Qatar National Nutrition and Physical Activity Action Plan 2017 - 2022.

This National Nutrition and Physical Activity Action Plan is a nationwide sectoral document that updates the previous Plan of 2011 aiming at (i) achieving the Global targets related to nutrition and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) in the State of Qatar and (ii) highlighting the need to address micronutrients deficiencies and halt the rise in overweight, obesity and diet-related NCDs. The main goal of the Action Plan remains the same as the previous document of reducing morbidity and mortality attributable to chronic non-communicable diseases through healthy nutrition and increased physical activity of the people through life cycle. This will be achieved by providing (i) Better Health; (ii) Better Care; and (iii) Better Value. The Plan has the following two main strategic objectives (1) improve maternal, infant, and young child nutrition, through 50% reduction of anemia in women of reproductive age, and at least 50% increase of the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months; (2) reduce premature mortality from NCDs through healthy diet and physical activity by reduction of insufficient physical activity, reduction in mean population intake of salt/sodium, halt the rise in diabetes and obesity. The expected results of the strategic objectives are as follows (i) promoted the nutritional well-being of women and children and ensured good nutrition throughout the life cycle for all age groups; (ii) strengthened and enforced legal frameworks that protect, promote, and support healthy food; (iii) increased consumption of healthy foods and physical activity levels in schools; (iv) improved implementation and coordination of nutrition and NCD prevention policies; (v) monitoring, evaluating and conducting research into nutrition and NCD preventions.