Geneva event: the WHO walks the talk for the Global Health Challenge
Global Health: the WHO walks the talk for the Global Health Challenge
The "Walk the Talk, Health Challenge" event in Geneva was held on 20 May and organized by the World Health Organization. The first time I hear of the World Health Organization for something else than the reference to a study conducted on health. So this was to be reported on.
On Sunday 20 May 2018, WHO employees, along with civil servants from the other international non-profit organizations, walked the health talk. Instead of only telling people on how to stay in shape / providing recommendations on what not to eat, the WHO led by example by engaging their employees in physical activity: 3 to 8km walked or run, depending on the fitness level.
The Director-General from the WHO himself, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, walked for 3km, under the curious eye of local journalists. The Ethiopian Olympic marathon champion, Haile Gebreselassie, honored this event with his presence and run the 8 km route, along with the fittest WHO participants.
Why does it mean to walk the talk for the World Health Organization ?
The World Health Organization has set ambitious goals for the next 6 years, and one of them is to raise awareness about the need to keeep physically active, for all people all around the world.For once, WHO leads by example and hope to make a big impact with that event.
The choice of the 20 May was done because this is the kickoff of the 2018 World Health Assembly, that took place from 20-27 May. The hope was to have delegates of Member States take part in the event and be reminded of the importance of health in countries's governmental priorities.
I walked the talk and loved it !
As far as I am concerned, I participated in the 8km run and I have to say I really loved the event, the peaceful and positive atmosphere. I quickly saw Gebreselassie pass me by at some point (on his way back to the Place des Nations). Volunteers were present along the way to show the way and discuss with passers-by. It was sunny, and running along the Lake is always nice. I was wondering if we would have to run up from the Botanical Gardens to the American embassy (that's a killer for the legs) but no. I usually take that route when running with the Geneva Runners group.At the end, there was no goodies left, but I managed to have my pre-tagged picture instant-printed. Apparently, I say: "health is an universal right".
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