India’s legendary sportsperson, Milkha Singh, has been appointed WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Physical Activity in South-East Asia Region. “Promoting physical activity for health is an important intervention, which is expected to get a significant boost in the region with the support of octogenarian Milkha Singh, a champion for the cause,” Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia, said.
Regular exercise and physical activity helps reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer — diseases that are now increasingly afflicting people across the world.
An estimated 8.5 million people die due to NCDs every year in WHO South-East Asia Region. Many of these deaths are premature and nearly all are lifestyle related. An alarming 70% of boys, 80% of girls and nearly 33% adults in the Region report insufficient physical activity which is becoming a common feature of modern life.