Geneva:The International Olympic Committee and World Health Organization together with the United Nations on Tuesday launched a partnership to encourage individuals and communities around the world to be ‘Healthy together’.
The three partners and Olympic athletes will spotlight the global collaboration needed to stay healthy and reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19, said WHO in a press release. Olympic athletes will help deliver important public health information, to inspire people to adopt or continue behaviours that will curtail the pandemic and provide information that promotes physical and mental health.
The partnership kicks off today with Olympians around the world showcasing various exercises to stay healthy during this time. A WHO survey showed that many people who had severe COVID-19 disease were already living with or at risk for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The results emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle including being physically active, having a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
“We are pleased to partner with the International Olympic Committee to spread important health messages that will save lives,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO. IOC President Thomas Bach said, “Sport can save lives. We have seen over the last few months just how important sport and physical activity are for health and well-being. And working together with the WHO and the United Nations we can take another step together.” (UNI)
