Conclusions

Fifth, there is a need to evaluate impact and use data to ascertain effectiveness. even when strategies and policies are implemented, very little information exists to identify whether they are successful. This dearth of information is due to the lack of data collected to evaluate these policies. Most of the strategies and policies are not linked to any studies or systems that monitor and evaluate effectiveness and impact.

Sixth, there is a need for multisectoral coordination in implementation. While the strategies developed and adopted by Saudi Arabia identify many stakeholders, a lack of coordination is apparent, especially between health and other stakeholders. None of the strategies clearly mentions how sectors should coordinate with one another. The following stakeholders are identified for Saudi Arabia’s strategies and programs:

• Health sector stakeholders – Health practitioners – Ministry of Health – Saudi Public Health Authority – Saudi Food and Drug Authority

• Other government stakeholders – Communications and Information Technology Commission – General Authority for Zakat and Taxation – General Commission for Audiovisual Media – King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology – Ministry of Commerce and Investment – Ministry of Culture and Information – Ministry of education – Ministry of Finance – Ministry of Interior – Ministry of Islamic Affairs – Ministry of Media – Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs – Saudi Customs

• Other stakeholders – Scientific associations – Sports clubs – universities and research centers

CONCLUSIONS

Saudi Arabia has a rich and ambitious inventory of strategies and policies in place to guide NCD prevention. This chapter has shed light on the ambitious comprehensive strategies and policies that delve into the behavioral and biological risk factors that need to be addressed to prevent NCDs in Saudi Arabia. On paper, the country has many policies to support its strategies.

However, several challenges and concerns remain. One key concern is the lack of information—both evidence generated before implementing a policy and evidence generated after implementation. Such evidence is needed to measure impact. Another concern is the lack of information and evidence that strategies and policies are being implemented or enforced. limited country capacity,