Noncommunicable diseases and health system responses in Saudi Arabia: focus on policies and strategies. A qualitative study.

Effective national NCD policies and strategies have a critical role to play in the control of chronic disease epidemics. In Saudi Arabia, opportunities exist to improve the policy and strategies in response to NCDs by establishing a comprehensive surveillance system and linking epidemiological surveillance with health programme evaluation, as well as using a multisectoral and integrated approach. For better management and control of NCDs, a cohesive multisectoral collaboration with a comprehensive surveillance programme and adequate evaluation is urgently needed.