The annual European Week of Sport is running 23rd - 30th September this year celebrating a decade of encouraging Europeans to #BeActive. More than 40 countries were involved last year.
Why is it important to address physical activity in JA PreventNCD?
Physical activity is one of the major lifestyle determinants of health and wellbeing. Conversely, physical inactivity, not meeting WHO Guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour, remains one of the leading risk factors for cancer and other NCDs. Beyond its disease preventive and therapeutic benefits, regular physical activity improves mental, physical and social wellbeing and overall quality of life. And it helps people to be stronger when facing challenges.
Despite the well-known advantages, 1 in 3 European adults still doesn´t meet the recommended physical activity levels. According to the Health-enhancing physical activity in the European Union, 2024 report, while progress has been made, challenges remain, underlining the need for further effort to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour.
How is JA PreventNCD contributing to physical activity promotion in Europe?
JA PreventNCD is committed to reducing the burden of cancer and other NCDs by addressing determinants of health, including shared risk factors like physical inactivity across sectors and levels. The project covers broad range of activities supporting physical activity promotion on all levels, including:
- Pilot monitoring physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep
- National physical activity policy approaches
- Pilots in local communities to create physical activity friendly environments and conditions
- Activities and tools that support individuals at risk and individuals that are undergoing rehabilitation to be physically active.
Through these and numerous other efforts, JA PreventNCD is making significant contribution to building a healthier, more resilient and stronger Europe - every step counts.
Author: Gígja Gunnarsdóttir
Gígja is the co-leader of the Health in All Policies work package (WP9), coordinator for the cross-cutting theme "Physical Activity" in the JA PreventNCD and a program manager at the Directorate of Health in Iceland.
More Information
- WHO Europe – physical activity
- About physical activity and sport in the EU
- About the EU physical activity focal points network
- HEPA Europe hosts annual conferences and has many working groups on various themes
- The WHO European Healthy Cities network, with around 100 flagship cities and 30 national networks, covering around 1400 municipalities around Europe has great potential for physical activity promotion.
- ISPAH – Eight investments that work for physical activity
- Quick buys for prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (The Lancet regional Health Europe, may 2025)