His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Health for Planning and Development, Dr. Mohamed Hamzah Khoshaim, has lauded the gracious patronage and colossal support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, May Allah protect him, for the Global Conference on Healthy Lifestyles and Non-communicable Diseases in the Arab World and Middle East. The conference will be organized by the Ministry of Health (MOH), from 10 to 12 September, at Prince Sultan Grand Hall – Al-Faisaliah Hotel.
“The patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for this conference evidently reflects the keen interest shown by the Wise Leadership to citizens' health and well-being, in an endeavor to protect them from diseases. It also reiterates the unstinting support provided by the Government to the Kingdom's health sector in general, and the Ministry of Health in particular,” Dr. Khoshaim said.
“Actually,” he continued, “the Ministry has harnessed its entire capabilities and competencies to make success of this conference, and come up with considerable and applicable recommendations. That's why the conference will be attended by representatives by numerous local, regional and international entities.”
He went on to say, “The conference is expected to place particular emphasis on the extent and enormity of non-communicable diseases, and their impact on the national plans and strategies that have to do with public health, as well as social and economic development. It will also discuss the strategies, tools and objectives internationally approved, as well as a variety of efficient, cost-effective interventions to be taken into consideration by the region's states in an endeavor to enhance the national plans and policies associated with surveillance and prevention, and improve the healthcare provided for patients with non-communicable diseases, as well as strengthening the regional and international relations in the face of such diseases; thus providing a better environment in the Arab World and the Middle East, thereby improving lifestyles and providing better health options, and promoting all the national capacities related to the prevention and on non-communicable diseases.”
Dr. Khoshaim underscored the necessity of consolidating efforts with the Ministry's war against the ever increasing threat of non-communicable diseases, meanwhile taking into consideration that health awareness and educational instructions are available for everyone. It goes without saying that such awareness and instructions are indispensable for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“We are happy and optimistic to have such close partnership with mass media,” Koshaim further expounded, “especially when considering the fact that non-communicable diseases are avoidable, and they can be efficiently treated and defeated. We, in the Ministry, are quite sure that, together, we will able to make a momentous break-through in health awareness. Nevertheless, we still have a long way to go, and necessary steps to take.”
As his statement drew to a close, His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Health for Planning and Development, Dr. Khoshaim, said, “This conference comes within the framework of the Ministry's strenuous endeavors meant to maintain citizens' health and well-being, thus achieving the Leadership's aspirations, and meeting our people's needs. In doing so, we are proceeding from a crystal-clear vision: that is the provision of integrated and comprehensive health care, as manifested in the Ministry's plans and programs, which put into action the prudent directions of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, May Allah protect them.”