WHO events addressing public health priorities. Promoting physical activity: a regional call for action.

Why is physical activity important? Physical activity is critical for population health. There is overwhelming evidence that physical inactivity is a risk factor for noncommunicable diseases, premature death and disability. It is responsible for 3.2 million deaths globally each year and is estimated to be the main cause of around 27% of diabetes, 30% of ischaemic heart disease and 21–25% of breast and colon cancer1. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, the available data from countries show inactivity causes around 219 000 deaths every year. Conversely physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of such diseases; everybody can benefit from even moderate levels of physical activity. However, 31% of the world’s population is not physically active enough to prevent these serious health problems. Rates vary widely by country and gender with some countries reporting alarming rates of physical inactivity of around 70%, including in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Despite an increase in female participation in physical activity in some countries of the Region, there continues to be a decline in women who are physically active enough. Furthermore, based on World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, the Eastern Mediterranean Region has the joint highest prevalence of insufficient physical activity among women of all the WHO Regions and the second highest overall. One out of two women and one of three men are below the minimum recommended levels for physical activity, a disturbing statistic. Of concern, less than half of the countries of the Region have systematic monitoring of levels of physical activity in adults and children, and very few have started any comprehensive action aimed at increasing levels of activity through sports, recreation, cycling and walking.