The first-ever physical activity global report by WHO published on Wednesday, measured the extent to which governments are implementing recommendations to increase physical activity across all ages and abilities.
According to the data from 194 countries, it was revealed that progress is slow and that countries need to accelerate the development and implementation of policies to increase levels of physical activity to prevent disease and reduce burden on overwhelmed healthcare systems.
Data reveals:
- Less than 50 percent of countries have a national physical activity policy of which only 40 percent are operational
- Only 30 percent of countries have a national physical activity guideline for all age groups
- While nearly all countries report a system for monitoring physical activity in adults, 75 percent of countries monitor physical activity among adolescents, and less than 30 percent monitor physical activity in children under 5 years
- In policy areas that could encourage active and sustainable transport, only just over 40 percent of countries have road design standards that make walking and cycling safer.
The economic burden of physical inactivity is significant and the cost of treating new cases of preventable non-communicable diseases (NCDs) will reach nearly $300 billion by 2030, around $27 billion annually, according to WHO.
“We need more countries to scale up implementation of policies to support people to be more active through walking, cycling, sport, and other physical activity. The benefits are huge, not only for the physical and mental health of individuals, but also for societies, environments, and economies,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General.
“We hope countries and partners will use this report to build more active, healthier, and fairer societies for all,” he added.
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