NEW YORK: The Sultanate of Oman participated in the high-level meeting at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, held during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, focusing on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
In its intervention at the plenary session, Oman emphasised that tackling health challenges requires a multi-sectoral approach addressing social, economic and behavioural determinants.
Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, highlighted Oman’s updated national health policies aligned with Oman Vision 2040. These include plain packaging for tobacco products, higher taxes on harmful goods, and food policy reforms.
He stressed that preventive health measures yield substantial economic returns and noted that Oman’s National Survey of Non-Communicable Diseases — with broad public participation — has helped shape comprehensive policies safeguarding both present and future generations.
Oman has made primary healthcare the backbone of a network exceeding 240 facilities, introduced early screening programmes, and launched innovative services such as the Virtual Health Center and artificial intelligence-powered health monitoring. The country has also been designated a World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Chronic Respiratory Diseases.
The health minister reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation for building equitable and sustainable health systems, ensuring that “no one is left behind” in health development.
Dr Ahmed bin Salim al Mandhari, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Planning and Health Regulation, addressed the first multilateral discussion on health systems and financing. He reiterated Oman’s focus on primary care, early detection of diseases and digital innovation, including lowering screening ages to 35 and using AI for diabetes management.
Dr Al Mandhari highlighted Oman’s commitment to mental health capacity building and the importance of preventive interventions, noting that investments in such initiatives produce significant economic returns.
The meeting reviewed global progress in combating chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and respiratory illnesses, stressing the urgent need to accelerate prevention and strengthen multisectoral partnerships to achieve the target of reducing premature deaths by one-third by 2030.
Oman reaffirmed its strong commitment to advancing global health cooperation, developing effective public health policies and improving the well-being of communities worldwide. — ONA
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