Oman

Non-Communicable Diseases Survey launched

The forum, organised by the Matrah Health Committee, was held under the auspices of Sayyid Saud Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat. - ONA
 
The forum, organised by the Matrah Health Committee, was held under the auspices of Sayyid Saud Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat. - ONA
MUSCAT: The second phase of the National Non-Communicable Diseases Survey in the Sultanate of Oman was launched on Tuesday on the sidelines of the First Health Committees Forum 2025.

The forum is organised by the Matrah Health Committee in Muscat Governorate. The event was held under the auspices of Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Governor of Muscat. The survey targets citizens and residents aged 15 and above, both male and female. It aims to assess the burden of non-communicable diseases, establish a comprehensive database, and support effective health planning.

The survey will be conducted in three phases: the first involves updating household maps for Omani and expatriate families, the second focuses on data collection through two visits per household, and the third phase will cover data analysis, publication, and dissemination of results.

Dr Yousef bin Mohammed al Farsi, Director-General of Health Services in Muscat Governorate, stated in his address that the First Health Committees Forum represents a national event with shared responsibilities extending beyond institutions to the core of the community. He emphasised the forum’s role in fostering partnerships and integration to enhance individual and public health.

Al Farsi added that health committees firmly believe in their role as a platform for collaboration between the health sector and other service sectors to promote public health, serving as a cornerstone in community health initiatives.

Dr Yousef bin Mohammed al Farsi, Director-General of Health Services in Muscat Governorate said that among the key initiatives adopted by the health committees is the National Competition for Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. This initiative is a platform to raise awareness and demonstrate national solidarity in confronting one of the most serious threats to the youth and society. He also stressed that drugs are not just a security or health issue but a societal challenge affecting every home, family and sector.

He noted that since its launch in 2015, the Ministry of Health has spearheaded this competition through health committees, which have undertaken an active role in adopting community projects offering innovative solutions to drug-related issues. The committees in Muscat Governorate have achieved outstanding results and advanced rankings in the competition.

The forum also highlighted effective strategies and best practices to combat drugs and psychotropic substances, reinforcing community awareness and encouraging cross-sector collaboration in prevention efforts.

The National Non-Communicable Diseases Survey is a confident step toward a healthier society, a more aware environment and a brighter future. With its rich heritage and deep-rooted commitment to health, Muscat Governorate stands as a key hub in the survey’s second phase, implemented as part of national efforts to improve public health in Oman. — ONA