26 October 2021 – Zanzibar: Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for global mortality and regular physical activity is a known protective factor for the prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, breast and colon cancer. Physical activity also has benefits for mental health, delays the onset of dementia, and can contribute to the maintenance of healthy weight and general wellbeing.

Current global estimates of physical inactivity indicate that 27.5% of adults and 81% of adolescents do not meet the existing WHO recommendations on physical activity for health, with no improvement over the last decade.

Following launch of the WHO Guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour in November 2020, the United Republic of Tanzania with technical and financial support from WHO (under the RECAP Programme) embarked on the adoption process involving actors from key sectors in both Mainland and Zanzibar leading to development of the national physical activity guidelines.

Speaking at the national launch event in Zanzibar, the Second Vice President of Zanzibar, His Excellency Hemed Suleiman Abdalla, encouraged all citizens to be physically active and avoid sedentary lifestyle to prevent non-communicable diseases and live a healthy life.

On his part the Minister of Health Honorable Nassor Ahmed Mazrui cited the ever-increasing burden of Non-communicable diseases that strain the health system and compromise the quality of life of citizens. He recalled the old days where youth used to walk to school and visit the beaches for swimming and other sports. “I am happy to note that the guidelines prescribe the amount of physical activity (frequency, intensity and duration) required for different age groups - children, adolescents, adults and older adults. And for the first time, recommendations are also provided for pregnant and postpartum women, and people living with chronic conditions or disability”, he said.

Dr. Andemichael Ghirmay, Liaison Officer for WHO in Zanzibar, on his statement on behalf of the WHO Representative to Tanzania, cited the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) to be among the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. “NCDs were responsible for 60 to 71% of the estimated 57 million deaths in the world in 2018. The burden is greatest within low- and middle- income countries, where 78% of all NCD deaths occurred. According to WHO, NCDs account for 33% of all deaths in the United Republic of Tanzania”, he said.

“The human and economic toll of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is unacceptably high. Without significant investments now, 15 million people will continue to die each year from NCDs in the prime of their lives, between the ages of 30 and 70. And almost 800,000 people will die from suicide, the second leading cause of death among young adults. The overarching message is optimistic. Almost 10 million premature deaths from NCDs can be avoided by 2025 if governments decide, today, to implement the WHO “best buys” for NCDs. Doing so will prevent 17 million strokes and heart attacks by 2030 in the poorest countries and generate US$ 350 billion in economic growth. Every US$1 invested in the proven interventions for NCDs will yield a return of at least US$7 by 2030.”, he added.

Concluding his remarks, Dr. Andemichael reiterated WHO’s continued support to the government in implementing the guidelines.

WHO defines physical activity as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Physical activity refers to all movement including during leisure time, for transport to get to and from places, or as part of a person’s work. Both moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity improve health.