Muscat: Hundreds of people took part in a walkathon organized by the Ministry of Health in Muscat on Wednesday as the sultanate joined the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) ‘1,000 Cities - 1,000 Lives’ global initiative in promoting healthy lifestyles.
Four major Omani cities - Sohar, Sur, Nizwa and Salalah - have been chosen to spearhead a yearlong campaign by the Ministry in encouraging healthy living, side-by-side with the nation’s ongoing urbanization.
Children, students, teachers and athletes joined government officials and local celebrities in a four-kilometre march along a popular boulevard in the heart of the city to mark World Health Day on Wednesday.
As part of this year’s celebrations, major cities are being urged to do more to safeguard host populations and local communities from environment-related perils associated with rapid urbanization.
Participating cities are encouraged to establish designated avenues for pedestrians, create open spaces for physical activities, and promote healthy environments that allow families and children to meet.
Medical check-ups, healthy meals, and an emphasis on healthy lifestyles, are also key goals set out under the yearlong campaign.
