Angela de Silva
ASPA 2024 Keynote Speaker
ASPA 2024 Keynote Speaker
PATHWAYS TO ACTIVE LIVING: IMPLEMENTING THE WHO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ROADMAP FOR SOUTH- EAST ASIA – CURRENT PROGRESS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
ANGELA DE SILVA
Regional Advisor for Nutrition and Health for Development – WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia
Physical inactivity, associated with obesity and a risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is of concern for South-East Asia Region (SE Asia Region) countries. Socioeconomic development has resulted in insufficient physical activity (PA) and increased sedentary behaviors. Recent estimates on insufficient PA among adults (2022) report huge differences by country, sex and age, ranging from a low 8.2 % (Nepal) to a high 49 % (India), with women and older adults reporting higher insufficient PA. WHO guidance for adequate PA are unmet by 75 % adolescents, with girls being less active than boys.
All countries are currently off- track to meet the global target [15% relative reduction in physical inactivity by 2030 (baseline 2010)], incurring substantial morbidity and mortality from NCDs and significant economic burdens.
While countries have set national targets on PA, improved surveillance and initiated few policy actions recommended in the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA), progress is uneven. Most efforts were on awareness and behavior change campaigns, with insufficient attention to creating national policy frameworks, enabling environments and active systems. In 2021, WHO embarked on advocacy and technical support for PA policies and programmes through multisectoral engagement, guided by the Regional Roadmap to implement GAPPA.
About Angela de Silva
Dr. Angela is the Regional Adviser for Nutrition and Health for Development at the WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, based in New Delhi, India. With over 20 years of experience in public health, Dr. Angela’s work spans government, academia, and international development, including the World Bank and other key partners.
At WHO, she leads initiatives to support national development efforts across eleven countries in the South-East Asia Region. Her work focuses on policy advocacy and technical support to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and malnutrition through innovative physical activity and nutrition policies.
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