Uganda will this Sunday, July 14th, 2019 commemorate the National Day of Physical Activity (NDPA). The day, which was last year launched by President Yoweri Museveni, will be held every second Sunday of July as a way of strengthening Government’s efforts in the prevention and control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
According to Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng the health minister, this year the day will be celebrated on Sunday, 14th July at Kololo Independence Grounds under the theme: “My health, My responsibility.”
During the launch last year, the president led several Ugandans in physical activities and walked around Kampala. The minister says the day will be to inform the population about the importance of physical activity, its relevance in prevention Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and premature mortality from lifestyle diseases.
“The prevalence of NCDs is anticipated to increase if individuals do NOT change to an active lifestyle. Despite global commitments by all WHO member states to reduce physical inactivity by 10% by 2025” she added.
The minister added that physical inactivity is reported as the 4th leading risk factor for death globally; causing 6% of deaths worldwide. It is estimated that 1 in every 4 adults globally is not physically active enough.
“Ministry of Health is currently developing the National Physical Activity guidelines and supporting the promotion of physical education in schools as part of the efforts to increase physical activity among the population” Minister Aceng said.
The Guest of Honor will be the President of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
