On 10-12 April, 2016, UNFPA GCC, participated in the Joint Mission of the United Nations Interagency Task Force (UNIATF) on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) to Oman.  The mission was conducted by WHO, headed by Dr. Oleg CHESTNOV, Assistant Director General, Non communicable Diseases and Mental Health at WHO.  All UN agencies in Oman participated in this mission, which addressed the causes and negative impact of NCDs. NCDs (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancers) are the main cause of premature mortality and morbidity in Oman. Also the prevalence of key risk factors, and the probability of dying prematurely from one of these diseases is 18% meaning nearly one of every five adult dies from NCDs before the age of 70 years. 

The Joint Mission learnt from the Government of Oman of the drain on the economy that premature death and illness from NCDs is having in the country. While there has been recent progress in addressing NCDs, over one half of Omani men and women are overweight or obese. UNFPA’s participated in setting the road map to fight NCDs which will benefit women specifically in Oman and the whole community. UNFPA’s role in the mission and participation was covered widely by the local newspapers.

That gave the momentum to UNFPA to build on its success stories including the Programme of Screening of Breast Cancer, which was supported before by UNFPA. Furthermore, UNFPA GCC conducted in co-operation with MOH a cervical cancer detection and audit national survey to support the expansion of services for screening cervical cancer nationwide over the past few years.

Based on the mission’s recommendations, NCDs leadership and action at local levels are enhanced; and Resident UN agencies, including UNFPA, would establish Thematic Group on NCDs to help in fighting those diseases. Undoubtedly that this mission will support the high level of political and technical commitment shown by the Ministry Health in the country.  It will also promote the Health Vision 2050, National NCD Policy, and the inter-ministerial NCD Committee’s action plan.

UNFPA expressed its willingness to continue providing coordinated technical assistance to catalyze NCDs action across the Government of Oman, which will be reflected in turn on the people of Oman in general, women and youth in particular to help them avoid these diseases and have a healthy life style.

On 10-12 April, 2016, UNFPA GCC, participated in the Joint Mission of the United Nations Interagency Task Force (UNIATF) on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) to Oman.  The mission was conducted by WHO, headed by Dr. Oleg CHESTNOV, Assistant Director General, Non communicable Diseases and Mental Health at WHO.  All UN agencies in Oman participated in this mission, which addressed the causes and negative impact of NCDs. NCDs (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancers) are the main cause of premature mortality and morbidity in Oman. Also the prevalence of key risk factors, and the probability of dying prematurely from one of these diseases is 18% meaning nearly one of every five adult dies from NCDs before the age of 70 years. 

The Joint Mission learnt from the Government of Oman of the drain on the economy that premature death and illness from NCDs is having in the country. While there has been recent progress in addressing NCDs, over one half of Omani men and women are overweight or obese. UNFPA’s participated in setting the road map to fight NCDs which will benefit women specifically in Oman and the whole community. UNFPA’s role in the mission and participation was covered widely by the local newspapers.

That gave the momentum to UNFPA to build on its success stories including the Programme of Screening of Breast Cancer, which was supported before by UNFPA. Furthermore, UNFPA GCC conducted in co-operation with MOH a cervical cancer detection and audit national survey to support the expansion of services for screening cervical cancer nationwide over the past few years.

Based on the mission’s recommendations, NCDs leadership and action at local levels are enhanced; and Resident UN agencies, including UNFPA, would establish Thematic Group on NCDs to help in fighting those diseases. Undoubtedly that this mission will support the high level of political and technical commitment shown by the Ministry Health in the country.  It will also promote the Health Vision 2050, National NCD Policy, and the inter-ministerial NCD Committee’s action plan.

UNFPA expressed its willingness to continue providing coordinated technical assistance to catalyze NCDs action across the Government of Oman, which will be reflected in turn on the people of Oman in general, women and youth in particular to help them avoid these diseases and have a healthy life style.