As lifestyle diseases surge across Qatar and the GCC, affecting younger populations, promoting physical activity has become a critical health priority. The pandemic significantly disrupted global movement patterns, exacerbating sedentary lifestyles and accelerating the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Abdulla’s presentation shed light on these challenges and the urgent need for policy-driven interventions to promote active lifestyles.

“COVID-19 not only reshaped healthcare but also redefined how we move. The surge in sedentary lifestyles is a ticking time bomb for public health, especially in regions like the GCC, where NCDs are on the rise at younger ages,”_ said Abdulla Al-Mohannadi, Forums Manager at WISH.

WISH has long championed wellbeing, rehabilitation, and disability inclusion, making it a core track in its global health program. Even at the height of the pandemic, WISH adapted, hosting its 6th edition in 2020 partially online, drawing a record-breaking 25,000 participants.

With this discussion at GlobeHeal 2025, WISH continues to play a pivotal role in shaping global health dialogues, ensuring that physical activity is recognized as a key pillar of health promotion in the communities for long-term public health resilience.

For more on WISH’s work in this space, visit wish.org.qa and follow #WISHQatar.

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