Physical activity promotion measures for people with non-communicable diseases

Physical activity is recommended to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases (NCD). The health system provides unique opportunities for physical activity promotion. Accordingly, the WHO Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 identifies primary and secondary health care as important settings for physical activity promotion. The WHO-CC supports the implementation and strengthening of patient assessment and counselling on increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour in primary health care. Furthermore, we develop a national example for an innovative evidence-based physical activity referral scheme for NCD patients. This part of the WHO-CC is closely linked to the HEPA Europe working group: HEPA promotion in health care settings (https://www.who.int/europe/groups/hepa-europe-(european-network-for-the-promotion-of-health-enhancing-physical-activity)/hepa-europe-events-and-working-groups/hepa-promotion-in-health-care-settings ), which is co-chaired by Wolfgang Geidl from the WHO-CC.