RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s life expectancy has increased from 74 years in 2016 to 78.8 years in 2024, according to the Ministry of Health, reflecting ongoing healthcare improvements and preventive health initiatives under the Vision 2030 Health Sector Transformation Program.
The announcement, made on World Health Day (April 7), aligns with the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” and showcases the Kingdom’s push to raise life expectancy to 80 years by 2030.
Key efforts include nationwide awareness campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles, reforms in food and nutrition such as banning hydrogenated oils and reducing salt and mandating calorie labeling in restaurants.
The ministry is also expanding early disease screening, preventive care, and health education programs to improve quality of life and reduce chronic illnesses.
In recognition of these efforts, the World Assembly of Muslim Youth praised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to public health, infrastructure development, and international health support through humanitarian programs.
[Reported by Arab News]
