Cooperation agreement signed to combat cardiovascular diseases in Oman

Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman's Sultan Qaboos University, represented by the Medical Research Center and the world's leading drug manufacturing company Novartis, signed a cooperation agreement to combat cardiovascular diseases, one of the most important health challenges in the world.

This agreement seeks to reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and their associated risk factors in the Sultanate of Oman, with a focus on treating cases of high levels of cholesterol in the blood.

The two parties aim to benefit from advanced technologies and share best practices to develop innovative solutions that improve the management of cardiovascular diseases, with a focus on risk factors for high cholesterol levels.

Studies of the World Heart Federation indicated that these diseases cause 40% of all deaths in the country, and the two organisations intend to devote their joint experiences to make a tangible impact in this context, thus contributing to reducing the risks of high cholesterol levels.

Dr. Muhammad Ezz El-Din, Regional President for the Arabian Gulf Region at Novartis, said: "The cooperation with Sultan Qaboos University comes to make a tangible impact in the fight against cardiovascular diseases, and we developed a common vision to improve the lives of millions of people with these diseases."

For his part, Dr. Khalid bin Humaid Al Rasadi, Director of the Medical Research Center at Sultan Qaboos University, said: "We look forward to making a tangible impact in the efforts to combat cardiovascular diseases and improve the health and well-being of members of the Omani society, and this cooperation represents the best evidence of our commitment in the areas of research, innovation and cooperation to achieve National goals and enhancing the quality of life of the Omani citizen.

The two organisations intend to launch educational programmes that address the needs of healthcare professionals, patients and the wider community. These initiatives provide them with the knowledge and experience they need to take care of their own heart health. Education is a key pillar in the new collaboration, given the great importance of spreading awareness and knowledge about cholesterol and its risks to detect it early and enhance the efficiency of its management.

Dr. Ghazi bin Ali Al-Rawas, Dean of Scientific Research, signed the agreement on behalf of Sultan Qaboos University, and Dr. Muhammad Ezzeddin, Regional President for the Arabian Gulf Region at Novartis, signed the agreement on Novartis' side.