In conjunction with the World Health Day anniversary April 7 and under the theme "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures", the Ministry of Health confirmed that the average life expectancy has risen from 74 years in 2016 to 78.8 years in 2024. This rise is the result of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to improve the quality of health services and enhance the prevention of health risks. This is also part of the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program, within the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which seeks to build a "vibrant healthy society".
The healthcare system has intensified qualitative initiatives and awareness campaigns to instill healthy lifestyles and behaviors, spread the culture of walking, and encourage healthy daily practices. This has contributed to improving public health indicators and quality of life, paving the way for achieving the strategic goal of raising life expectancy to 80 years by 2030.
The Ministry of Health's efforts have extended to implementing health and nutritional reforms in cooperation with several government agencies. These reforms include halting the use of hydrogenated oils, reducing salt content in foods, and requiring the disclosure of calories in food products and restaurants. These reforms have contributed to improving public health and reducing chronic diseases.
The Ministry of Health continues its tireless efforts to improve the provision of high-quality preventive and therapeutic health services, expand health awareness and education programs, and intensify early screening programs for diseases and tumors. This will contribute to increasing life expectancy, reducing the incidence of chronic diseases, and enhancing quality of life to achieve a healthier, more prosperous, and more sustainable future.