As part of World Health Day, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is highlighting how sport can serve as a key driver for improving people’s physical, mental, and social well-being. In partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the NGO PATH, the IOC is promoting the Sport and Health Cooperation Initiative — a project already generating positive impact in countries like Tanzania, Ghana, Vietnam, and Peru.
The initiative aims to integrate sport and physical activity into everyday settings such as schools, health centers, and communities. In Tanzania alone, this strategy has engaged thousands of students, teachers, and healthcare professionals through an innovative approach that combines active learning with the prevention of non-communicable diseases. The African nation’s experience is a concrete example of how sport can contribute to collective well-being.
AN EXPERIENCE OF ACTIVE HEALTH AND EDUCATION
More than 35,000 students are participating in a new educational model that incorporates movement as an essential part of the learning process. Each school day begins with physical exercises after the national anthem, followed by active breaks during class, blending stretching and dance routines with academic content. This methodology has been made possible thanks to the training of 464 teachers, who apply WHO tools to promote physical activity in school environments. Additionally, community sports clubs are being integrated into schools, encouraging healthy habits beyond the classroom.
The health sector has also joined this integrated approach. With the support of the Ministry of Health, 95 primary care professionals have been trained to promote physical activity as part of the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases. Thanks to their work, over 189,000 patients have received guidance on how to lead an active and balanced life. Collaboration between the health, education, and sport sectors has been key to the success of this experience, which aims to be replicated in other countries to help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
