Health Promotion
We work to enhance people’s wellbeing and reduce their health risks associated with tobacco use, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity, thereby contributing to better population health. We develop and implement cross-cutting normative, fiscal and legal measures and capacity development tools. We advance global health in health literacy, community engagement strategies and good governance for health, and foster public health action in the settings of every-day life.
More physical activity
WHO supports countries to increase physical activity through the
implementation of the recommended policy
actions outlined in the WHO Global action plan on
physical activity 2018–2030: more active people for a healthier world. WHO provides
practical implementation guidance through global resources
such as ACTIVE, a package of effective interventions on physical activity.
Our Unit leads support countries, stakeholders and partners by
developing and promoting global policy and guidance on how to support increased
physical activity and reduction in sedentary behaviour in people of all ages and
abilities across multiple settings. Our global target is to reduce physical
inactivity by 10% by 2025 and by 15% by 2030.
Recognizing the promotion of physical activity requires a "whole
of systems" approach, we work to mobilize effective partnerships, particularly
with sectors outside of health, including, education, environment, sport,
transport, as well as with the private sector and civil society.
The unit undertakes high-level strategic communication and
advocacy, informs and supports research and provides a catalyst for innovation.
New areas of work include the use of digital technologies for behaviour change,
guidance on policy action across different settings, effective use of
regulatory and fiscal approaches, and advancing population surveillance of
physical activity.
Highlights
Global status report on physical activity 2022
This Global status report on physical activity is WHO’s first dedicated global assessment of global progress on country implementation of policy recommendations of the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA) 2018-2030.
Learn more
Country profiles
Country profiles
Country profiles present selected data, statistics and information to provide national health profiles at given points in time.
Related videos
reINVENT and reBUILD webinar series (summary versions)
reINVENT and reBUILD webinar series (full versions)
News
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31 January 2023
Global status report on physical activity 2022: country profiles
These country profiles present progress on implementation of policy recommendations of the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA) 2018-2030 in...
This brief summarises the recommendations on physical activity and sedentary behaviour for older people. It will support and guide health and social care...
14 November 2022
Physical activity and sedentary behaviour: a brief to support people living with type 2 diabetes
This brief summarises the recommendations on physical activity and sedentary behaviour for people living with type 2 diabetes. It will support and guide...
19 October 2022
Global status report on physical activity 2022
This Global status report on physical activity is WHO’s first dedicated global assessment of global progress on country implementation of policy...
This Global status report on physical activity is WHO’s first dedicated global assessment of global progress on country implementation of policy...
18 October 2022
Global status report on physical activity 2022: web annex: global action plan on physical activity monitoring...
This annex provides the data dictionary for the WHO Global action plan on physical activity (GAPPA) monitoring framework. It provides full details on all...
12 October 2021
Physical activity fact sheet
WHO defines physical activity as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Physical activity...
25 November 2020
WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour
The WHO Guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour provide evidence-based public health recommendations for children, adolescents, adults...
The WHO Guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour provide evidence-based public health recommendations for children, adolescents, adults...
Health topic
Fact sheet