The Ministry of Health participated with a high-level delegation, led by His Excellency the Vice Minister of Health, Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih, in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The delegation highlighted the Kingdom’s pioneering achievements and experiences in advancing global health, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
In his address at the Fourth High-Level Meeting on the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-Being, His Excellency affirmed that the Kingdom has succeeded in reducing premature deaths caused by these diseases by one-third, through comprehensive national programs that included early detection and expanded treatment. He also pointed to key initiatives such as the National Diabetes Plan, cancer screening programs, and the imposition of taxes on tobacco and sugary drinks.
His Excellency further underscored the expansion of mental health services through the establishment of the National Center for Mental Health Promotion, and the strengthening of psychiatric services in more than 20 hospitals and 150 primary care centers.
He also took part in a session titled “Revolutionizing Non-Communicable Disease Care: Expanding Access Through Primary Health Care,” emphasizing the central role of primary care and the Kingdom’s investment in digital transformation and artificial intelligence to enhance care quality and reduce costs.
On the sidelines, Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih met with Singapore’s Minister of Health, Ong Ye Kung, to discuss cooperation in the fields of digital health and primary care. He also visited several health institutions to explore their latest innovations.
The Saudi delegation concluded its participation by engaging in various international events that highlighted the Kingdom’s leadership in linking health to economic development, and in advancing innovation and global partnerships.