World Health Organization (WHO) - A vision for a more active world
Regular physical activity is proven to help prevent and treat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and breast and colon cancer. It also helps prevent hypertension, overweight and obesity and can improve mental health, quality of life and well-being. Yet, much of the world is becoming less active. As countries develop economically, levels of inactivity increase. In some countries, these levels can be as high as 70%, due to changing transport patterns, increased use of technology, cultural values and urbanization.
Failure to act to increase levels of physical activity will see related costs continue to rise, with negative impacts on health systems, the environment, economic development, community well-being and quality of life.
This new global action plan to promote physical activity responds to the requests by countries for updated guidance, and a framework of effective and feasible policy actions to increase physical activity at all levels. The plan sets out four objectives and recommends 20 policy actions that are universally applicable to all countries and address the multiple cultural, environmental and individual determinants of inactivity.
The four objectives are:
Effective implementation will require bold leadership combined with cross-government and multisectoral partnerships at all levels to achieve a coordinated, whole-of-system response.
The World Health Organization will support countries to scale up and strengthen their response with evidence-based policy solutions, guidelines and implementation tools, and will monitor global progress and impact.
The global action plan proposes solutions to strengthen leadership, governance, workforce capabilities, and advocacy. It recognises the need for stronger global, regional and national coordination and the need for a social movement and paradigm shift to address the complex problem of physical inactivity.
Promoting physical activity requires collaboration with all sectors; private companies, NGOs, community organisations, and individuals must work together to engage in local solutions. Solutions at national, sub-national and city levels are detailed in the above figure, which shows the interrelated nature of a comprehensive response to inactivity.
Policy responses must be selected and implemented according to national priorities and context, and take into account a diverse range of capabilities. WHO will work with partners to identify and implement early wins, share best practices within and between countries, and drive strategic partnerships across sectors.
Joel Perricone, National Manager, Advocacy and Partnerships, Fitness Australia – the peak national industry association - has been invited to attend the second World Health Organisation (WHO) Dialogue with the Sports Industry on the Implementation of the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030, to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 25-26 February 2019.
For more information about the Global Action Plan 2018-2030: "More active people for a healthier world" visit the WHO website
To follow Joel’s trip in Geneva later this month, be sure to follow Fitness Australia on Facebook
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