File photo used for representation only.
DOHA: Qatar’s non-communicable disease (NCD) screening programmes demonstrate a growing national commitment to early detection, comprehensive healthcare, and long-term disease prevention, according to a new study published in the November edition of Qatar Journal of Public Health.
The narrative review, titled “Insights on primary care-based non-communicable diseases screening for adults in Qatar,” emphasizes that the success of these programs lies not only in identifying diseases at earlier stages but also in improving quality of life, reducing complications, and preventing premature deaths.
Drawing on operational reports from the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and a selection of published local studies, the review offers insights into three major screening pillars: annual health checkups, cancer screening, and mental health assessments.
Annual health checkups, introduced for Qataris in 2017 and extended to residents in 2022, have revealed significant prevalence of NCD risk factors such as prediabetes, hypertension, and obesity which underscores the value of early detection. By 2023, participation reached 22% among eligible Qataris and 3.2% among residents, with detection rates including 25.5% for prediabetes and nearly 45% for obesity.
Cancer screening initiatives for breast, bowel, and cervical cancers have steadily expanded, with breast cancer coverage recovering from a pandemic-related drop to reach 41.8% in its latest round, while bowel cancer screening has increased to 26.7% participation. Cervical cancer screening remains opportunistic, pending ongoing evaluation by the Ministry of Public Health for possible transition to a full national screening program.
Mental health screening has also become a core component of preventive care, with PHCC integrating some screening tools into routine visits. This has resulted in screening coverage of 79.5% in 2024 and significantly increased use of psychiatry and psychology services in primary care settings. Although the programs align with global evidence-based recommendations, the review notes that screening all adults from age 18 may lead to over-screening when compared with US and European guidelines, which prioritize higher-risk age groups. However, this broader approach may be justified given the country’s early onset of diabetes and high prevalence of risk factors. While cancer screening coverage still lags behind rates in some high-income countries, mental health screening performance exceeds that of several nations, including the US and UK.
The study underscores ongoing challenges, including the need to enhance participation, streamline referral pathways, and address communication barriers in a multicultural population. Recommendations include expanding public awareness campaigns, strengthening culturally tailored health messaging, adopting mobile translation technologies, and reinforcing digital health tools to improve accessibility.
Ultimately, the review concludes that Qatar’s growing experience demonstrates the importance of integrating NCD screening into primary care, and that sustained program expansion, increased community engagement, and equitable access will be essential to reducing the national NCD burden and improving long-term health outcomes.
