Doha, Qatar: The recently launched National Action Plan on Obesity, Diabetes, and Modifiable Risk Factors for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) 2024-2030 aims to simultaneously address risk factor prevention, management, and public empowerment initiatives, with involvement from multiple stakeholders, said a senior official. Co-Chair of the National Diabetes Committee and Director of the Qatar Metabolic Institute (QMI), Professor Abdul Badi Abou Samra, speaking to , said the initiative aligns with the National Health Strategy 2024-2030 and marks a unified effort to improve the health outcomes. He explained the need for, the objectives of, and the methods for implementing the National Action Plan on Obesity, Diabetes, and Modifiable Risk Factors for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) 2024-2030.
“Diabetes and obesity are significant risk factors for heart disease, and they are closely related. As a result, they require a unified action plan that addresses all of these issues together,” said Prof. Abou Samra.
For instance, he said factors like smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, and being overweight are common risk factors that contribute to both obesity and diabetes, and they also increase the risk of heart disease. “This action plan takes a comprehensive approach, aiming to address all these factors simultaneously, from prevention to management, and focusing on preventing the development of disease,” said Prof. Abou Samra.
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