WHO: Integrate yoga into community wellness programs: On the eve of the International Day of Yoga (IDY). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended. That policymakers consider incorporating yoga into community-based mental health and well-being initiatives while also stepping up efforts to harness the potential of safe and effective traditional medicine.
Poonam Khetrapal Singh, the UN agency’s Regional Director for South-East Asia, said that regular yoga practice could help people of all ages and income levels get enough exercise. Making it a high-impact, cost-effective way to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Which is one of the region’s eight flagship priorities.
It has demonstrated to have immediate psychological benefits. Such as reducing anxiety and tension and improving emotional and social well-being.
Yoga has helped hundreds of millions of people from various nations and cultures remain fit and well during the COVID-19 reaction. Emphasizing that yoga is for all of humanity — the topic of this year’s IDY event, according to Singh.
“Policymakers should explore incorporating yoga into community-based mental health and well-being programs while simultaneously expanding efforts to utilize the power and promise of safe and effective conventional medicine,” she added.
WHO: Integrate yoga into community wellness programs
Through its core initiatives – the WHO Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA) 2018–2030, Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030. And the Sustainable Development Goals – the region continues to step up efforts to boost physical activity and improve mental health. According to Khetrapal Singh.
Last year, the WHO released a Regional Roadmap for Implementing the GAPPA. Which will assist member states in identifying and implementing measures to reduce the incidence of inadequate physical activity by 15% by 2030.
Ministers of health and education from the region have issued a call to action to increase the implementation of comprehensive health programs in schools, particularly by making physical exercise more accessible.
“Amid the continuing COVID-19 reaction and recovery, policymakers should look at incorporating yoga into preventive and promotive health policies. Particularly for mental health, which will be a top issue in the months and years ahead,” the regional director added.
In March, WHO and the Indian government inked an agreement in Jamnagar, India. To create the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM).
The GCTM has a strategic emphasis on evidence and learning, data and analytics, sustainability and equality. And innovation and technology, aiming to optimize TRM’s contribution to global health and sustainable development. It is funded by a USD 250 million investment from the Centre.
The GCTM’s mission was in line with the region’s long-standing focus on improving traditional medicine (TRM) system performance monitoring. Increasing safety monitoring for such products. Increasing research capacity, and integrating safe and effective TRM into health service delivery. Particularly at the primary health care level, according to the WHO.
