World Health Day is observed every year on April 7 to promote global health awareness and encourage healthy living. This year's theme, "Health for All," highlights the importance of ensuring that everyone has equal access to healthcare. With the pandemic continuing to affect millions of people worldwide, this year's World Health Day is a reminder of the urgent need for healthcare systems that prioritize equity, accessibility, and quality of care for all.
The walkathon, aimed to promote healthy habits and raise awareness about the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health. Starting at Vijay Chowk and traversing through Kartavya Path, the walkathon culminated at India Gate, where over 350 participants demonstrated their enthusiasm for better health. The event's finale at Nirman Bhawan saw participants come together in the spirit of promoting healthier lifestyles and underscored the importance of health for all.
Participants pledged to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle in order to avoid and control lifestyle related health problems/ diseases, such as Hypertension, Diabetes, Mental illness and Cancer.
Mansukh Mandviya thanked everyone for attending the event and highlighted the importance of health in India's development. He said that it has been India's philosophy since the days of Vasudheva Kutumbakam to think about the progress of all and not just of oneself. This philosophy was seen in India's response to the COVID crisis when the country provided medical supplies and vaccines to those in need without thinking about any commercial profits. He added that India is always at the forefront to help all stakeholders and is working towards the health of its people and the world.
Dr. Mandaviya said that under the Prime Minister's leadership, India has linked health to development. He added that only healthy citizens can lead to a healthy society and a developed nation. He urged everyone to work together to build a developed India.
World Health Day is celebrated every year to raise awareness on the importance of maintaining good health. “Our youth are actively engaging in physical activities such as walking, yoga and other forms of exercise,” said Dr Bharati Pawar, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare.
“The concept of ‘Health for All’ is based on the principle that a healthy individual contributes to the well-being of the family and society as a whole,” she added. “The country has taken a strong step towards a fit India under the guidance of the Hon'ble Prime Minister.”
The Union Health Minister, also known as the ‘Green MP’ for his love of cycling, has repeatedly urged people to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Currently, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for over 63% of the country’s deaths and are strongly linked to major behavioral risk factors like tobacco use (including smoking and smokeless tobacco), alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of physical activity and air pollution.
Physical inactivity is one of the main risk factors for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). According to the 2017-18 National NCD Monitoring Survey (NCMS), 41.3 % of Indians are not physically active. Not only does physical activity reduce the risk of Non-communicable Diseases such as Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension, Diabetes, Cancer etc., but it also has a positive impact on mental health and delays the development of Dementia.
Vishal Chauhan, Joint Secretary (MoHFW), Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director WHO South-East Asia Region, Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative, senior officials of the Ministry, Doctors, Nurses, Staffs and students of Central Government hospitals namely, Safdarjung Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College, also attended in the Walkathon.
