The North West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha has called on the civil society in the Province, communities, end-users of health services and public service employees to “move for health”. This is in commemoration of “The Move for Health Day”. The 10th May is commemorated internationally as an annual global initiative to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized the importance of this day which formally got underway on Saturday May 10, 2003, with broad links to communities around the world. The initiative was called for by WHO Member States and since then member States have been urged to celebrate a Move for Health Day each year to promote physical activity as essential for health and well-being.
The main objectives of the “Move for Health” campaign are to:
- Facilitate the development of sustained national and local physical activity initiatives, policies and programmes
- Increase population-wide participation in physical activity
- Increase participation in physical activity through sport organisations, events and other socio-cultural forums
Promote healthy behaviour and lifestyles and address health related issues through sports and physical activity such as no tobacco use, healthy diet, reduction of violence, stress and social isolation.
This year’s “move for health” activities are to be undertaken under strict COVID-19 regulations.
“We are urging our communities and individuals to “move for health”. It is important to be physically active, to eat healthy and to adopt healthy lifestyles in order to develop strong immune systems to fight diseases in our bodies. Strong immune system has been proven to ensure speedy recovery from many diseases including COVID-19. When we “move for health”, we are to do so while ensuring that we apply all prevention measures against COVID-19”, said MEC Madoda Sambatha.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
NW Health Department Spokesperson
Cell: 067 422 7763
E-mail: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
