Recently, the international organization working globally to promote health equality - PATH in collaboration with the Department of Education and Training of Nghe An province officially launched the "Sports Cooperation for Community Health" Initiative.
The program is being implemented within the framework of a three-year technical cooperation agreement between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The initiative aims to improve public health by encouraging people to increase their participation in community sports activities; training professionals in the fields of sports and health, and strengthening the capacity of organizations and agencies.
At the same time, implement communication campaigns to change behavior to build physical exercise habits, helping to improve quality of life and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Le Thi Thu Hien - Director of PATH Primary Health Care Program - shared: "We are honored to collaborate with WHO, IOC and partners in Vietnam to promote positive changes in the community through sport. This is a testament to our commitment to building a healthier and more sustainable community.
In 2025 and beyond, PATH will continue to work with partners and local communities to develop a sustainable model that strengthens primary health care systems to effectively respond to the challenges of noncommunicable diseases."
Statistics from a recent survey show that about 25% of adults in Vietnam do not participate in enough physical activity. In addition, only 1 in 4 adolescents aged 13 to 17 meet the goal of exercising at least one hour a day.
Regarding the importance of the project, Mr. Alejandro Calvente - Olympism365 Manager (IOC representative) - said: "Vietnam will become a typical example in implementing this initiative. The project is expected to bring practical experience on how to combine sports and health to replicate and maintain community-based sports and physical activity programs, contributing to achieving the global goal of reducing physical inactivity by 15% by 2030".
In Vietnam, the project was initially implemented in Nghe An province, aiming to contribute to reducing physical inactivity and increasing participation in community sports programs, thereby improving the physical and mental health of people in the community.
With the support of the Department of Sports and Physical Training and the Vietnam Olympic Committee, the initiative aims to become a successful model.
