Saraki’s wife, Toyin, WHO walk the talk in Abuja

THE Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) in partnership with the World Health Organization, (WHO) have embarked on a 7.2 km walk in Abuja.

The walk, aims at driving home the Global Health for All Challenge and combat non-communicable diseases, was led by wife of the Senate President, Mrs Toyin Saraki, who is also the Founder President of the WBFA and World Health Organization Representative, Head of Mission in Nigeria, Dr Wondi Alemu and in collaboration with the ministry of Youths and Sports Development.

The walk, was also targeted at promoting healthy lifestyle practices towards the Africa Health Transformation Agenda of the World Health Organisation.

No fewer than 2000 people who participated in the walk which started from the Millennium Park in Abuja, went through major streets distributing handbills to sensitize the people and motorists on the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles.

Tagged ‘Abuja Walk the Talk’, stakeholders were invited to walk, run or dance along a 7.6 kilometer route road walk to promote healthy lifestyles and a healthy populace.

Other participants include, the Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu; representative of the Minister of Youths and Sports and other dignitaries.

According to the WHO, globally 1 in 4 adults are not active enough, and insufficient physical activities is a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.

Speaking at the end of the walk, Mrs Saraki expressed gratitude to the country office of the WHO for collaborating with the Wellbeing Foundation in driving home the health for all initiative.

According to her, “it is the first time a country office of the WHO has actually done this walk, and the Wellbeing Foundation Africa is delighted to collaborate with the WHO to work towards Universal Health Coverage for all, especially in Nigeria.

“To stay healthy, I believe everyone should have at least 35 minutes of walking three times a week, as this helps the cardiovascular system, especially with blood circulation.

“This years’ walk was wonderful with over 2,000 people turning out to partake in the 7.6km walk, and I hope that next year we will have over 20,000 people come out to participate”, Mrs Saraki added.

Remarking, the WHO Country Representative, Dr Wondi Alemu noted: “Exercise should continue on a personal basis, at least three times a week with a minimum duration of 30 minutes, all year round.

“This Abuja Walk the Talk road walk is an opportunity to get people to take exercising seriously and practice what we talk about with regards to frequent exercise for healthier life”.