Salalah/Rustaq: The Directorate General of Health Services in the Dhofar and South Al Batinah governorates initiated the 'National Survey of Non-Communicable Diseases' on Sunday.
According to Dr. Hamoud bin Saeed Al Fazari, Director of the Primary Care Department in Dhofar Governorate, this survey is a crucial national initiative designed to improve community health and advance the healthcare system in the Sultanate of Oman based on scientific principles.
The survey is aimed at citizens and residents aged 15 and older in Oman, with the goal of gathering precise and comprehensive data regarding the prevalence of various diseases and their risk factors. These include diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer, which continue to pose significant challenges for health sectors both nationally and globally, adversely affecting the health of individuals and communities due to unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Dr. Al Fazari outlined that the national survey will be conducted in two phases. The first phase involves field visits to update residential area maps and count the citizens and residents. The second phase will consist of visits to selected residences across the governorates to collect samples and data through a standardized questionnaire, as well as to conduct physical measurements and health assessments.
He emphasized that the survey will provide a thorough evaluation of the current health landscape in Oman and help identify health priorities. The information gathered will be instrumental in formulating innovative health policies and programs aimed at preventing non-communicable diseases and alleviating the associated health and economic burdens.
The initiative is part of the Ministry of Health's efforts to ensure the health and safety of both citizens and residents.
The project was inaugurated at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah, with the esteemed presence of His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, the Governor of Dhofar.
Additionally, the survey has begun in the South Al Batinah Governorate and is scheduled to continue for a duration of two months.
Dr. Rashid bin Saeed Al Saadi, the Acting Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services in South Al Batinah, emphasized that the project's objective is to gather precise and comprehensive information regarding the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic respiratory conditions, along with their related risk factors and health threats to the community.
The findings from the survey will aid in the formulation of strategic and preventive plans, as well as health programs aimed at enhancing community health, preventing these diseases, mitigating their risk factors, and promoting overall health for individuals and the community. It will also provide valuable insights into the health status in Oman, enabling the implementation of effective measures to combat the rise of non-communicable diseases and to establish appropriate health initiatives.
