Muscat, April 29 (QNA) - Data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat) indicate that the number of Healthy Cities across GCC countries has reached 53, reflecting the continuous expansion in adopting the Healthy Cities concept as an integrated framework linking urban planning with public health.

According to the Centre, GCC health authorities affirm that the Healthy Cities initiative represents a practical embodiment of the philosophy of integrating health into all aspects of daily life, noting that digital transformation and health innovation have become key pillars in advancing healthcare systems across the region.

Efforts across GCC countries continue to intensify to strengthen the region’s position as a leading model in developing healthcare systems, and to achieve integration between health and development policies in a manner that enhances societal well-being.

According to GCC-Stat data, mortality rates attributed to air pollution in GCC countries range between 16 and 45 deaths per 100,000 population.

GCC countries also recorded very low rates in mortality attributed to unsafe water, sanitation, or lack of hygiene, with the highest recorded value not exceeding 0.1 deaths per 100,000 population.

Similarly, mortality rates due to unintentional poisoning remained minimal, with the highest value not exceeding 0.4 deaths per 100,000 population. The prevalence of tobacco use among individuals aged 15 years and above in GCC countries ranged between 8% and 18.9%, with the upper bound approaching the global average of 20.9%. (QNA)