DOHA: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has launched Qatar's National Action Plan on Obesity, Diabetes, and Modifiable Risk Factors for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) 2024-2030 today, coinciding with World Diabetes Day.
The launch took place at the 2024 World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), one of Qatar Foundations global initiatives, held on November 13-14 at the Qatar National Convention Centre under the theme "Humanizing Health: Conflict, Equity, and Resilience." The summit highlighted the need for healthcare innovation to support all people, with a specific focus on regions affected by war and conflict.
Qatars National Action Plan to combat obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerosis sets forth an ambitious path to improve national health outcomes, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Health Strategy 2024-2030.
Assistant Minister for Health Affairs, Dr Salih Ali Al Marri said, "The launch of the Action Plan marks an important step towards addressing obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which are major contributors to Qatars non-communicable disease burden. By emphasising health promotion, clinical excellence, and innovation, this Plan reinforces our commitment to building a healthy society in Qatar.
Dr Salih Al Marri stressed that the Plan is centred on empowering individuals and families to make informed health choices, as well as underscored the role of proactive policies in creating supportive environments for health and wellness.
Dr Al Marri added that the new Action Plan sets ambitious targets, including a 36% reduction in mortality from non-communicable diseases by 2030, in line with Qatars National Development Strategy (QNDS) and the National Health Strategy (NHS-3), as well as emphasised the critical role of primary care in providing patient-centred services to address diabetes and obesity at the community level.
All stakeholders involved in the care of patients with obesity and diabetes in Qatar contributed to developing the Action Plan, which was launched under the slogan, "Together to Prevent Diabetes, Obesity, and ASCVD."
The Action Plan emphasises preventive measures and encourages individuals and communities to adopt healthy lifestyles.
Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention Programs at the MoPH, Sheikh Dr Mohamed bin Hamad Al Thani, said "Diabetes and obesity are among the most pressing public health challenges of our time. This Action Plan is a pivotal step towards reducing their prevalence and impact on our community. Based on the results from Qatars 2023 STEPwise Survey on non-communicable diseases and their risk factors, as well as the previous 2012 survey, we have a unique opportunity to improve by focusing our policies and interventions, enhancing our approach to early diagnosis and prevention, and by fostering a healthier and more resilient community through data-driven insights."
Speaking on the progress made under the National Diabetes Strategy (2016-2022), Professor Abdul Badi Abou Samra, Co-Chair of the National Diabetes Committee and Director of the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI), noted that the 2024-2030 Action Plan builds on the strengthened screening programmes, national clinical guidelines, and community awareness initiatives achieved in recent years. Professor Abu Samra highlighted the strategic focus of the Plan on sustaining recent progress and expanding efforts to prevent and reverse obesity, diabetes, and modifiable risk factors.
Professor Abou Samra stated, "Comparing the data from Qatar's 2012 and 2023 National STEPwise Survey on non-communicable disease risk factors shows that our collective efforts can curb the prevalence of obesity and diabetes. Building on this achievement, the new Action Plan prioritises preventing new cases and, where possible, reversing existing cases through optimal and proactive management. By targeting modifiable risk factors, reducing overweight and obesity, and effectively managing diabetes and its associated conditions, we can mitigate complications, reduce mortality, and improve population health outcomes, in line with the National Development Strategys goals."
Professor Abou Samra emphasised, "This Action Plan represents our commitment to a proactive and unified approach to combatting obesity, diabetes, and risk factors for cardiovascular and atherosclerotic disease. We aim to establish robust, patient-centred healthcare models that emphasise prevention, personalised care, and seamless coordination across sectors by engaging healthcare providers, policymakers, and the community. Our vision is to make health a sustainable reality for every member of our society."
The Action Plan includes 58 projects to achieve three main objectives: Prevention of obesity, diabetes, and ASCVD; optimal management of diabetes, obesity, risk factors and complications; and empowerment of the public and healthcare professionals.
