by 20 per cent to combat high blood pressure. Public health campaigns, such as ‘Health Begins with a Step’ (2017-2020), promoting physical activity through social media and other platforms. Banning e-cigarettes to protect young people from smoking-related harm. Community-based health programmes, such as healthy villages, health-promoting schools, and wellness initiatives in shopping malls, integrating health awareness into daily life.
Dr Amal stressed that regular exercise is one of the most effective strategies to prevent chronic diseases. In response, Oman adopted a National Plan for Combating Non-Communicable Diseases in 2018 and designated October 2nd as National Physical Activity Day to encourage citizens to embrace active lifestyles.
The Ministry of Health has also conducted extensive research on physical activity trends and supportive environments, ensuring sustainable health policies are implemented effectively.
Tackling chronic diseases requires collaboration between government institutions, healthcare providers, communities, and individuals. While policies and national programmes play a critical role, the real change comes from individual awareness and lifestyle choices - such as adopting healthier diets, staying active, quitting smoking, and undergoing regular medical check-ups.
Dr Amal concluded by reaffirming that prevention is the strongest weapon against chronic diseases. While Oman has made significant progress, she emphasised the need for greater community participation to secure a healthier future for generations to come.
These diseases account for approximately 60 per cent of all deaths globally, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that 80 per cent of these fatalities occur in low- and middle-income countries.
Dr Amal al Siyabi, a public health specialist at the Ministry of Health’s Department of Community Health Initiatives, highlighted the economic burden of NCDs. In 2022, the cost of treating these diseases reached RO 609 million, consuming 76 per cent of MoH's total budget. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death, responsible for 32.5 per cent of fatalities, followed by cancer at 9.9 per cent, far exceeding deaths from infectious diseases (11.2 per cent).
Several lifestyle factors contribute to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, including physical inactivity, smoking, unhealthy diets and alcohol consumption.
Dr Amal emphasised that physical inactivity alone causes 3.2 million deaths annually, making it one of the most significant indirect contributors to chronic illnesses.
Rapid lifestyle changes - such as reduced physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, alcohol consumption, and chronic stress - have further fuelled the increase in NCDs. Prevention, she stressed, is the most effective way to combat these diseases. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of NCDs, with five key preventive measures playing a crucial role.
They are:
#Balanced diet: A nutrient-rich diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, while reducing fat, sugar and processed foods.
#Regular physical activity: At least 30 minutes of exercise daily to improve cardiovascular health.
#Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke.
#Routine medical screenings: Regular health check-ups for early detection and treatment.
#Stress management: Adopting techniques to reduce psychological stress and maintain mental well-being.
Acknowledging the rising health crisis, Oman has launched several national initiatives to combat NCDs through prevention, awareness and lifestyle changes.
One of the most notable initiatives is ‘Check and Reassure,’ a programme that targets citizens over 35 for early detection of chronic diseases at all primary healthcare centres. Additionally, the government has increased taxes on tobacco and sugary drinks to reduce consumption and mitigate associated health risks.
Other proactive measures include, reducing salt content in bread by 20 per cent to combat high blood pressure. Public health campaigns, such as ‘Health Begins with a Step’ (2017-2020), promoting physical activity through social media and other platforms. Banning e-cigarettes to protect young people from smoking-related harm. Community-based health programmes, such as healthy villages, health-promoting schools, and wellness initiatives in shopping malls, integrating health awareness into daily life.
Dr Amal stressed that regular exercise is one of the most effective strategies to prevent chronic diseases. In response, Oman adopted a National Plan for Combating Non-Communicable Diseases in 2018 and designated October 2nd as National Physical Activity Day to encourage citizens to embrace active lifestyles.
The Ministry of Health has also conducted extensive research on physical activity trends and supportive environments, ensuring sustainable health policies are implemented effectively.
Tackling chronic diseases requires collaboration between government institutions, healthcare providers, communities, and individuals. While policies and national programmes play a critical role, the real change comes from individual awareness and lifestyle choices - such as adopting healthier diets, staying active, quitting smoking, and undergoing regular medical check-ups.
Dr Amal concluded by reaffirming that prevention is the strongest weapon against chronic diseases. While Oman has made significant progress, she emphasised the need for greater community participation to secure a healthier future for generations to come.