A WHO mission visited Oman from 14 to 18 December to review the draft national noncommunicable disease (NCD) policy to ensure that it is in line with the WHO recommendations and assist with the development of a national NCD plan of action. During the mission, a two-day intersectoral workshop was held with representatives from the national and regional levels including representatives from the Ministries of agriculture, commerce, education, higher education, sports, transport. Discussions focused on areas of collaboration in relation to tobacco control and the promotion of a healthy diet and physical activity.
NCDs – mainly cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes – are the biggest cause of death worldwide. More than 36 million die annually from NCDs (63% of global deaths), including 14 million people who die too young before the age of 70. Most premature deaths are linked to common risk factors, namely tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol. The 66th World Health Assembly endorsed the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2013-2020 (resolution WHA66.10) which provides a road map and a menu of policy options aimed at the attainment of 9 voluntary global targets, including that of a 25% relative reduction in premature mortality from NCDs by 2025.
Related links
Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2013-2020