Riyadh, August 3, 2024, The objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program, one of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 programs, are focused on caring for and enhancing the prevention of health risks by promoting public health through various efforts and practices that have increased the average human lifespan.
Such efforts include encouraging exercise, walking in public and designated places, applying a modern care model, maintaining road safety, and generalizing and implementing legislation and policies to enhance human protection from diseases.
The program also includes promoting health in all policies and all aspects of life, such as reducing salt in foods and stopping use of hydrogenated oils. The Kingdom has also implemented other policies and decisions to enhance public health and protect society's health as a preventative measure.
According to the "Annual Report on the Achievements of the Transformation of the Health Sector in the Kingdom for the Year 2023," the average life expectancy in the Kingdom increased to 77.6 in 2023, with the target of reaching 80 in 2030.
The report highlighted that health clusters tried to protect public health by conducting examinations on a group of healthy beneficiaries to detect diseases and tumors early and enhance treatment opportunities. This included conducting early breast cancer screening for over 200,000 women. The Al-Ahsa Health Cluster raised the percentage of those controlling diabetes from 37% to 70%, and the Riyadh Health Cluster provided healthcare to 200,000 beneficiaries with chronic diseases.
Additionally, opening the Rapid Response Laboratory at the Public Health Authority "Weqaya" enhanced health security. The laboratory conducted tests to detect pathogens easily and accurately, raising the readiness for biological emergency response.
Other achievements included activating rapid response to epidemic risks, localizing biotechnology, and launching a DNA manufacturing unit that relies on laboratory technology to produce primers to detect the genetic sequence of pathogens. The efforts aim to facilitate early examination and determine appropriate treatment accurately and effectively.
The annual report included a list of achievements that contributed to achieving the program's strategic goals, from enhancing prevention against health risks and improving the quality and efficiency of health services to facilitating access to health services. Furthermore, it emphasized enhancing traffic safety and keeping pace with the aspirations of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to advance a vibrant society and prosperous and healthy lives.