This article has been written by Ms. Abhipsa Tejasweta, a Second year student of Capital Law College, Odisha.

Abstract:

The Global Action Plan on Physical Activity: Promoting Health and Wealth” is a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering a worldwide commitment to increasing physical activity levels for enhanced public health and economic prosperity. This abstract outlines the plan’s core objectives, strategies, and anticipated outcomes, emphasizing the interconnected benefits of physical activity on both individual well-being and global economic advancement. The plan underscores the imperative collaboration between governments, communities, and private sectors to create sustainable environments that encourage and facilitate regular physical activity, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more prosperous global society.

KEYWORDS- Physical activity, Global Action Plan, Health promotion, Economic impact, Public health, Exercise initiatives, Lifestyle interventions, Sustainable environments, Community engagement, Government collaboration, Well-being, Fitness strategies, Global wellness, Preventive healthcare, Physical fitness advocacy.

INTRODUCTION

The Global Action Plan on Physical Activity, spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO), presents a comprehensive roadmap to combat this global challenge. This ambitious initiative, spanning 2018-2030, outlines a multi-pronged approach to ignite a passion for movement and empower individuals of all ages and abilities to embrace active lifestyles. Promoting the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA) can be tackled through a multi-pronged approach engaging individuals, communities, and stakeholders at various levels. Here are some key strategies:

Raise awareness and build understanding:

• Public campaigns: Utilize traditional and digital media to spread awareness about GAPPA’s goals and benefits. Create compelling messages highlighting the positive impact of physical activity on health, well-being, and society.
• Community engagement: Organize events, workshops, and activities that showcase various forms of physical activity and educate people about GAPPA’s objectives.
• Educational initiatives: Integrate GAPPA into school curriculums, workplace wellness programs, and healthcare settings to reach diverse audiences.

Foster supportive environments:

• Advocate for policy changes: Work with governments and organizations to implement policies that promote walkable and bikeable cities, safe sports facilities, and accessible green spaces.
• Partner with private sector: Encourage businesses to support employee physical activity through fitness programs, flexible work arrangements, and healthy workplace design.
• Invest in infrastructure: Allocate funding for building parks, walking and cycling paths, and accessible recreational facilities in underserved communities.

Empower individuals to take action:

• Develop and promote resources: Create practical guides, online tools, and mobile apps that help individuals incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.
• Provide personalized support: Offer fitness consultations, coaching programs, and peer support groups to help people overcome barriers and stay motivated.
• Celebrate successes: Recognize individual and community achievements through awards, social media campaigns, and local events.

Strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration:

• Build partnerships: Foster collaboration between governments, NGOs, health organizations, educational institutions, sports bodies, and the private sector to share resources and expertise.
• Encourage local action: Support and empower communities to develop their own strategies for promoting physical activity based on local needs and preferences.
• Monitor and evaluate progress: Regularly track the implementation and impact of GAPPA initiatives to inform future actions and ensure a successful outcome.

Encourage healthy habits like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques like meditation or yoga. Promote mindfulness, gratitude practices, and healthy coping mechanisms to build resilience and cultivate a positive outlook. Support learning new skills and hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment, fostering a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Encourage building and maintaining healthy relationships with family, friends, and loved ones, providing support and fostering a sense of belonging. Advocate for policies and initiatives that promote well-being, such as access to green spaces, healthy food options, and affordable healthcare. Organize activities and events that encourage physical activity, social interaction, and skill development, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Address issues like loneliness and lack of social connection by providing opportunities for interaction and support groups.  Organize workshops and campaigns to raise awareness about mental health issues and encourage seeking help when needed. Implement initiatives that promote healthy behaviours and well-being at work, such as flexible work arrangements, stress management programs, and access to healthy food options. Integrate well-being education into curriculums, promoting healthy habits and fostering emotional intelligence. Advocate for a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on preventative measures and addresses mental health alongside physical health. Promote positive and realistic messages about well-being, avoiding stigmatization and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. 27% of adults worldwide do not meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended levels of physical activity. This means they don’t get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Over 80% of adolescents also fall short of the recommended activity levels. Levels of physical inactivity are twice as high in high-income countries compared to low-income countries. In high-income countries, 26% of men and 35% of women are insufficiently active, while in low-income countries, the figures are 12% for men and 24% for women.  Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. It’s estimated that 3.2 million deaths and 32.1 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are attributable to insufficient physical activity each year. Despite the concerning statistics, there are some positive signs. The Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA), launched by the WHO in 2018, aims to increase physical activity levels worldwide. Many countries are implementing policies and initiatives to promote physical activity, such as building more parks and walking/cycling paths, and offering workplace wellness programs.

CONCLUSION:

The Global Action Plan on Physical Activity stands as a pivotal initiative poised to redefine the landscape of global health and prosperity. By fostering collaboration across nations, encouraging policy integration, and promoting community engagement, this comprehensive plan seeks to elevate physical activity as a cornerstone of individual well-being and economic advancement. The multifaceted strategies outlined in the plan, from awareness campaigns to infrastructure development and technology integration, underscore a holistic approach toward creating a world where regular physical activity is not only accessible but embraced as an integral part of daily life. As we collectively commit to this global endeavor, the dividends of improved public health and enhanced economic productivity promise a future where societies thrive through the active pursuit of wellness.

References-

• This article was originally published on World Health Organization, Link of which is given under https://www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/physical-activity/global-status-report-on-physical-activity-2022#:~:text=Let’s%20get%20moving!&text=Regular%20physical%20activity%20promotes%20both,recommended%20levels%20of%20physical%20activity.
• This article was originally published on hbr.org, Link of which is given under https://hbr.org/2023/05/to-improve-your-work-performance-get-some-exercise#:~:text=Worldwide%2C%201.4%20billion%20adults%20are,than%20in%20low%2Dincome%20countries.
• This article was originally published on World Health Organization, Link of which is given under https://www.emro.who.int/noncommunicable-diseases/causes/physical-inactivity.html#:~:text=Physical%20inactivity%20is%20a%20key,cause%20of%20early%20death%20globally.
• This article was originally published on World Health Organization, Link of which is given under https://www.pfizer.com/health-wellness/wellness/what-is-wellness#:~:text=Exercise%20Even%2020%20or%2030,the%20elevator%20when%20you%20can.
• This article was originally published on openaccessgovernment.org, Link of which is given under https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/whos-global-action-plan-aims-to-boost-worldwide-physical-activity/166577/#:~:text=WHO%20response,approach%20to%20increase%20physical%20activity.