06 Mar 2023

Walking should be used as a catalyst for developing sustainable, healthy, prosperous and attractive cities, Amref Health group chief executive officer Dr Githinji Gitahi has said.

 Addressing the Africa Health Agenda conference in Rwanda on Sunday, he urged African cities to create networks and routes that encouraged walking, jogging or cycling.

“Walking does not only promote health, but is a response to some significant societal, environmental and climate change challenges,” said Dr Gitahi.

He stressed the need for African cities to adopt a culture of building social environments that prioritised and integrated walking conditions to reduce motorised transport.

Dr Gitahi said that would bring safety to walkers, cyclists and joggers as there would be no danger on the roads caused by motorised traffic.

He praised Rwanda for the introduction three years ago of Kigali Car Free Day.

The day, which happened twice a month, contributed immensely to the benefits of walking and cycling which included reducing the likelihood of chronic diseases and improving mental health.

  For his part, Rwanda’s minister of health, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana said the intervention was not only focused on fighting Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs), but also on creating awareness that cities were not only places for vehicles but for people to live and enjoy the environment.

On the day, no vehicular traffic was allowed between 7.00 am and 10.00 am in order to give people a chance to exercise, walk, jog or roller-skate.

Pointing out that ‘sitting for a long time is a silent killer’, Dr Nsanzimana said the initiative had contributed to healthy lifestyles to beat NCDs. 

He said Africans needed to embrace the culture of exercising, drinking more water and eating fruits and vegetables.

The three-day conference has brought together African Union, WHO, African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention representatives as well as political leaders, health researchers, policy makers and some members of the public to discuss Africa’s health challenges and opportunities. 

It is considered a platform for Africa to bring global attention to the link between climate change and health as the world inches closer to the 2030 global goals deadline. ENDS