The World Health Organization (WHO) in Namibia in collaboration with the Windhoek City Runners Club (WCRC) hosted the first ‘Walk/Run for Health’ event on Saturday, 27 April at Daan Viljoen police checkpoint. The event was held to celebrate World Health Day, which took place earlier this month, as well as the 71^st Anniversary of  WHO.

Close 300 Namibians participated in the event, completing either 5km, 7km, 10km or 15 km in a run or walk. Starting at 06h30am, running enthusiasts, supporters and families came out in large numbers to demonstrate their commitment toward good Health in Namibia. A large number of United Nations Namibia staff also participated in the event, proudly wearing UN Namibia or agency colors and branding.

With entry fees charged to participate, all monies collected will be donated to the to the Katutura Old Age Home in Windhoek. The first 200 participants received complimentary t-shirts, and spot prizes were handed to runners after the race during a fun quiz session facilitated by the WHO.

Speaking at the starting line, before the first race, the Executive Director (ED) of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Mr. Ben Nangombe, commended WHO Namibia for hosting the event and ensuring broad participation from all sectors of the community. The ED drew attention to the fact that Health plays a central role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically SDG 3, ‘Good Heath and Well Being.’’ He further stressed the importance of physical activity in reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases. 

Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses, WHO Representative, echoed the ED’s sentiments around the SDGs and applauded participants for focusing on the development of a healthy lifestyle through running or walking. 

Speaking during the media launch earlier in the week, Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses noted that the event advocates for health in a big way, “This initiative draws public attention to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), -   one of WHO’s goals, which means that all people have access to the quality services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. It includes the full spectrum of essential, quality health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care,” Sagoe-Moses highlighted. 

The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition. Through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and specifically SDG 3 ‘Good Health and Well-Being’, it is agreed on a global scale that everyone should have the information and services they need to take care of their own health and the health of their families. Additionally, the event created advocacy around Universal Health Coverage which is strongly linked to the United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPAF) Pillar 3 on Social Transformation.   

Regular physical activity is proven to help prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and breast and colon cancer. It also helps in the prevention of hypertension, overweight and obesity and can improve mental health, quality of life and well-being. The immediate and long-term benefits of physical activity and exercise have proven to contribute to better health and wellbeing.

“Let us champion our health and make healthy choices about the food we eat and healthcare services we need. Let us demand actions to improve our health and well-being. Leading physically active lives has numerous health benefits. There is no need to wait, with the knowledge and information, we can all start making healthy choices today and every day,” Dr. Charles Sagoe concluded during a press briefing.

Universal Health Coverage is certainly a means to a positive end. It improves health and protects household incomes, and through this improves educational and economic opportunities – all critical components of human development. The Walk/Run for Health event was aimed toward promoting and fostering a culture of good health in Namibia.