Noncommunicable diseases and health system responses in Saudi Arabia: focus on policies and strategies. A qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for an increasing disease and economic burden in Saudi Arabia, particularly those due to chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Efforts are being made to improve chronic disease control through greater prevention and disease management. This research examines the scope, comprehensiveness and perceived effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s national policies and strategies to prevent and control NCDs and their risk factors. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 managers of the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia. The interviewees were public health leaders, national programme directors and programme implementation staff. The interviews were transcribed and coded into key themes. RESULTS: Interviewee responses indicated a belief that Ministry of Health programmes for the prevention and control of NCDs have achieved initial success, but have not yet been adequately evaluated. Interviewees reported faster development and implementation of policies for tobacco, sugar-sweetened drinks and obesity than for physical activity. Major challenges identified included inefficient programme management and low community awareness. There was a reported need for greater emphasis on health promotion and improving the effectiveness of existing multisectoral coordination. CONCLUSION: Effective national NCD policies and strategies have a critical role to play in the control of chronic disease epidemics. In Saudi Arabia, opportunities exist to improve the policy and strategies in response to NCDs by establishing a comprehensive surveillance system and linking epidemiological surveillance with health programme evaluation, as well as using a multisectoral and integrated approach. For better management and control of NCDs, a cohesive multisectoral collaboration with a comprehensive surveillance programme and adequate evaluation is urgently needed.