English Opinion

Leading Causes of Death in Saudi Arabia

Nabil Alhakamy
Dear reader, Saudi Arabia has been experiencing significant and continuous advancements in its healthcare system, guided by the ambitious Vision 2030, where healthcare improvement is a crucial element. Within this context, the Saudi National Institute for Health Research (Saudi NIH) launched a strategic project of paramount importance, aimed at defining national health research priorities. This initiative is designed to guide research efforts and allocate resources efficiently and effectively.This project is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to position itself among leading countries in health research and development. By leveraging successful international experiences from nations such as the UK, Canada, and the USA, while tailoring approaches to meet national specifics and needs, the initiative adopted a combined methodology that combines the Essential National Health Research (ENHR) model and the Combined Approach Matrix (CAM). This ensures inclusive and transparent participation, reflecting the actual healthcare needs of Saudi society.Public health, dear reader, remains one of the top priorities for countries globally. Saudi Arabia is determined to enhance healthcare standards and effectively combat the primary causes of mortality affecting its citizens. Statistics from 2021 highlighted several prominent causes of death, reflecting significant health challenges facing the Kingdom.Cardiovascular diseases top the list of causes of death in Saudi Arabia, accounting for 20.75% of total deaths. This high percentage necessitates the allocation of intensive healthcare resources for preventive measures, early diagnostics, and effective treatments. Additionally, hypertension-related diseases rank fifth, accounting for 3.96%, further emphasizing the importance of health awareness and preventive lifestyle interventions.One striking statistic, dear reader, is that road traffic injuries ranked second, with 9.07%, highlighting road safety as a pressing national concern that requires stringent preventive measures and regulations to ensure safer roads.COVID-19 also significantly impacted mortality rates, responsible for 5.73% of deaths. This reflects the global and local impact of the pandemic, underscoring the importance of early preparedness for future health crises. Strokes rank fourth, contributing 4.76% to the total deaths, highlighting the need for enhanced prevention of risk factors such as obesity and smoking, and increased awareness campaigns about recognizing stroke symptoms and the urgency of immediate treatment.Other chronic illnesses, dear reader, including type 2 diabetes at 3.17%, and chronic kidney disease related to hypertension and diabetes, totaling about 6.7% (including all forms of kidney failure), represent major issues requiring widespread awareness programs and early intervention to prevent progression to advanced stages.On the respiratory disease front, lower respiratory infections constitute 2.59% of deaths, while chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) accounts for 1.80%. These figures underscore the urgent need for improved primary healthcare services and enhanced preventive measures, particularly during peak seasons for respiratory conditions.In terms of infectious diseases, hepatitis C with liver cirrhosis accounted for 1.78% of deaths. In comparison, hepatitis B with liver cirrhosis accounted for 0.80%, underscoring the significance of vaccination campaigns and health awareness initiatives.Considering conditions like Alzheimer's disease and dementia, these accounted for 1.09% of total deaths, reflecting the growing health and social burden as life expectancy continues to increase in the Kingdom.Notably, despite the seriousness of cancer, colorectal cancer accounted for only 0.93% of deaths, indicating relative success in early detection programs and public health education in this area.In conclusion, dear reader, it is essential to commend the substantial efforts Saudi Arabia is undertaking to combat these diseases and reduce mortality through clear, practical strategies aligned with the directives of the Kingdom’s leadership. Vision 2030 ambitiously addresses public health, launching targeted initiatives and programs that aim to significantly improve the quality of life, delivering comprehensive and sustainable healthcare.These steps underscore the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the health and safety of everyone living within its borders, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more prosperous future for all citizens and residents.