Saima Wazed Urges WHO South-East Asia to Promote Healthy Lifestyles

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on countries in the South-East Asia Region to strengthen policies promoting healthy diets and physical activity. This initiative aims to combat rising levels of overweight, obesity, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are leading causes of death in the region.

Rising Health Concerns

Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, highlighted the increasing burden of overweight, obesity, and related metabolic disorders affecting both children and adults. These trends have led to a surge in NCDs such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, responsible for nearly two-thirds of all deaths in the region.

According to WHO, an estimated 5 million children under five and 37.3 million children aged 5 to 19 are overweight in the region. Rapid urbanization and economic growth are contributing to unhealthy diets, reduced physical activity, and sedentary lifestyles. Nearly 74% of adolescents and 50% of adults are not physically active enough.

Challenges and Solutions

Obesity and NCDs pose significant challenges to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which aims to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030. Saima Wazed emphasized that healthy diets and regular physical activity are essential to achieving this target. However, creating enabling environments that support healthier choices is crucial.

WHO has outlined evidence-based ‘best buy’ recommendations, including implementing regulations in schools and workplaces, promoting community initiatives, and ensuring access to healthy food options and physical activity opportunities, especially for disadvantaged groups. The Global Action Plan for Physical Activity (GAPPA) provides additional guidance for making societies more active while considering cultural constraints.

Progress and Collaboration

Several countries in the region have made progress by introducing food labeling regulations, banning trans fats, and taxing sugar-sweetened beverages. However, further action is needed. At a regional meeting, experts and officials discussed ways to strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration across education, commerce, transport, agriculture, and urban planning to address health challenges from unhealthy lifestyles.

Saima Wazed stressed the importance of overcoming obstacles such as lack of coordination, industry lobbying, and capacity gaps. By collaborating across sectors, national coordination efforts can be strengthened, government capacity built, and support from civil society fostered, driving meaningful progress towards healthier communities.