Background of "Move for Health"

The recommendation for an annual "Move for Health" day was made by the 55th World Health Assembly (May 2002) in its Resolution WHA55/23 on Diet, Physical Activity and Health. This called for the development of global and national strategies on Diet, Physical Activity and Health within an integrated approach to noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevention and health promotion. "Move for Health" is the responsibility of each Member State.

This recommendation is supported by findings of the 2002 World Health Report on “Reducing Risks, Promoting Healthy Living”, which lists physical inactivity among the main modifiable risk factors for common NCDs.

Concept Paper

The document entitled “Annual Global 'Move for Health' Initiative: A Concept Paper” was finalised in response to Resolution WHA55/23. The content of the document highlights the main conclusions reached with various stakeholders during a series of international consultations in 2003 including the preliminary meeting of the Steering Committee held on 17 December 2003 at WHO headquarters, Geneva. The document outlines the background, aims, message framework, implementation strategy, timing, support mechanisms and key partners to guide Member States in the development of the "Move for Health" day.

This document is available for download in the six WHO official languages:

Publications

There have been several publications and Member State programmes associated with "Move for Health". More details about these are available through the following links:

The "Move for Health" day provides a focal point to generate public awareness of the benefits of physical activity in the prevention of NCDs.

More information about the "Move for Health" Day

related links

Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health (DPAS)

Department of Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion (CHP)

Director-General
Director-General and senior management

Governance of WHO
WHO Constitution, Executive Board and World Health Assembly

Media centre
News, events, fact sheets, multimedia and contacts

International travel and health
Publication on travel risks, precautions and vaccination requirements

World Health Report
Annual report on global public health and key statistics

Although we encourage you to download these elements and include them in the material you are preparing for "Move for Health" day, we request you to adhere to the following requirements.
FULL TEXT