Several measures will be implemented at this year’s FIFA World Cup Qatar in a bid to promote healthy lifestyles.
Senior leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO), Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), and FIFA met together for the first Steering Committee meeting of the “Healthy FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Creating Legacy for Sport and Health” partnership.
Qatar media reports said the partnership is committed to protecting the health of all those involved in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and ensuring the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is a healthy and safe event by implementing precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
They will also ensure healthy menu options besides using the event as a platform to promote healthy lifestyles.
Qatar’s Minister of Public Health Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari said, “Our overall goal is not just to hold a successful sporting event, but to also show how football and sports in general can be drivers of better health for all people.”
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the WHO “is committed to working with the State of Qatar and FIFA to leverage the global power of football to help people lead the healthiest lives possible”.
The first-of-its-kind agreement was also lauded by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“It is important that the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East will be the healthiest World Cup ever. Here, we put our efforts together through this innovative partnership to promote health in a different way, using the power of football to communicate certain messages.”
“You have to do whatever you can to protect your health and that of those around you. That is part of education and that is why we are proud to be part of this team here. We need health for football, and we need football for health. Let’s win this World Cup, our World Cup, which is a World Cup of humanity in the end,” Infantino added.
