Dar es Salaam, Dodoma & Zanzibar: In promoting mental well-being and partnerships for health, the WHO Tanzania Country Office team organized its second Walk the Talk event this time including the WHO sub-offices in Dodoma and Zanzibar.

The in-person and colourful events in the three locations brought together health partners, WHO staff, family members and friends – to move for better physical and mental health. Warm up/stretch and blood pressure screening activities were also provided – with good music vibes in the background.  

Promoting the spirit of partnership, the Acting WHO Country Representative Dr. Zabulon Yoti said, “We are grateful to all the partners that have joined us today. We recognize that as WHO we cannot accomplish health goals alone. The work we do together to ensure that the people in Tanzania are enjoying better health and well-being requires us to be healthy – physically and mentally”.

Partners who took part in the event in the three locations included officials from the Ministry of Health in Zanzibar, representatives from the Development Partners Group for Health (DPG H), UNDP, ILO, FAO, UNICEF AMREF, Benjamin Mkapa Foundation (BMAF), the British High Commission, Embassy of Switzerland, Christian Social Services Commission, Palladium, EngenderHealth, Tanzania Psychologists Association (TAPA) and CoHASO.

“We are grateful to be part of this initiative. As the UN, we must continue to find ways to promote physical activity in the workplace and in the community, “said Dorothy Temu, UN Area Coordinator in Zanzibar.

“This is a wonderful event. At ILO, we promote physical activities because being active is good for our hearts, bodies and minds. Mental well-being plays a big role in making our work and workplace enjoyable. We look forward to participate in more similar events,” said Getrude.

“We have joined WHO today because we value our partnership in promoting health and mental well-being”, Mr. Erasto Charles from BMAF.

“Exercises are important because they boost not only our physical well-being but also mental sharpness. We commend WHO for promoting physical activity”, said Monica Kihanga from TAPA.

Noting that infrastructure is a key motivator for people of all ages and abilities, to be physically active, Mr. Daudi Katopola from the National Institute of Transport said, “There is evidence of improvements in making available infrastructure that ensures individuals can safely walk and run, unlike in the past. This is encouraging”.

In all three locations, the event attracted media attention and featured in a number of outlets including printed and online newspapers, such as Habari Leo, Guardian , online TV and traditional television networks.

WHO will continue to host Walk-the-Talk events to support global and regional efforts to promote the #HealthForAll challenge – a movement launched in 2019 to promote a healthy lifestyle, for a healthier humanity.  It is an initiative offered to the larger global community to promote health and well-being for people all over the world.