Victoria – Seychelles is internet hosting the first-ever FIFA Seashore Soccer World Cup to be held in Africa. The 2025 occasion, which runs from 1 – 11 Might, has doubtlessly far-reaching impacts.
The distinguished event provides extra than simply charming sport. The Authorities of Seychelles, World Well being Group (WHO) and FIFA are becoming a member of forces to leverage this distinctive world platform to advertise more healthy life and deal with a few of the most urgent well being challenges of our time.
Constructing on the established and impactful collaboration between FIFA and WHO, this initiative will harness the event’s world attain to boost consciousness round non-communicable illnesses, the persistent risk of communicable illnesses, and the rising prevalence of unhealthy way of life behaviors throughout Africa and past.
“That is greater than a sporting occasion, it’s a motion for well being,” stated Dr Rex Mpazanje, WHO Consultant in Seychelles. “The Seashore Soccer World Cup provides a uncommon alternative to attach with folks by the common language of sport. Along with FIFA and the Authorities of Seychelles, we’re delivering a message: that well being issues, and all of us have a job to play in defending it.”
The marketing campaign comes at an important time for the continent, the place non-communicable illnesses similar to diabetes, stroke, and cancers characterize a major and rising well being burden. In Seychelles, findings from the Nationwide Survey of Non-communicable Ailments 2023, performed by the Ministry of Well being, reveal that almost 1 in 5 adults aged 35-74 resides with diabetes, whereas amongst these aged 55-74, respectively 4 p.c and 6 p.c have self-reported having had a stroke or a historical past of most cancers. Underscoring the urgency, the initiative will spotlight the life-changing advantages of standard bodily exercise, amplifying the continuing ‘Cease Weight problems nationwide marketing campaign’ launched by the President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan in October 2023.
Along with selling lively life – a cornerstone in stopping and managing persistent illnesses, the marketing campaign may even deal with different essential well being areas, together with selling concussion consciousness, guaranteeing meals security for all, and inspiring safer sexual practices.
“We’re working with the Ministry of Well being, communities and media to make sure that these well being messages attain each nook of society, guaranteeing that the influence resonates lengthy after the ultimate match,” Dr Mpazanje emphasised.
Seychelles’ management on this initiative to advertise well being through the FIFA Seashore Soccer World Cup 2025 displays its broader dedication to public well being and world well-being. In October 2024, the nation pledged US$ 50,000 to WHO’s Funding Spherical, a tangible expression of its dedication to supporting well being methods each domestically and globally.
The FIFA Seashore Soccer World Cup 2025 is ready to be a celebration of sport, resilience and unity. And with the added energy of a public well being marketing campaign, it guarantees to depart a legacy of well-being throughout the area.