Friday 26 / September / 2025
New York: The Sultanate of Oman participated in the high-level meeting held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, as part of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which was devoted to discussing the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.
In its intervention at plenary session on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, the Sultanate of Oman emphasised that addressing health challenges requires a multi-sectoral approach that addresses social, economic, and behavioural determinants.
Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health, noted that the Sultanate of Oman has updated its national policies in line with Oman Vision 2040, through practical steps including plain packaging for tobacco products, raising taxes on harmful products, and reforming food policies.
He said that studies have shown that preventive interventions achieve high economic returns, while the National Survey of Non-Communicable Diseases, with broad participation, contributed to the formulation of comprehensive policies that preserve the health of the present and the well-being of future generations.
He pointed out that the Sultanate of Oman has made primary care the foundation of a network comprising more than 240 healthcare facilities, implemented early screening programmes and innovative services, most notably the Virtual Health Center and artificial intelligence technologies, and has been accredited as a World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Chronic Respiratory Diseases.
He reiterated the Sultanate of Oman is committed to enhancing international cooperation to build more just and sustainable health systems, and to ensure that no one is left behind in the path of health development.
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Planning and Regulation, also delivered a speech during the first multilateral discussion on health systems and their financing. He emphasised that the Sultanate of Oman has made primary care a fundamental pillar of its health network, across more than 240 institutions.
Since 2008, it has implemented an early screening programme for non-communicable diseases, with the screening age lowered to 35 years to enhance prevention and early detection.
He noted that the Sultanate of Oman has developed digital health services through the Virtual Health Center and utilised artificial intelligence to monitor diabetes patients. It has also strengthened the capabilities of national cadres in the field of mental health to ensure fair services that preserve human dignity.
He added that the World Health Organization has designated the Sultanate of Oman as a Collaborating Center for Chronic Respiratory Diseases, reflecting international appreciation for its efforts.
Investment studies have also shown that preventive interventions generate high economic returns, while a national survey, with the participation of more than 10,000 individuals, has contributed to supporting future policies.
