RHC is collaborating with the World Health Organization-led United Nations Interagency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the United Nations Development Programme to develop a physical activity investment case for Tunisia.
Insufficient physical activity is a major risk factor for NCDs, contributing to conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer. In Tunisia, the prevalence of physical inactivity is increasingly impacting public health and the overall quality of life.
The consequences of insufficient physical activity are not limited to health outcomes; they also have significant social and economic implications. These include escalating healthcare expenditures for managing NCDs, diminished workforce productivity, and financial burdens on households. Physical inactivity can lead to absenteeism, lower work performance (presenteeism), and early departures from the workforce due to illness or disability.
The physical activity investment case seeks to evaluate the financial and economic costs associated with physical inactivity in Tunisia and to highlight the potential benefits of increasing active lifestyles. This includes a return on investment (ROI) analysis comparing the current costs of physical inactivity with the anticipated health and economic benefits of implementing proven interventions, such as promoting active transportation and creating supportive environments for physical activity.
The investment case will also examine Tunisia's existing systems for promoting physical activity, identifying feasible and impactful ways to scale up efforts across sectors. It emphasizes the importance of non-health sectors, such as education, urban planning, and transport, in fostering active lifestyles.
This initiative is expected to serve as a compelling advocacy tool, offering concrete evidence of the long-term health, social, and economic benefits of investing in physical activity promotion.
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