The Director-General of Non-Communicable Diseases, and the Saudi Delegate to the 65th session of WHO General Assembly, Dr. Mohammed Al-Sa'eedi, has affirmed that “the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is resolute on its commitment to the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases”, adopted by the presidents and prime ministers in their quest for the control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), in September 2011. “In this spirit,” he added, “the Kingdom has taken the lead in adopting the organization of the Global Ministerial Conference on Healthy Lifestyles and Non-Communicable Diseases in the Arab World and the Middle East, under the auspices of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, May Allâh protect him. It will be held in Riyadh in Shawwal 1433H in close cooperation with the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and the Arab League as well as many international specialized institutions. The conference aims to formulate the regional strategy for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, and determine the proper mechanisms for the application of this strategy throughout the entire region.” This announcement was made by Dr. Al-Sa'eedi in the Kingdom's address delivered before the WHO side meetings meant to discuss the prevention and control of NCDs.
It is worth mentioning that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has invited all those specialized in the field of fighting non-communicable diseases to take part in this conference, so as to share their successful experiences in this arena. Meanwhile, the Kingdom has also underscored the importance of protection against loss of vision; that which could be avoided by embracing prevention and treatment plans, placing particular emphasis on including eye care under the plans of controlling diabetes.