Bahrain’s Undersecretary of Health Participates in the United Nations General Assembly Meeting on the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being in New York
26/09/2025
Dr. Lulwa Showaiter, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, participated in the high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the prevention of noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being, held at the UN headquarters in New York under the theme: “Equity and Integration: Transforming Lives and Livelihoods through Leadership and Action on Noncommunicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental and Psychological Well-being.” The meeting brought together representatives of member states, civil society organizations, and the private sector to discuss global health challenges related to the growing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases.
In her speech, the Undersecretary of Health emphasized Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening health as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development and a national priority. She highlighted that Bahrain has aligned its health policies with the recommendations of the UN General Assembly and the World Health Organization, reflecting the Kingdom’s dedication to international cooperation in addressing health challenges.
Dr. Showaiter outlined Bahrain’s pioneering national experience in this field, noting the establishment of the National Committee for the Control of Chronic Diseases in 2012, which brings together various government, private, and civil society sectors to unify efforts, implement national strategies, raise public awareness, enhance health legislation, and support scientific research. These efforts have yielded remarkable achievements, including the expansion of early detection programs, the implementation of periodic national health surveys, the establishment of the National Cancer Registry, and the launch of initiatives to reduce obesity. She also pointed to the introduction of regulations on food marketing, the imposition of taxes on sugary beverages and tobacco products, and the issuance of the National Dietary Guidelines.
The Undersecretary further noted that Bahrain has adopted health equity as a core principle of its policies, ensuring equal access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services for all members of society. She explained that noncommunicable disease and mental health services have been integrated into primary healthcare systems to promote inclusiveness and sustainability. Regarding mental health, she reviewed the efforts undertaken under the National Mental Health Plan (2021–2025), which include strengthening psychological support programs, expanding infrastructure with specialized hospitals and clinics, building healthcare workforce capacity, and introducing tele-mental health services.
Dr. Showaiter concluded her address by stressing that tackling noncommunicable diseases and promoting mental health requires global solidarity based on equity and integration. She emphasized that bridging gaps in healthcare necessitates reorienting health systems toward primary care, ensuring sustainable financing, and fostering multisectoral partnerships. She reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to continue working with the international community to build more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable health systems, securing a healthier future for current and future generations.
In her speech, the Undersecretary of Health emphasized Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening health as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development and a national priority. She highlighted that Bahrain has aligned its health policies with the recommendations of the UN General Assembly and the World Health Organization, reflecting the Kingdom’s dedication to international cooperation in addressing health challenges.
Dr. Showaiter outlined Bahrain’s pioneering national experience in this field, noting the establishment of the National Committee for the Control of Chronic Diseases in 2012, which brings together various government, private, and civil society sectors to unify efforts, implement national strategies, raise public awareness, enhance health legislation, and support scientific research. These efforts have yielded remarkable achievements, including the expansion of early detection programs, the implementation of periodic national health surveys, the establishment of the National Cancer Registry, and the launch of initiatives to reduce obesity. She also pointed to the introduction of regulations on food marketing, the imposition of taxes on sugary beverages and tobacco products, and the issuance of the National Dietary Guidelines.
The Undersecretary further noted that Bahrain has adopted health equity as a core principle of its policies, ensuring equal access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services for all members of society. She explained that noncommunicable disease and mental health services have been integrated into primary healthcare systems to promote inclusiveness and sustainability. Regarding mental health, she reviewed the efforts undertaken under the National Mental Health Plan (2021–2025), which include strengthening psychological support programs, expanding infrastructure with specialized hospitals and clinics, building healthcare workforce capacity, and introducing tele-mental health services.
Dr. Showaiter concluded her address by stressing that tackling noncommunicable diseases and promoting mental health requires global solidarity based on equity and integration. She emphasized that bridging gaps in healthcare necessitates reorienting health systems toward primary care, ensuring sustainable financing, and fostering multisectoral partnerships. She reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to continue working with the international community to build more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable health systems, securing a healthier future for current and future generations.
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