The rise of chronic diseases in the GCC

Rapid economic advances in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have improved living standards but simultaneously brought about an increase in public health problems prevalent in developed societies around the world. A wealthier population has adopted the sedentary lifestyles and similarly unhealthy eating habits of developed countries, with the younger generations taking the lead. The result is that more and more people are contracting non-communicable diseases (NCDs) also termed “chronic illnesses” associated with prosperity, such as cardiovascular illnesses, cancer, and respiratory ailments. These illnesses have become the leading cause of death in the GCC, imposing $36 billion annually in healthcare costs, making NCDs a problem whose severity undermines increased prosperity brought about by economic development. It is widely accepted that the complex nature of NCDs increases the consumption of healthcare services. Patients typically require diligent follow-ups by physicians and frequent contact with the healthcare system. Dr. Margaret Chan, the Director-General