HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari, along with several World Health Organisation (WHO) officials and Qatari sports celebrities led the “Walk the Talk, Health for All Challenge” on Sunday at Oxygen Park, Education City, Qatar Foundation as large number of people participated at the event.

Organised by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the WHO in Eastern Mediterranean, the event helped to promote physical activity for health and well-being.

It was held a day before the 71st session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean in Doha.

HE Dr al-Kuwari was joined by WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy, ministers and health leaders from 21 member states, delegates of the regional committee, and leaders and frontline staff from Qatar’s healthcare sector.

“Walk the Talk” was also attended by members of Qatar’s Olympic team, including weightlifter Fares Ibrahim Hassouna, sprinter and long jumper Bashayer Almanwari, and sprinter Shahad Mohammed.

Addressing the participants, HE Dr al-Kuwari said: “We are delighted to collaborate once again with the WHO to organise this ‘Walk the Talk’, Health for All Challenge. This is the second time we have hosted this important event in Doha, following the successful ‘Walk the Talk’ event held on the eve of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”

“It is a wonderful demonstration of our ongoing commitment to promote health and well-being,” she said. “Walking is a simple yet powerful way to enhance both physical and mental health, and it is heartening to see so many people come together to support this important cause.”

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who participated and made this event a success,” the minister added.

"Physical activity is fundamental to good health and well-being,” said Dr Balkhy. “We must transform our communities into vibrant hubs of health and activity.”

"To make physical activity accessible and effective, we must advocate for inclusive programmes, invest in facilities that encourage physical activities, create enjoyable and safe environments and encourage policy-makers to prioritise active living in urban planning,” she said.

“Qatar is setting a great example of walking the talk towards an active life for all,” the official added. “Together we can break down barriers and create a culture in which physical activity is a fundamental part of everyday life."

The walking route provided an ideal setting, allowing participants of all ages and abilities to come together in a celebration of health.

The event featured a range of interactive booths, including a joint booth by the MoPH and Generation Amazing.

Generation Amazing played a pivotal role as a key partner in implementing the Healthy Cities Programme, making Qatar the first country in the region to have all municipalities as “Healthy Cites”.

The event concluded with an exhibition football match, organised by Generation Amazing.

Sports legends played alongside children from Gaza who are recovering following medical care and support in Qatar, in a display of the unifying power of sport.