scholarly journals Addressing the Burden of Non-communicable Diseases: Saudi Arabia’s Challenges in Achieving Vision 2030

Author(s):  
Fahad Albejaidi ◽  
Kesavan Sreekantan Nair

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose critical challenges in achieving Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. This paper provides an overview of NCDs in Saudi Arabia and identifies various critical issues and challenges in reducing the burden of NCDs. All relevant data for this paper was extracted from existing published literature in various database including Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect and PubMed. Google Scholar search engine was used to identify papers and reports on relevant literature published after the year 2000. NCDs account for about 73% of all deaths in Saudi Arabia. Deaths due to cardiovascular diseases account for 37% of all deaths, cancers 10%, diabetes mellitus 3% and other NCDs cause 20% of all deaths. Economic costs of NCDs likely to increase with the undesirable life style of youths and increasing share of old population. Further, the shortage of local health workforce, lack of primary health care focus and covid-19 pandemic are likely to affect the government efforts to prevent and control NCDs. Ministry of Health (MOH) needs to play a catalyst role in raising awareness of population through multi-sectoral linkages and policies to reduce the exposure to NCD risk factors. There is a need to review all relevant policy documents to ensure consistency of these policies with prevention and control measures of NCDs.

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Khaled Al-Hanawi

Abstract Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasingly becoming a challenge worldwide, causing high mortality and morbidity. Saudi Arabia has one of the highest rates of NCDs globally and the highest in the Arabian Gulf region. Epidemiological data indicate that NCDs are responsible for 70 % of all deaths in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to examine the socioeconomic determinants and inequalities in the prevalence of NCDs in Saudi Arabia. Methods Data from the Saudi Family Health Survey conducted in 2018 by the General Authority for Statistics were used for this study. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the socioeconomic factors associated with the prevalence of NCDs. Moreover, the concentration curve and concentration indices were used to assess inequalities in the prevalence of NCDs. Results Among the 11,527 respondents, the prevalence of NCDs was 32.15 %. The prevalence of NCDs was higher among women and among elderly respondents aged ≥ 60 years. With respect to the determinants of the prevalence of NCDs, the logistic regression results showed that the likelihood of reporting NCDs was lower among people with a higher education (OR: 0.599, 95 % CI: 0.497–0.723, p < 0.01) compared with that of people with an education below the primary school level. Other factors significantly associated with the prevalence of NCDs were age, marital status, nationality, and region of residence. The inequality analysis showed that at the national level, the prevalence of NCDs was concentrated among less educated people (concentration index = − 0.338, p < 0.01), but with significant regional variations. Gender disaggregation showed that both income-based and education-based concentration indices were significantly negative among women, indicating that the prevalence of NCDs is concentrated among women with a lower income level and with less education. Conclusions The findings of this study are important for policymakers to combat both the increasing prevalence of and socio-economic inequalities in NCDs. The government should develop targeted intervention strategies to control NCDs and achieve health equality considering socio-economic status. Future policies should target women and the lower educated population in Saudi Arabia.


Author(s):  
Alfiyah Alfiyah ◽  
Pujiyanto Pujiyanto

Abstract. One of the endeavors that the government has done to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCD) by increasing community participation in the early detection of NCDs is the NCD Integrated Guidance Post (Posbindu). However, in 2017, only 12.96% of the residents in Bogor City accessed it. This meant that the 30% target was not reached. The in this study, we researched the implementation of the NCD Posbindu at Bogor City. Data was gathered through in-depth interviews, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), documentary research, and observations. Eleven informants was interviewed and 24 informants was involved in the FGD. Two NCD Posbindus was observed at Mekarwangi and Cipaku Public Health Centers (PHC). We discovered that the standards and policies have supported the program, but not all the informants were aware of the targets of the program; there were also problems in the number and abilities of the human resources involved, ineffective communication between the cadres, in the coordination between the cadres, and lack of support from local public figures. The program had adequate funding from the regional budget, the Operational Health Aid Funds, and donations from the community. Although more funds are necessary for the promotion and prevention part of the program. We recommend that new cadres are recruited and trained, and that a reward system is used to provide motivation for the cadres.Abstrak. Salah satu upaya pemerintah untuk mencegah dan mengendalikan penyakit tidak menular melalui peningkatan peran serta masyarakat dalam deteksi dini faktor risiko penyakit tidak menular adalah melalui Pos Pembinaan Terpadu (Posbindu) Penyakit Tidak Menular (PTM). Namun, pada tahun 2017 cakupan kunjungan masyarakat ke Posbindu PTM di Kota Bogor hanya sebesar 12,96%. Ini berarti target yang ditetapkan (30%) belum tercapai. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana implementasi kegiatan Posbindu PTM di Kota Bogor. Metode yang digunakan adalah wawancara mendalam, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), telaah dokumen dan observasi. Informan penelitian terdiri dari 11 informan wawancara mendalam dan 24 informan FGD. Observasi dilakukan di 2 Posbindu PTM di Puskesmas Mekarwangi dan Puskesmas Cipaku. Peneliti menemukan bahwa standar dan kebijakan yang ada telah mendukung program, tetapi belum semua informan mengetahui siapa target program, selain itu juga terdapat permasalahan dalam jumlah dan kemampuan kader, komunikasi yang tidak efektif antar kader, koordinasi antar kader, dan kurangnya dukungan dari tokoh masyarakat local. Pendanaan program tidak mengalami masalah, karena dana program berasal dari APBD, dana Bantuan Operasional Kesehatan, dan sumbangan masyarakat. Walaupun masih membutuhkan pendanaan lebih lanjut untuk promosi dan pencegahan. Peneliti merekomendasikan dilaksanakannya pembaharuan informasi dan pelatihan yang berkala untuk para kader, perekrutan kader baru, pemberian reward atau pemilihan kader teladan dan Posbindu PTM terbaik, peningkatan kerja sama lintas sektor lembaga pendidikan, pemerintah dan swasta.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asirvatham Alwin Robert ◽  
Ahmad Dakeel Al Awad ◽  
Mohamed Abdulaziz Al Dawish

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease, and the complications may be life-threatening; however, with proper treatment and control measures, it can be very well-managed. Self-management training and education of diabetes are critical in diabetes care and management. It is essential that patients with diabetes must have a comprehensive understanding of the nature of the disease, risk factors, complications, and possible treatment modalities to attenuate the complications. Over the last few years, DM in Saudi Arabia has been rapidly growing at an alarming rate. It has affected around one-fifth of the adult population, and by 2030, the numbers are predicted to rise further and exceed more than double the present number. An estimated tenfold increase has been reported over the past three decades in Saudi Arabia. However, there has not been much research focusing on understanding the knowledge and awareness of DM in Saudi Arabia as compared to developed nations. This review aims to present an overview of the current knowledge and awareness level of DM among the population of Saudi Arabia through an extensive review of the currently available literature. The review findings could be of immense assistance to the government, healthcare systems, educational institutions, and researchers to develop evidence-based programs, policies, and guidelines towards increasing the knowledge and awareness about diabetes and its management, so that early detection and management can be ensured to control the escalating burden of diabetes, in Saudi Arabia.


Author(s):  
Roger Magnusson

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, are responsible for around 70 percent of global deaths each year. This chapter describes how NCDs have become prevalent and critically evaluates global efforts to address NCDs and their risk factors, with a particular focus on the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations (UN) system. It explores the factors that have prevented those addressing NCDs from achieving access to resources and a priority commensurate with their impact on people’s lives. The chapter evaluates the global response to NCDs both prior to and since the UN High-Level Meeting on Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases, held in 2011, and considers opportunities for strengthening that response in future.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e041521
Author(s):  
Stellah G Mpagama ◽  
Kaushik Ramaiya ◽  
Troels Lillebæk ◽  
Blandina T Mmbaga ◽  
Marion Sumari-de Boer ◽  
...  

IntroductionMost sub-Saharan African countries endure a high burden of communicable infections but also face a rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Interventions targeting particular epidemics are often executed within vertical programmes. We establish an Adaptive Diseases control Expert Programme in Tanzania (ADEPT) model with three domains; stepwise training approach, integration of communicable and NCDs and a learning system. The model aims to shift traditional vertical programmes to an adaptive diseases management approach through integrating communicable and NCDs using the tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) dual epidemic as a case study. We aim to describe the ADEPT protocol with underpinned implementation and operational research on TB/DM.Methods and analysisThe model implement a collaborative TB and DM services protocol as endorsed by WHO in Tanzania. Evaluation of the process and outcomes will follow the logic framework. A mixed research design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches will be used in applied research action. Anticipated implementation research outcomes include at the health facilities level for organising TB/DM services, pathways of patients with TB/DM seeking care in different health facilities, factors in service delivery that need deimplementation and the ADEPT model implementation feasibility, acceptability and fidelity. Expected operational research outcomes include additional identified patients with dual TB/DM, the prevalence of comorbidities like hypertension in patients with TB/DM and final treatment outcomes of TB/DM including treatment-related complications. Findings will inform the future policies and practices for integrating communicable and NCDs services.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was granted by The National Research Health Ethical Committee (Ref-No. NIMR/HQ/R.8a/Vol.IX/2988) and the implementation endorsed by the government authorities. Findings will be proactively disseminated through multiple mechanisms including peer-reviewed journals, and engagement with various stakeholders’ example in conferences and social media.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Suhuyini Salifu ◽  
Khumbulani W. Hlongwana

Abstract Objectives To explore the mechanisms of collaboration between the stakeholders, including National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) and the Non-Communicable Disease Control and Prevention Program (NCDCP) at the national, regional, and local (health facility) levels of the health care system in Ghana. This is one of the objectives in a study on the “Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of the Collaborative Framework for the Care and Control of Tuberculosis and Diabetes in Ghana” Results The data analysis revealed 4 key themes. These were (1) Increased support for communicable diseases (CDs) compared to stagnant support for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), (2) Donor support, (3) Poor collaboration between NTP and NCDCP, and (4) Low Tuberculosis-Diabetes Mellitus (TB-DM) case detection.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zuiyuan Guo ◽  
Dan Xiao

AbstractWe established a stochastic individual-based model and simulated the whole process of occurrence, development, and control of the coronavirus disease epidemic and the infectors and patients leaving Hubei Province before the traffic was closed in China. Additionally, the basic reproduction number (R0) and number of infectors and patients who left Hubei were estimated using the coordinate descent algorithm. The median R0 at the initial stage of the epidemic was 4.97 (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.82–5.17). Before the traffic lockdown was implemented in Hubei, 2000 (95% CI 1982–2030) infectors and patients had left Hubei and traveled throughout the country. The model estimated that if the government had taken prevention and control measures 1 day later, the cumulative number of laboratory-confirmed patients in the whole country would have increased by 32.1%. If the lockdown of Hubei was imposed 1 day in advance, the cumulative number of laboratory-confirmed patients in other provinces would have decreased by 7.7%. The stochastic model could fit the officially issued data well and simulate the evolution process of the epidemic. The intervention measurements nationwide have effectively curbed the human-to-human transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.


Author(s):  
Rima H BinSaeed

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with its developed economy and advanced technological infrastructure has shown a major progress in business opportunities for overseas investors. Saudi Arabia’s education sector is one of the most attractive investment opportunities for the foreign investors Earlier in 2019, 9 new foreign education enterprises were granted investor licenses, amounting to a total of $141mn of investment deals. The Saudi government introduced Saudi Vision 2030, an aspiring development plan that foresees vital prospects for foreign investors in the regions of education, housing, health and energy, amongst others. In 2016, Saudi Arabia permitted the procurement of 100% of assets by foreign investors in retail and wholesale trade. A privatisation program has also been introduced. The government also attempts to attract FDI in the regions of renewable energy and entertainment. A foreign direct investment (FDI) plays a vital role in local and international economy. Several opportunities and ventures are encouraged by Saudi Arabia to improve the standard of business and economical environments. To accomplish the finances for the projects SAGIA, the lawful authority is there to smooth the progress of investments, which encourages Saudi FDI prospective to grow simultaneously. FDI has a greater scope for diverse businesses and investing in to underdeveloped industrial sectors. FDI plays an important role in boosting the economy of Saudi Arabia by managing international investors who shares the huge portion of 34% in General GDP (Gross domestic product) of Saudi Arabia. This paper aims to review the literature to shed light on the steps taken by the government to increase FDI in the country and what are the current trends that are helping to fulfil VISION 2030.


Author(s):  
Wilfred Kok Hoe Mok ◽  
Noran Naqiah Hairi ◽  
Caryn Mei Hsien Chan ◽  
Feisul Idzwan Mustapha ◽  
Thamil Arasu Saminathan ◽  
...  

(1) Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children has increased tremendously in the ASEAN region, including Malaysia. In Malaysia, the National Strategic Plan for Non-Communicable Diseases (2015–2025) provides the overall framework for its response to the non-communicable diseases (NCD) epidemic. Preventing childhood obesity is one of the key strategies for early intervention to prevent NCDs. The objective of this research is to examine the current status of policy interventions in addressing childhood obesity in Malaysia. (2) Methods: A panel of 22 stakeholders and experts from Malaysia, representing the government, industry, academia and non-governmental organizations, were sampled using a modified Delphi technique. Data were collected using a modified NCD scorecard under four domains (governance, risk factors, surveillance and research and health systems response). A heat map was used to measure the success of the four realms of the NCD scorecard. For each domain of the NCD scorecard, the final score was grouped in quintiles. (3) Results: A total of 22 participants responded, comprising of eight (36.4%) males and 14 (63.4%) females. All the domains measured in implementing policies related to childhood obesity were of low progress. Nine governance indicators were reported as 22.5% (low progress), four in the risk factors domain, and two in the surveillance. This shows that timely and accurate monitoring, participatory review and evaluation, and effective remedies are necessary for a country’s surveillance system. (4) Conclusion: Although Malaysia has published several key strategic documents relating to childhood obesity and implemented numerous policy interventions, we have identified several gaps that must be addressed to leverage the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in addressing childhood obesity in the country.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ka Ki Lawrence Ho ◽  
Ying-Tung Chan

Purpose This study aims to examine Hong Kong’s responses to COVID-19, arguing that Hong Kong’s relatively low infection rate is due to self-discipline of citizens together with the enforcement measures introduced by the government. Design/methodology/approach This study reviewed the government policy announcements and the prevailing scholarly analyses on Hong Kong society during COVID-19. Findings It starts by examining the partial lockdown and control measures since mid-January, and the roles of different government units in enforcement were examined and assessed. Suppression of viral outbreak in Hong Kong should primarily be attributed to the appropriate lockdown and quarantine actions of the government. Originality/value However, outperformance of the frontline professionals and the highly aware, self-disciplined and mutually aided citizens in the community are also the key to the “interim success” by June 2020 in the highly accessible and densely populated city.


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