Government of Uganda Launches National Fitness Day
Published by: Khoba Barbra Loyce | Volume 3 Issue 2 2018
President Yoweri Museveni launched the National fitness Day at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on 8 July 2018. Cabinet endorsed the creation of a National Fitness Day to address the raising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) like diabetes, cancer and hypertension.
The day was celebrated under the theme “My Health is My Responsibility”.
According to the Hon. Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the National Physical Activity Day is aimed at encouraging the population to adopt physical activity as a routine in their lifestyles in order to prevent Non-Communicable Diseases. It will also be used to equip members of the public with more information about the importance of physical activities in prevention and control Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
This decision by government to earmark a national fitness day comes after a study by the Ministry of Health indicated that one in every four Ugandan adults has an altered heart function in form of raised blood pressure.
The launch was followed by a 10 km walk led by the President accompanied by various dignitaries including the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister of State for Health (General Duties), Hon. Sarah Achieng Opendi, Minister of State for Health (Primary Health Care), Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine and other senior government officials.
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