In a significant move to raise awareness about the importance of proper nutrition and to support ongoing national efforts to promote public health and prevent non-communicable chronic diseases, the Ministry of Health, represented by Department of Integrated Healthcare Programs of the Directorate General of Health Services and Programs, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), launched a training workshop today (Sunday) to introduce the new Omani Healthy Food Guide: A Step Toward a Healthier Society.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of international organizations in the Sultanate of Oman, as well as a number of specialists and stakeholders from various government sectors, and MoH’s officials.
The workshop aimed to train a select group of health professionals, particularly nutritionists, on the fundamentals of using the new guide.
In her address, Dr. Badriya Al Rashdi, MOH’s Director General of Health Services and Programs, stated: "The Omani Guide for Healthy Eating serves as a practical reference, offering accessible and actionable dietary recommendations based on locally available nutrients and foods. Its goal is to promote healthy eating practices for all members of society, while taking into account environmental aspects and sustainability."
She added that this version of guide was developed based on the latest credible scientific evidence, compiling a wide range of data and studies, and conducting consultations with relevant authorities. The guide has been updated to address changes in dietary consumption patterns and to help curb the spread of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
The principles outlined in the guide are primarily intended for healthy individuals in Omani society aged five years and older, Dr. Al Rashdi highlighted, stating that the guide also serves those working in the planning and implementation of nutrition programs and health education. It can be used by professionals such as healthcare providers, nutrition specialists and experts, academics, food industry workers, training institutions, and implementation partners to promote healthy and sustainable dietary systems.
MOH’s Director General of Health Services and Programs emphasized that the guide is an important tool to help direct individuals toward optimal food choices and serves as a key reference for formulating nutrition-related policies, such as school meal standards, nutrient-rich dietary systems, and multi-sectoral health and agricultural interventions that impact community health and nutritional quality. It is important to underline that this guide is not intended for clinical treatment or chronic disease management; individuals with health conditions should consult their physician or a specialist nutritionist.
Dr. Salima Al Maamari, explained that the guide contains thirteen nutritional principles focusing on dietary diversity and covering various food groups, including vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products. It provides moderate guidance on foods high in sugar, salt, saturated fats, and trans fats. The nutritional principles also clarify the impact of portion size on energy consumption and weight gain, and include precise information on the recommended number of servings for each food group, supported by examples illustrating appropriate portion sizes.
"Furthermore, the guide includes recommendations on the use of dietary supplements when needed and offers practical advice to help individuals make healthy dietary and lifestyle decisions," she said. "Each guiding principle concludes with a section highlighting the importance of maintaining environmental sustainability within food practices."
Dr. Al Maamari affirmed: "This achievement reflects the Ministry of Health's commitment to developing high-quality initiatives based on effective partnerships with international organizations, supporting the achievement of sustainable health development goals and raising the level of health awareness in society."
It is worth noting that this updated version of the Guide is a revision of the original edition published in 2009. The update comes as part of efforts to keep pace with the latest scientific developments and to address the trends, beliefs, and behaviors imposed by global developments affecting health conditions.
The launch of the Omani Guide for Healthy Eating represents an important step toward building a health-conscious society capable of making sound dietary decisions, which will positively impact the quality of life and public health in the Sultanate of Oman.
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