Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia and Boehringer Ingelheim Partner to Raise Awareness on Interconnected Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Conditions in the Kingdom

 Boehringer Ingelheim, a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia, to raise awareness of the interconnectivity between cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) conditions in efforts to help improve the lives of patients living with CRM conditions in the Kingdom.

The MoU was signed during the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh, an annual event from 21-23 October 2024, uniting healthcare professionals, innovators, and policymakers to highlight cutting-edge advancements in healthcare technology, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and health services.

This collaboration will involve a multi-pronged educational approach targeting both physicians and the public, incorporating interactive digital platforms to proactively address major public health concerns in the Kingdom. Through the educational campaigns, both parties aim to empower the public to consult their doctors if they are at risk while upskilling multidisciplinary healthcare providers to enable them to diagnose CRM conditions early and manage them holistically. 

In line with Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision to improve healthcare services and well-being for citizens, the MoU was signed by Dr. Hani Abdulaziz Jokhdar, Deputy Minister for Public Health, Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia, and Abdallah Hamed, General Manager & Head of Human Pharma Saudi Arabia, Gulf and East Africa (SAGEA) at Boehringer Ingelheim, in the presence of Dr. Shaker Abdulaziz Alomary, General Director of the Health Programs and Chronic Diseases Directorate, Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia and Dr. Fatima Al-Solail, Director of the National Program for Combating Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases, Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Hani Abdulaziz Jokhdar, Deputy Minister for Public Health, Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia, said, “CRM conditions continue to affect a significant segment of the Kingdom’s population, and although general awareness of CRM conditions exists, more needs to be done to highlight the interconnectivity of these conditions to facilitate a holistic approach to CRM disease management. We look forward to working with Boehringer Ingelheim to leverage their global expertise in this area for the benefit of CRM patients in Saudi.”

As part of the collaboration, the parties aim to identify and address the specific needs of the Saudi population, ensuring that resources are appropriately tailored and accessible to all. This proactive approach will include the development of community outreach programs designed to inform and empower individuals, ultimately helping foster a healthier society.

Abdallah Hamed, General Manager & Head of Human Pharma SAGEA at Boehringer Ingelheim, added, “In addressing chronic diseases, it is essential to adopt a dual focus on public education and healthcare provider training to reduce delays in diagnosis and intervention. In CRM conditions, early intervention can help prevent the occurrence of other CRM complications, reducing the burden on both patients and the healthcare system. We are delighted to be recognized as trusted partners through this nation-wide initiative and strive to build further on our relationships with the public sector for the benefit of the communities we serve.”

The collaboration will include the development of a dedicated website designed specifically for the Ministry of Health, which will serve as a hub for public education. The website will host scenario-based videos that illustrate real-life situations and challenges faced by individuals living with CRM conditions, engaging viewers in a more relatable and interactive manner. This innovative approach is intended to not only raise awareness but also empower the public to recognize the risk factors and the importance of early diagnosis and management of these interconnected conditions.