Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 70 per cent of all deaths in Oman, said Dr Adhra Al Maawali, director of Centre of Studies and Research at the Ministry of Health, Oman Observer reported.
“Nearly 11 people die every day due to NCDs, which include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and respiratory diseases,” she said, citing latest ministry’s official statistics.
Cardiovascular diseases account for 36pc of all deaths, diabetes 12.3pc, cancer 9pc and respiratory diseases 2pc.
The figures were revealed during a workshop held in collaboration between the MoH, represented by the Centre of Studies and Research and The Research Council (TRC) for reviewing the strategic research programme for NCDs.
NCDs are one of the greatest challenges to global health and development in the 21st century, claiming the lives of 41 million.
NCDs also account for 71pc of global deaths and 85pc of premature deaths occur in low and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2018 Report.
The cumulative economic loss in 2011-2025 is estimated at $7 trillion in low and middle-income countries, while $11.2 billion are spent annually on effective interventions to reduce the burden of morbidity in the world.
NCDs can be controlled, reduced and even prevented through healthy lifestyles, increasing physical activity and movement, and combating smoking and alcohol use.
This can be achieved through government, private and voluntary participation. The objectives of the strategic programme are to achieve leadership in epidemiological and interventionist research aimed at controlling and preventing morbidity, disability and mortality from chronic NCDs.