According to a global report on physical activity, by the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 500 million people could develop lifestyle diseases by 2030, at a cost of US$27 million annually, if governments do not take the necessary steps to promote physical activity.

The Global Status Report on Physical Activity 2022 was released on October 19 and features data from 194 countries.

Based on its findings, there has been slow progress in the development of and implementation of policies to increase levels of physical activity.

Less than 50 per cent of the 194 countries have a national physical activity policy, but the report indicates less than 40 per cent of the policies established are operational.

“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, in a press release.

The COVID-19 pandemic was listed in the report as a main factor for the decrease in physical activity.

According to the report, 81 per cent of adolescents and 27 per cent of adults do not meet WHO’s recommended levels of physical activity.

A lack of activity is one of the main contributing factors to lifestyle and non-communicable diseases that can see governments spending millions annually to treat these diseases.

WHO indicated that the economic burden of physical inactivity can amount to  nearly US$300 billion by 2030, around US$27 billion annually.

The organization is therefore calling on countries to prioritise physical activity to reduce lifestyle diseases by implementing policies and organising public education campaigns.

‘Jamaica Moves’ is one such campaign by the Ministry of Health and Wellness that is operational and promotes physical activity among citizens.

The Jamaica Moves in Schools framework was developed by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Youth.

Launched in April 2017, the school-based campaign was geared towards reducing the risk of lifestyle diseases among children when obesity was identified as a growing threat for youths.

After a brief hiatus due to the pandemic the campaign was relaunched in May 2022.

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