New york: The State of Qatar participated in the Fourth High-Level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being, held in New York. The event was themed 'Equity and Integration: Transforming Lives and Livelihoods through Leadership and Action on Non-Communicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being.'
According to Qatar News Agency, the delegation of the State of Qatar was led by HE Minister of Public Health Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud. In his address, His Excellency emphasized the importance of joint international efforts to address the challenges of NCDs, strengthen mental health, and advance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the target of reducing premature deaths from NCDs by one-third.
His Excellency highlighted that Qatar's National Health Strategy 2024-2030 prioritizes the reduction of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being, aiming to reduce NCD-related mortality by 36%. He referenced the 2023 National STEPS Survey to underscore the launch of nationwide campaigns on diabetes, obesity, and heart health, as well as initiatives that connect oral health to chronic disease prevention.
The minister also pointed out Qatar's investment in training healthcare professionals in partnership with leading universities and institutions, and the introduction of innovative care models, including AI-based applications and integrated treatments for mental health. 'Innovation lies at the heart of our vision,' he stated, outlining the use of AI-driven analytics to monitor diseases and advance precision medicine through collaborations with the Ministry of Public Health, the Qatar Precision Health Institute, and Sidra Medicine.
He emphasized Qatar's collaboration with international partners, including the World Health Organisation, the Gulf Cooperation Council Health Council, and the Gulf Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Additionally, Qatar has expanded mental health services and rehabilitation centers and looks forward to hosting the Sixth Global Ministerial Summit on Mental Health.
His Excellency affirmed Qatar's commitment to health as a fundamental pillar of human and social development, reiterating the nation's dedication to working with international partners for a healthier and more equitable future. The meeting underscored the need to strengthen global and national commitments to tackle NCDs and mental health issues through enhanced cooperation, health system transformation, and sustainable financing.