SFDA Hosts Regional Expert Joint Meeting on Nutrition Policies in EMRO in Collaboration with WHO
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is hosting the Regional Expert Joint Meeting on Nutrition Policies for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The meeting, taking place at the SFDA’s headquarters in Riyadh from October 20 to 21, 2024, aims to enhance efforts to improve nutritional status in the region.
The event has brought together international experts in nutrition and economic policy, as well as representatives from EMRO Member States.
The meeting was opened by H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, Chief Executive Officer of the SFDA, who welcomed all attendees. Dr. Aljadhey emphasized the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting healthy nutrition. Through the SFDA, the Kingdom is actively developing policies and legislation to encourage healthier dietary habits and is sharing its expertise with other EMRO Member States to strengthen their capabilities in addressing nutrition-related health challenges. He highlighted the crucial role of healthy food systems in improving public health and reducing the economic burden associated with nutrition-related diseases.
In his remarks, Dr. Aljadhey emphasized the crucial role of nutritional policies and legislation in promoting healthy and sustainable food systems, highlighting how these policies can significantly improve public health and quality of life in the region. He also stressed the need for greater international and regional cooperation to strengthen food systems and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals aimed at reducing malnutrition and preventing premature deaths caused by chronic diseases.
WHO Representative Dr. Ayoub Al Jawaldeh commended Saudi Arabia's progress in promoting healthy diets and recognized the SFDA's pioneering role in advancing healthy nutrition, developing national health policies, and actively supporting WHO initiatives. He added that this meeting serves as a valuable platform for sharing experiences, successes, and challenges related to nutrition policies.
The meeting reflects the SFDA’s leading position in the field of nutritional policies and legislation at both regional and international levels, based on its fourth strategic plan aimed at enhancing its international leadership. This gathering seeks to create a collaborative environment for sharing best practices and innovative approaches.
