dr. tawfik a. m. khoja mbbs, dphc, frcgp, ffph,frcp (uk) director general - gcc

Dr. Tawfik A. Khoja 1

Dr. Tawfik A. M. KhojaMBBS, DPHC, FRCGP, FFPH,FRCP (UK)

Director General - GCC

Riyadh 11/1/1430H - 8/1/2009


ك�ب�ا ي�مش�ي أ�ف�م�ن” ه� ع�ل�ى م� ه� و�جم�ن أ�هد�ى

أ�ع�ل�ى ي�مش�ي ي�ا و� اط� س� ر� يم� ص� ت�ق� م)س

”

“ Is then one who Walks headlong, with his face Grovelling, better

guided, Or one who walks Evenly on a Straight Way ? ”

آية ) الملك (22سورة

Holy Quran


SINCE the GCC States constitute one regional community in its Islamic religion, Arabic language, population, similarity in geography, and values history, traditions, economic sources, social and cultural circumstances.THEREFORE they had to unify their efforts in different fields of life to face the quick changes, and the overall development requirements.

Dr. Tawfik A. Khoja4


The Health Minister's Council for Cooperation The Health Minister's Council for Cooperation Council States , was established in 1397 H Council States , was established in 1397 H )1976G. ( for coordination between the GCC )1976G. ( for coordination between the GCC States in the fields of health to join the common States in the fields of health to join the common world efforts symbolizing world efforts symbolizing one goal for better one goal for better achievement of health and expectation for health.achievement of health and expectation for health.

MISSIONMISSION in the Gulf States based on these in the Gulf States based on these principles:- principles:-

• CommonCommon development & coordinationdevelopment & coordination between the Members States in the preventive, between the Members States in the preventive, curative and rehabilitation fields.curative and rehabilitation fields.


• Identify the concepts and directions of the Identify the concepts and directions of the differentdifferent health and scientific issueshealth and scientific issues . .

• Unify and arranging the priorities as well as Unify and arranging the priorities as well as adopting the common executive programs adopting the common executive programs in Gulf States.in Gulf States.

• Assessment of the existing Assessment of the existing systems and systems and strategiesstrategies in the health fields and supporting in the health fields and supporting the successful experiences in the Gulf States the successful experiences in the Gulf States to exchange such achievements in other to exchange such achievements in other Member State. Member State.


Since Alma Ata in 1978Since Alma Ata in 1978Dramatic changes have occurred:* In the pattern of diseases.* In demographic profiles.• In socioeconomic environment.• Growing demand on health services.• Rising costs.• Public needs for better quality services.

Which present new challenges to PHC. These changes are seen globally:For example:• Increase in the prevalence of preventable risks• In crease in the prevalence of chronic non-

communicable disease.

Introduction

The GCC is witnessing the last few years huge changes in the health needs of its population. MANY countries are suffering from the effects of the double burden due to infectious and non-communicable diseases (NCD).

NCDs forms the main causes of premature deaths and disability where it forms around 60% of the overall mortality and 47% of the global burden of diseases.

These two rates are expected to jump into 73% and 62% respectively by the year 2020.

Dr. Tawfik A. M. Khoja8

The epidemiologic transition in the GCC :

• The quick ageing of the population the steadily increasing urbanization with consequent social and economic impact.

• Important behavioral factors related to the dietary pattern, physical inactivity leading to overweight and obesity and thus increasing rates of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, some types of cancer.. etc.

The effects of this epidemiologic transition is far more than expected by the health policy makers.



The burden of NCD:

• Has major adverse effects on the quality of life of affected individuals;

• Causes premature death;

• Creates large adverse – and under appreciated – economic effects on families, communities and societies in general.


• CVD and diabetes are emerging as the single leading cause of mortality in the Gulf. The enormous burden caused, in terms of suffering and health costs is escalating. NCDs present mainly at the primary health care )PHC( level and will therefore need to be handled principally in these settings. Yet, most primary health care has developed in response to acute problems and the urgent needs of patients. Health care workers need the skills and practical tools to manage these chronic conditions and to ensure that patients receive comprehensive, coordinated care.


Health care systems must guard against the fragmentation of services. Care for NCDs needs integration to ensure shared information across setting and providers, this means setting priorities for screening, early detection prioritising surveillance, and management to be applied and followed among Gulf area, through community - based programme as well as health team training on:

• Evidence-based, clinical management of chronic conditions.

• Organizational factors that support the provision of care for patients with chronic conditions.

• A proven methodology for accelerating health care improvement in PHC.

EMRO &NCD RISK FACTORS

Diabetes1.5- 2 in 10

Hypertension1 in 4

Smoking1 in 3

Obesity 1 in 2

Dyslipidaemia1 in 2

Physical Inactivity

8 in 10

13Dr. Tawfik A. M. Khoja

OMA

SAA

UAE

77.5

80.4

64.5

96.9

91.4

0

Female Male

Dr. Tawfik A. M. Khoja 14

Prevalence of Physical Inactivity

GCC mean of Physical inactivity

is 71.4%


Global effect of Over weight & Obesity on developing NCDs

In WHO analysis:

58% of Diabetes Mellitus

21% Ischemic heart diseases

4-42% of certain cancer

Were attributable to BMI above 21 kg/m2

خوجة. أحمد بن توفيق د 18


Current Situation in the GCC States

The GCC countries lie in the center of these epidemiologic transitions. Statistical studies affirms that more than (40-50%) of the Gulf community are suffering high rates of overweight (which increases with age) in addition to the high prevalence of risk factors; namely high lipids and cholesterol in blood – smoking and others. The studies emphasized as well the aggravation of this health phenomenon and its consequent economic burden.


Chronic conditions Among person aged 15 years and over, Chronic conditions Among person aged 15 years and over, the percentage reported of have ever had specific chronic the percentage reported of have ever had specific chronic conditions confirmed by a doctor, by sex, GCC Family Health conditions confirmed by a doctor, by sex, GCC Family Health SurveySurvey

CCoonnddiittiioonn OOmmaann KK..SS..AA UUAAEE KKuuwwaaiitt QQaattaarr BBaahhrraaiinn TToottaall

High Men 2.7 4.4 5.2 5.6 4.7 4.9 4.6

Blood Women 6.1 6.5 7.8 10.1 8.3 7.6 7.8

Pressure All 4.4 5.4 6.6 7.9 6.5 6.3 4.5

Men 2.3 6.3 5.1 8.9 7.5 4.9 5.8

Diabetes Women 3.3 5.4 5.2 9.7 8.2 6.1 6.3

All 2.8 5.8 5.3 9.2 7.9 5.5 6.1

Men 1.7 3.5 3.1 2.9 3.5 2.4 3.5

Joint Women 3.2 8.7 6.2 9.1 8.9 6.7 7.1

Disease All 2.4 6.1 4.7 6.1 6.3 4.6 5.0


Many studies affirmed the high prevalence of the risk factors in the Gulf region for the age group 25-65, as follows:

Many studies affirmed the high prevalence of the risk factors in the Gulf region for the age group 25-65, as follows:

Risk factors in the GCC States

- Smoking 16- 46%- Hypertension 15- 35%- Fats and lipids 20- 45%- Physical Inactivity 80 - 90%- Diabetes 12 - 25%- Overweight and obesity 40-70%


19822.5% (age >15)Bacchus & Madkour

19874.3%Fatani

19924.6%AbuZaid

19969.5% )age >14 years(Hazmi

199717% (age >30 years)Nuaim

200424% (age >30 years)Nozha

200628% (age >30 years)MOH

2010???

Diabetes - an escalating Diabetes - an escalating problem problem

in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabiain the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Diabetes - an escalating Diabetes - an escalating problem problem

in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabiain the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

UAE32.0%

(DM 22.0% + IGT 10.0%)

BahrainDM 30% (age >40 years)… Mahroos

Saudi Arabia40%

(DM % + IGT %)(age >30 years)

Oman 19.0% (DM 10.0% + IGT9.0%)

Kuwait22.0% (DM 20.0% + IGT 12.0%)

Qatar30.0% (DM 10.0% + IGT 20.0%)

Diabetes in the Gulf RegionDiabetes in the Gulf Region

24 Dr. Tawfik A. Khoja


• Control of Cardiovascular Diseases.

• Control of Diabetes.

• Cancer Control and Registration.

• Health Education and Information.

• School Health.

• Mental Health.

• Strengthening the Role of PHC in Prevention and Control.

Hence, it became mandatory for the Health Ministers’ Council for the Cooperation council States to confront this problem, through a number of strategic directions:

I- Establishing Specialized Consultative National Committees


II- Strategic Resolutions by

the Health Ministers’

Council for Cooperation

Council States


Resolution # 3/50 )Kuwait, Shawwal 13-15, 1421H /Jan. 8-10, 2001(. It decided the following:

a: a: 1-1- Establish diabetes epidemiological screening Establish diabetes epidemiological screening

program, collect information and prepare diabetes program, collect information and prepare diabetes health indicators in the Gulf States. health indicators in the Gulf States.

2- Coordinate, follow-up and communicate in the field 2- Coordinate, follow-up and communicate in the field of dissemination of information and of dissemination of information and develop preventive, educational, and treatment develop preventive, educational, and treatment programs to control this disease, and help programs to control this disease, and help individuals to lead a healthy life. individuals to lead a healthy life.

3-3- Supervise the training programs and train workers Supervise the training programs and train workers in the field of healthcare for Diabetes mellitus. in the field of healthcare for Diabetes mellitus.


b. Adopt new methods in the health care service of b. Adopt new methods in the health care service of diabetes,i.e. specialized primary healthcare clinics diabetes,i.e. specialized primary healthcare clinics for diabetic patients, adoption of shared care for for diabetic patients, adoption of shared care for chronic diseases, and reinforce the referral system chronic diseases, and reinforce the referral system within the different levels of health care services. within the different levels of health care services.

c.c. Adopt national diabetes registration system to Adopt national diabetes registration system to register all the diabetes cases in each country of the register all the diabetes cases in each country of the Gulf States. It should possess very clear views and Gulf States. It should possess very clear views and methodology to achieve each goal. methodology to achieve each goal.


1- 1- Approve the "Gulf Plan of Action" )2001 — 2002( Approve the "Gulf Plan of Action" )2001 — 2002( which has been suggested by the referenced taskforce which has been suggested by the referenced taskforce team, as a guiding plan for the rest of the Gulf team, as a guiding plan for the rest of the Gulf countries. countries.

2-2- Take the initiative of forming the "National Committee Take the initiative of forming the "National Committee for the Control of Diabetes" in member countries for the Control of Diabetes" in member countries where these committees have not been formed yet. where these committees have not been formed yet.

3- 3- Incorporate diabetes control programs in the other Incorporate diabetes control programs in the other programs that are related to chronic noncommunicable programs that are related to chronic noncommunicable diseases i.e. high blood pressure )hypertension(, obesity, diseases i.e. high blood pressure )hypertension(, obesity, etc… within the healthcare joint systems for chronic etc… within the healthcare joint systems for chronic diseases, and the specialized clinics in the primary diseases, and the specialized clinics in the primary health care sector. health care sector.

Resolution # 2/51 )Geneva, Safar 1422H /May 2001( It affirmed the following:


1 - Member countries should submit their suggestions for 1 - Member countries should submit their suggestions for the activation of the “Gulf Diabetes Control Plan”. the activation of the “Gulf Diabetes Control Plan”. These suggestions should indicate a phased goals plan, These suggestions should indicate a phased goals plan, and a specific timetable, taking into consideration that and a specific timetable, taking into consideration that special emphasis should be made on preventive special emphasis should be made on preventive measures in controlling diabetes. measures in controlling diabetes.

2- Instruct the “2- Instruct the “Health Education and Information Health Education and Information CommitteeCommittee” of the executive board, to prepare a ” of the executive board, to prepare a special program to enhance positive healthy life style special program to enhance positive healthy life style approach and encourage the change of individual approach and encourage the change of individual attitudes and behavior to go alongside with this attitudes and behavior to go alongside with this concept. concept.

Resolution # 8/52 )Riyadh, 24-25 Shawwal, 1422H / 8-9 Jan. 2002( It adopted the following:


Resolution # 5, conference 58 HMC )Muscat, 5-6/1/1426 H – 14-15/2/2005( Which affirmed the following:

A- Giving effect to the “global strategy on diet, physical activity and health” within the related programs and departments in the Ministries of Health.


Resolution # 4 Conference 60 )Feb., 2006(

A) Adopting new approaches to evaluate medical services for the care of patients of such diseases and giving effect to and developing the role of health centers in this respect (prevention, cure, and rehabilitation).

B) Giving effect to the concept of health promotion within the Healthy Lifestyle, prevention and control of chronic and non-Infectious diseases.

- Reaffirming the previous endorsed resolutions of the Council concerning the importance of supporting and promoting the role of control of non-communicable diseases and positioning the extended medical care as one of the priorities in the strategies of the ministries of health, with emphasis on:

Resolution # 2 the Resolution # 2 the 61st conference 61st conference of the Health of the Health Ministers )held in Geneva on 26//4/1427 H / 24/5/2006(, Ministers )held in Geneva on 26//4/1427 H / 24/5/2006(, which assigned the specialized Gulf committee to which assigned the specialized Gulf committee to undertake the process of development and update of undertake the process of development and update of the programme through the following:the programme through the following:

Developments of the Gulf Program for Diabetes Control


1- Review of the Gulf plan for Diabetes Control in the 1- Review of the Gulf plan for Diabetes Control in the light of the recent scientific updates, and after light of the recent scientific updates, and after evaluation of the achievements made in various evaluation of the achievements made in various stages, and hence setting an executive workplan stages, and hence setting an executive workplan including preventive and promotive aspects.including preventive and promotive aspects.

2- Studying the current situation of the diabetes 2- Studying the current situation of the diabetes problem in the Council States and the objectives problem in the Council States and the objectives realized in the Gulf programme for Diabetes realized in the Gulf programme for Diabetes Control, reduction of diabetes incidence and its Control, reduction of diabetes incidence and its complications along 10 years.complications along 10 years.


The Director General of the Executive Board The Director General of the Executive Board submitted a proposed working paper to update and submitted a proposed working paper to update and develop the Gulf plan for Diabetes Control. The develop the Gulf plan for Diabetes Control. The working paper included a number of very important working paper included a number of very important items: items:


1( Evaluation of what has been achieved in the Gulf 1( Evaluation of what has been achieved in the Gulf plan )infrastructure – training, learning and plan )infrastructure – training, learning and development of health caders - prevention development of health caders - prevention programmes – scientific research(.programmes – scientific research(.

2( Determinants of the Gulf plan which is considered 2( Determinants of the Gulf plan which is considered so far a general framework for a comprehensive so far a general framework for a comprehensive plan, especially after defining weaknesses and plan, especially after defining weaknesses and shortcomings.shortcomings.

3(3( Methods of realizing the strategic objectives of the Methods of realizing the strategic objectives of the Gulf plan guided with the leading international Gulf plan guided with the leading international experiences.experiences.

4(4( Proposed developmental steps – emphasis on the Proposed developmental steps – emphasis on the community dimension – preventive aspect - community dimension – preventive aspect - scientific research. scientific research.

5( Guarantees of success and continuity – at all levels 5( Guarantees of success and continuity – at all levels in )MOH – related authorities – political level and in )MOH – related authorities – political level and decision making(.decision making(.


Resolution # )1( Resolution # )1( 63rd conference 63rd conference )Geneva, )Geneva, 29/4/1428 H – 16/5/2007( which is considered an 29/4/1428 H – 16/5/2007( which is considered an applied approach to the directives of the Ministers of applied approach to the directives of the Ministers of Health in their 62nd conference in Kuwait which was Health in their 62nd conference in Kuwait which was named )The conference of diabetes control( and named )The conference of diabetes control( and included a number of key directions, on top of which included a number of key directions, on top of which come the following:come the following:


1-1- Signing the “Signing the “joint statement for the Health Ministers’ of the Cooperation Council States about Diabetes” ” and its endorsement as a commitment to improve and its endorsement as a commitment to improve public health and confront the diabetes epidemic.public health and confront the diabetes epidemic.

1-1- Signing the “Signing the “joint statement for the Health Ministers’ of the Cooperation Council States about Diabetes” ” and its endorsement as a commitment to improve and its endorsement as a commitment to improve public health and confront the diabetes epidemic.public health and confront the diabetes epidemic.

2- Endorsement of the updating Integrated Executive 2- Endorsement of the updating Integrated Executive Gulf plan )2008/2018( set by the specialized technical Gulf plan )2008/2018( set by the specialized technical committees, which included the vision, mission and committees, which included the vision, mission and strategic objectives – mechanisms of implementation strategic objectives – mechanisms of implementation as well as indicators of follow up and improvement. as well as indicators of follow up and improvement.

3- Selection of a work team at the highest technical and 3- Selection of a work team at the highest technical and leading level from the ministry of health to undertake leading level from the ministry of health to undertake the process of follow up of implementation of the plan the process of follow up of implementation of the plan and developing it according to the needs and the and developing it according to the needs and the stages of progress.stages of progress.


4-4- Calling upon the Council States to establish a Calling upon the Council States to establish a supreme national council for control of diabetes, on supreme national council for control of diabetes, on the basis that control of diabetes is a case of nation the basis that control of diabetes is a case of nation and the responsibility of all community classes. and the responsibility of all community classes.

5-5- Each member state shall propose the “national Each member state shall propose the “national executive plan for control of diabetes “based on the executive plan for control of diabetes “based on the general framework for the Gulf executive plan general framework for the Gulf executive plan )2008-2018(. )2008-2018(.

6-6- Approval on establishing a “Gulf Central Approval on establishing a “Gulf Central Supervisory Team”. The team is assigned to set Supervisory Team”. The team is assigned to set protocol for a Gulf study with unified methodology protocol for a Gulf study with unified methodology to deal with epidemiology, burden of disease and to deal with epidemiology, burden of disease and economics of diabetes. economics of diabetes.


It is worthy to mention that the “joint statement for It is worthy to mention that the “joint statement for diabetes” document had been circulated to all related diabetes” document had been circulated to all related bodies, organizations, scientific institutes local, regional bodies, organizations, scientific institutes local, regional and international. The joint statement had a very resonant and international. The joint statement had a very resonant impact in all those institutions. The most prominent is the impact in all those institutions. The most prominent is the message received from the Secretary General / Arab message received from the Secretary General / Arab League office )188/5 dated 19/6/2007( in which HE the League office )188/5 dated 19/6/2007( in which HE the Secretary General expressed his appreciation and Secretary General expressed his appreciation and acknowledgement of this important strategy and he acknowledgement of this important strategy and he proposed establishing an umbrella for protection of proposed establishing an umbrella for protection of diabetic patients at the Arab level. In addition, HE called diabetic patients at the Arab level. In addition, HE called upon considering this declaration a statement among the upon considering this declaration a statement among the formal documents and it had been registered under the formal documents and it had been registered under the number )400( and a copy of this document was put on the number )400( and a copy of this document was put on the website of the Arab League and it had been circulated to website of the Arab League and it had been circulated to the Arab Countries. the Arab Countries. 44Dr. Tawfik A. M. Khoja

The Assistant Secretary General – Chairman of social The Assistant Secretary General – Chairman of social affairs – General Secretary for the Arab League has affairs – General Secretary for the Arab League has been addressed to take the executive actions to include been addressed to take the executive actions to include this Gulf document as well as the Gulf Executive plan this Gulf document as well as the Gulf Executive plan for Diabetes Control )2008/2018( on the agenda of such for Diabetes Control )2008/2018( on the agenda of such meeting. And, to give effect to resolution # )1( for the meeting. And, to give effect to resolution # )1( for the 63rd conference, and put it into action. 63rd conference, and put it into action.


Based on the request of the Director General of the Based on the request of the Director General of the Executive Board, the meeting for the Specialized Executive Board, the meeting for the Specialized Technical Committee was held alongside the Diabetes Technical Committee was held alongside the Diabetes Economics Conference “Diabetes Economics – Vital Economics Conference “Diabetes Economics – Vital Investment”(. The main question was what next? and Investment”(. The main question was what next? and what are the next steps to combat diabetes. It was what are the next steps to combat diabetes. It was agreed on dividing the Gulf plan into 5 stages, where agreed on dividing the Gulf plan into 5 stages, where each stage is evaluated, reviewed and the progress each stage is evaluated, reviewed and the progress assessed as well as shortcomings. Thereafter, a plan assessed as well as shortcomings. Thereafter, a plan for the next stage is set.for the next stage is set.


The proposed Interim Operational Plan (2008- 2009)

- it represent the )first ( executive stage of the it represent the )first ( executive stage of the endorsed Gulf Executive plan. endorsed Gulf Executive plan.

- It involves the minimum amount of strategies to be It involves the minimum amount of strategies to be implemented.implemented.

- Mechanisms and requirements for - Mechanisms and requirements for starting implementation of the plan were selected. starting implementation of the plan were selected.


It was agreed to put an interim It was agreed to put an interim operational plan )2008/2009( as operational plan )2008/2009( as follows:follows:

I-I- Appreciation of the initiative of presenting the joint Appreciation of the initiative of presenting the joint statement for the Health Ministers’ in the Cooperation statement for the Health Ministers’ in the Cooperation Council States about Diabetes, and the endorsed Gulf Council States about Diabetes, and the endorsed Gulf Executive plan for diabetes control to the next Arab Health Executive plan for diabetes control to the next Arab Health Ministers. This is starting from the joint Arab Cooperation Ministers. This is starting from the joint Arab Cooperation principle which was crowned by the proposal of HE the principle which was crowned by the proposal of HE the Secretary General of the Arab League concerning Secretary General of the Arab League concerning “Establishing an umbrella of protection for diabetic patients “Establishing an umbrella of protection for diabetic patients at the Arab level. at the Arab level.


What has been achieved during 2007 ) the year of control What has been achieved during 2007 ) the year of control of diabetes( has been presented and reviewed by the of diabetes( has been presented and reviewed by the Health Ministers’ Council in the 64th conference )held in Health Ministers’ Council in the 64th conference )held in Riyadh, Muharam 1429 H – February 2008( where Riyadh, Muharam 1429 H – February 2008( where resolution # )3-A( was issued. The resolution defined the resolution # )3-A( was issued. The resolution defined the path of the new Gulf programme through the following: path of the new Gulf programme through the following:

II- Work towards putting resolution # 4 / 62 and 1 / 63 II- Work towards putting resolution # 4 / 62 and 1 / 63 into action and the Council States shall provide the into action and the Council States shall provide the Executive Board with a periodic interim follow up Executive Board with a periodic interim follow up report every 6 months, and specifically the report every 6 months, and specifically the following:following:


1- Giving effect to the items in the “ joint 1- Giving effect to the items in the “ joint statement of the Health Ministers about statement of the Health Ministers about Diabetes” into work executive programmes. Diabetes” into work executive programmes.

2-2- Giving effect to the Integrated updated Giving effect to the Integrated updated executive Gulf plan )2008/2018( according to the executive Gulf plan )2008/2018( according to the approved mechanisms and indicators.approved mechanisms and indicators.

III- Approval on starting giving effect to and III- Approval on starting giving effect to and implementing the interim operational aplan implementing the interim operational aplan )2008-2009( proposed by the technical sub-)2008-2009( proposed by the technical sub-committee, which is considered the first statge of committee, which is considered the first statge of the endorsed executive plan for control of the endorsed executive plan for control of diabetes.diabetes.

IV- Finalizing the unified Gulf research project on IV- Finalizing the unified Gulf research project on diabetes according to the following: diabetes according to the following:


A- Endorsing establishment of the Central A- Endorsing establishment of the Central Gulf Supervisory Team. Gulf Supervisory Team.

B- Finalizing preparation of the estimated budget B- Finalizing preparation of the estimated budget for the unified Gulf research on diabetes.for the unified Gulf research on diabetes.

pproper (effective) promotion, roper (effective) promotion,

prevention and treatment not to prevention and treatment not to

be seen as abe seen as a costcost but as anbut as an

investment investment in ’health capital’in ’health capital’

Professor Professor David CutlerDavid Cutler, ,

Harvard UniversityHarvard University



FROM ILLNESS TOWELLNESS

LOOKING AHEAD-LOOKING AHEAD-PRIORITY CHOICESPRIORITY CHOICESLOOKING AHEAD-LOOKING AHEAD-

PRIORITY CHOICESPRIORITY CHOICES


In the 64th conference held in Riyadh throughout the In the 64th conference held in Riyadh throughout the period (Muharram 1429 H / February 2008) the Health period (Muharram 1429 H / February 2008) the Health Ministers affirmed the importance of putting the criteria Ministers affirmed the importance of putting the criteria and standards of healthy diet as an entrance in the and standards of healthy diet as an entrance in the Control of NCDs programme, and resolution # (6-C) was Control of NCDs programme, and resolution # (6-C) was issued which included the following:issued which included the following:

1- The Council affirms the importance of the issue of 1- The Council affirms the importance of the issue of healthy diet, physical activity in the prevention of NCDs healthy diet, physical activity in the prevention of NCDs and the serious role played by the unhealthy and the serious role played by the unhealthy components and fast food industries in the increased components and fast food industries in the increased rates of risk factors leading to such group of diseases rates of risk factors leading to such group of diseases which extended its effect to children and youngsters.which extended its effect to children and youngsters.


2- Urging the Council states to 2- Urging the Council states to establish public health committees establish public health committees in coordination with concerned in coordination with concerned ministries; industry, commerce, ministries; industry, commerce, agriculture and other concerned agriculture and other concerned bodies such as standardization bodies such as standardization and specifications organization, and specifications organization, municipalities, and food industries municipalities, and food industries as well as consumer protection as well as consumer protection societies to work towards setting societies to work towards setting national strategic plans for healthy national strategic plans for healthy diet, guided with the international diet, guided with the international strategy for diet, physical activity strategy for diet, physical activity and health.and health.


3- Intensifying constructive cooperation with 3- Intensifying constructive cooperation with related authorities especially ministries of information, related authorities especially ministries of information, education, industry, agriculture and endowment education, industry, agriculture and endowment towards setting a national alliance for health education towards setting a national alliance for health education to confront these deleterious community phenomena.to confront these deleterious community phenomena.

4- Giving effect to the 4- Giving effect to the “International Strategy on “International Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Diet, Physical Activity and Health” and working towards Health” and working towards putting it into action through putting it into action through various programmes and health various programmes and health departments in cooperation departments in cooperation with governmental and non-with governmental and non-governmental authorities in a governmental authorities in a comprehensive national comprehensive national framework.framework.


Current Situation Follow up of Implementation Current Situation Follow up of Implementation of the Gulf Plan for Diabetes Controlof the Gulf Plan for Diabetes Control


Strategic Directions The HMC has to adopt

• • Networking with EMAN and carrying out the Networking with EMAN and carrying out the STEPwise approach.STEPwise approach.

• • Making full use of the Gulf plan for health Making full use of the Gulf plan for health education of Non-communicable education of Non-communicable diseases.diseases.

• • Giving effect to the “Global Giving effect to the “Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and HealthActivity and Health

• • Implementation of the World Implementation of the World Health survey.Health survey.

• • Conduction of the Burden of Conduction of the Burden of Diseases Research.Diseases Research.

• Issuance of the Book Entitled• “Facts for Life”


• Health promoting schools (United Arab Emirates)

• Health Promotion Council in the Kingdom of Bahrain (National Plan for Control of Chronic Diseases).

• Specialized clinics Initiatives (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

• NIZWA project for Healthy Life Style (Sultanate of Oman)

• Facts for Life “ Book (Cooperation Council States).

Examples of some leading gulf Achievements


1- 1- Unifying methods of treatment and Unifying methods of treatment and follow up of chronic diseases in H C follow up of chronic diseases in H C according to evidence-based scientific according to evidence-based scientific methods towards the optimal use of methods towards the optimal use of available resources to reduce available resources to reduce morbidity and mortality as well as morbidity and mortality as well as disability rates.disability rates.

Mechanisms of implementation of concept of specialized clinics initiative

2- 2- Prevention of diseases, through:Prevention of diseases, through:

a)a) Minimizing the risk factors such Minimizing the risk factors such as obesity, and others.as obesity, and others.

b)b) Early detection of cases.Early detection of cases.

c) c) Early detection of complications.Early detection of complications.

d)d) Increasing of health education Increasing of health education and awareness and development and awareness and development healthy attitudes.healthy attitudes.


Control of Non-communicable Diseases (DM) and its

prevention is POSSIBLE

The rapid changes that threaten health in the Arab world require a speedy response, it must be proactive first and beforehand. It is unlikely that epidemics of today are similar to those that happened in the past. This is due to the progress made in controlling infectious diseases.If full alertness should be given to new outbreaks such as Avian influenza, the concealed epidemics e.g. cardiac diseases, stroke, diabetes, cancer and others… will result in the future in the largest number of victims whether victims of death or disability.


Requirements forDevelopment in the Current Stage

1- Support promotion and development of optimal methods of health programs for such group of diseases and implementing programs of prevention and control of infectious and noninfectious diseases within a comprehensive and integrated health system in the primary health care in various sectors of health service, (e.g: school health) based on the concept of double burden.

2- Giving effect to the “Global Strategy on Diet, physical Activity and Health through the various programmes and health departments and in collaboration with the related governmental and non-governmental agencies and bodies within a comprehensive national conceptual framework.


3- Establishing a reliable and accurate data base about the patterns of prevalence rates of these diseases and their determinants as well as preparing a dynamic health information program for collection and analysis of data in addition to networking and evaluation. Work should be done to formulate document based health system and plans.

4- Investment in health system research and implementing community health research models which have to be realistic and comparable .

5- Unifying all related activities and programs in the fields of control of non communicable diseases in a unified national/Gulf / Arab frame for “Health Promotion” guided by the successful experiences such as:


a) Experience of the Kingdom of Bahrain concerning the “Health Promotion Council and its role in the control of chronic diseases.

b) Kuwait program about the (health promotion as a comprehensive umbrella for all programs of control of chronic diseases.

c) Specialized clinics program in the health centers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

d) Community intervention program for prevention of cardiac diseases in Lebanon.

e) MONICA project for smoking and Myocardial infarction.f) Prevention of cardiovascular diseases project (U.K.)g) Prevention of Diabetes project (USA)h) North Carlina Project


Primary prevention, based on comprehensive _population-based programmes, is the most cost-effective approach to contain this emerging epidemic. Therefore, action to reduce these major NCDs and mainly )DM( should focus on preventing and controlling the risk factors in an integrated manner. Intervention at all levels of society, from communities to governments, private organizations and nongovernmental groups, is essential for prevention since the risk groups are entrenched in the framework of society influenced by many areas of national policy.

COLLABORATION AMONG COLLABORATION AMONG GCC COUNTREIS AND GCC COUNTREIS AND SHARING COMMUNITY-SHARING COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMMES & BASED PROGRAMMES & SUCCESSFUL INITIATIVESSUCCESSFUL INITIATIVES

COLLABORATION AMONG COLLABORATION AMONG GCC COUNTREIS AND GCC COUNTREIS AND SHARING COMMUNITY-SHARING COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMMES & BASED PROGRAMMES & SUCCESSFUL INITIATIVESSUCCESSFUL INITIATIVES

75Dr. Tawfik A. Khoja


Thank you for your kind attention

داعياu الله سبحانه لي ولكمبدوام الصحة والعافية والرضوان

dr. tawfik a. m. khoja mbbs, dphc, frcgp, ffph,frcp (uk) director general - gcc

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