Average Life Expectancy In Saudi Arabia Rises To 78.8 Years
The announcement was made in a report released to mark World Health Day, observed annually on April 7. This year's theme, 'Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures,' underscores the importance of investing in health from early stages to ensure long-term well-being.
The ministry attributed this milestone to the ongoing success of the Health Sector Transformation Programme, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. The programme is focused on enhancing healthcare quality, reducing health risks, and promoting a vibrant society that enjoys better health and longer lives.
Efforts include national campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles, the widespread adoption of walking culture, and the encouragement of positive daily health habits.
These initiatives have yielded clear improvements in public health indicators and are helping pave the way toward the Kingdom's goal of raising life expectancy to 80 years by 2030.
In partnership with various government bodies, the ministry has introduced important nutritional and health policies — such as banning hydrogenated oils, reducing salt in foods, and mandating calorie labelling in food products and restaurants — to curb chronic illnesses and foster better dietary habits.
The Kingdom continues to invest in preventive and therapeutic healthcare services, early detection programmes for diseases and tumours, and widespread health education initiatives. These sustained efforts aim to further boost life expectancy, reduce chronic disease prevalence, and build a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
Source Gulf News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
20-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
Omanis To Replace Expat Pharmacists: Ministry Of Health
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued Circular 167/2025 mandating the Omanisation of pharmacies located in commercial complexes and hospital facilities. The directive states that contracts of non-Omani pharmacists and their assistants will no longer be renewed, opening up opportunities for Omani nationals in the pharmaceutical sector. Expatriate pharmacists have long dominated the private sector in Oman. The new policy is expected to create jobs for many unemployed Omani graduates in pharmacy. Ahmed Al Wadahi, a recruitment expert, told Gulf News that the decision has been long awaited. 'This move gives Omanis a real chance to join the pharmaceutical workforce and become financially independent, instead of relying on their families,' he said. 'Oman is making solid progress in replacing expat workers in key private sector roles. For years, employment of Omani pharmacy graduates has remained low — but they deserve this opportunity.' Nasser Al Muqbali, a 28-year-old pharmacist who has been unemployed for five years, expressed hope. 'I've been waiting a long time. Like others, I dream of being independent and starting a career,' he said. The pharmacy profession in Oman has expanded significantly over the past two decades. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of pharmacists more than tripled between 2005 and 2018. By 2018, Oman had 2,692 pharmacists and 1,998 assistant pharmacists — equivalent to 5.57 and 4.2 per 10,000 people, respectively. The number of Omani health workers, including pharmacists, grew by over 40% between 2016 and 2019. Oman introduced the Omanisation programme in 1988 to gradually replace expatriate workers with skilled Omani nationals. While government departments and oil and gas companies have reached Omanisation rates of up to 90%, sectors such as construction remain heavily dependent on foreign labour.
Daily Tribune
17-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's National Influenza Centre Earns Top WHO Certification
The Ministry of Health has announced that the National Influenza Centre, part of the Public Health Laboratories, has once again earned top marks in the World Health Organization's (WHO) External Quality Assessment for the detection of influenza and COVID-19 viruses. The certification marks the twelfth consecutive year—since 2013—that the centre has achieved a perfect score, reaffirming its role as a trusted player in international health networks and its dedication to accurate and professional disease surveillance. This recognition also cements Bahrain's leading role in the Eastern Mediterranean Region's Acute Respiratory Infection Surveillance Network, showcasing the country's ongoing commitment to sharing vital health data with global reference laboratories in line with the highest international standards. Dr. Samia Al Baharna, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health at the Ministry of Health, said the certification reflects the expertise and dedication of Bahrain's national health workforce in monitoring and analyzing respiratory viruses with precision. 'It's a testament to the readiness and resilience of Bahrain's health system in responding swiftly to health emergencies and outbreaks,' she added. Echoing this, Amjad Al Ghanem, Head of the Public Health Laboratories, praised the technical and administrative teams for their consistent efforts. She emphasized that Bahrain's continued excellence in international evaluations strengthens the country's disease surveillance programs and underlines its progress in combating infectious diseases both regionally and globally.
Daily Tribune
14-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
Strategic step to advance healthcare sector pushed
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the International Center for Genetic Diseases at Harvard Medical School, has launched an advanced clinical training program focused on the responsible return of genetic test results. The initiative, which includes participation from various healthcare institutions and medical specialties across the Kingdom, aims to bolster the implementation of the Bahrain Genome Program. It focuses on equipping national medical personnel with cutting-edge knowledge and international best practices in genetic medicine, specifically in how to interpret and communicate genome test results to patients. On this occasion, Her Excellency Dr. Jalila bint Al-Sayed Jawad Hassan, Minister of Health, reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to enhancing the quality and scope of healthcare services. She emphasised the Kingdom's continued investment in precision medicine and genomics to stay aligned with global medical advancements. 'This program is a reflection of our leadership's vision to reinforce the health sector and improve diagnostic and therapeutic services,' Dr. Hassan stated. 'The ability to effectively return genetic test results is a vital skill that strengthens the capabilities of our national workforce and maximizes the potential of genomic medicine in improving patient outcomes.' She praised the initiative as a cornerstone in Bahrain's broader health development goals under the guidance of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
