National Strategy for the prevention and response to chronic noncommunicable diseases in the State of Kuwait.

This National Strategy for the prevention and response to chronic non-communicable diseases is a nationwide sectoral document aiming at (i) assessing and facing the risk linked to the spread of these diseases, especially in modern society; (ii) promoting, developing, and implementing effective, integrated, sustainable, and supported public policies; (iii) strengthening the response of appropriate health services leading to a reduction in morbidity, disability, and death through preventive and promotional measures. The prefixed target is that of achieving a 25% relative reduction in the risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease in 2025. The Policy argues that to reduce the effects of non-communicable chronic diseases on individuals and society, a comprehensive approach is needed that requires the participation of all sectors, such as health, education, media, agriculture, planning and other sectors, to work together to reduce the risks associated with non-communicable chronic diseases and strengthen interventions to prevent and control them. The Vision at the basis of the Strategy is the State of Kuwait free from the burden of chronic diseases and preventable risk factors by placing health at the center of government policies - with cooperation and synergies between several sectors at the national, Gulf, and regional levels - as well as the civil society, so that the population reaches the highest attainable standards of health and productivity and these diseases do not constitute an obstacle to well-being or social and economic development. The Policy is based on the following principles (i) lifelong approach; (ii) human rights approach; (iii) empowering people and communities; (iv) multi-sectoral actions; (v) evidence-based strategies; (vi) equity-based approach; (vii) addressing real, perceived, or potential conflicts of interest.
Regarding the physical and food habits' implications on the non-communicable diseases, the Strategy suggests the following measures (i) develop and implement the national strategy on infant and child nutrition in line with the international guidelines; (ii) implement the International Code of Milk Substitutes; (iv) implement the WHO set of recommendations for marketing food and non-alcoholic beverages to children with a framework for monitoring and evaluation; (v) develop guidelines for food producers and importers about reduction of the level of salt or sodium in prepackaged or prepared foods, the consumption of fruits and vegetables, use of trans-fatty acids (hydrogenated) and saturated fatty acids and their replacement with unsaturated fatty acids, the content of free and added sugars in food and beverages; (vi) promote regulations on labeling prepackaged foods, including those with certain nutritional or health properties; (vii) create environments that promote health and nutrition in educational institutions and workplaces; (viii) strengthen the implementation of the national strategy for physical activity.