Health ministry to launch Million Mile Challenge

In another few days, the Ministry of Health will launch the Million Mile Challenge that aims to increase physical activity and promote positive lifestyles, as part of the ministry’s strategy to combat chronic diseases.

Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy said people need to do more walking this year so the ministry will kick things off with a walk in the National Park on Sunday, January 6. He said the challenge is to document one million miles by the end of the year.

According to him, the programme is not restricted to walking since persons can swim, jog or cycle. But the goal is have the miles documented. Throughout the year, the ministry plans to keep a record of the miles recorded across the country.

“Sixty percent of this population is inactive and we hope to change that with this programme. We want to get people walking and hope that they will feel up to it and join us as we go around to communities and throw out the challenge all year round,” the minister said.

Ramsammy noted that the ministry’s approach to chronic diseases would intensify in addition to its efforts in the area of AIDS.

He said particular focus would be placed on chronic diseases, adding that there are also plans to improve the administration of treatment and care of persons suffering from chronic diseases.

Further, the minister announced that the ministry will establish a register of persons suffering from chronic illnesses and lay down the minimum standards for treatment.