Libya’s Ministry of Health under the Government of National Unity said 44.6% of adults in Libya aged between 18 and 69 have three or more risk factors that make them vulnerable to noncommunicable diseases, according to the results of the country’s STEPwise survey of risk factors. The ministry also revealed that one in four adults has high blood pressure.

In a statement issued Thursday to mark World Patient Safety Day, observed annually on September 17, the ministry said the risk factors include smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet, excess weight and high blood pressure.

The survey found that 56.8% of adults in Libya are overweight, while 28.9% are obese and 45.3% are physically inactive. It also showed that 93.9% of adults do not consume five daily servings of fruit and vegetables.

The ministry added that 25.3% of adults have high blood pressure or are taking medication to treat it, while blood pressure was under control in only 8.5% of those with hypertension.

The ministry said the figures highlight the importance of shifting from treating diseases after they develop toward strengthening prevention and early detection. It noted that patient safety is not solely the responsibility of healthcare providers, but begins with prevention, awareness of risk factors and timely access to healthcare, and continues through treatment and follow-up care.