By Oscar Pilipili
Nationally representative data on the physical activity patterns of Kenyan children and youth is needed to inform policy and practice.
This is a recommendation of Kenya’s 2011 Report Card on the Physical Activity and Body Weight of Children and Youth, which was launched at Kenyatta University last Thursday.
The Report Card states that there should be continuous monitoring and surveillance of physical activity patterns among Kenyan children and youth from different geographic areas.
Monitoring physical activity, knowledge, attitude and behaviours of Kenyans as well as factors that facilitate or impede access to physical activity opportunities is required, the Report Card recommends.
Advisory Panel
The report that was prepared and produced by Healthy Active Kids Kenya (HAKK) in partnership with Active Health Kids Canada further recommends that a national report card scientific advisory panel be established, composed of researchers, exercise and sports specialists, nutritionists, media personalities, policy makers, medical doctors and other key stakeholders.
The report also wants Kenya children and youth needs to be supported in making physical activity choices that are convenient, attractive and compatible with their needs and interest.
"There is need to enhance the development of social and physical environment that support the integration of physical activity into daily life," the Report Card says.
Collaborative efforts with relevant Kenyan Government Ministries as well as non-Governmental organisations are necessary.
Increasing knowledge and understanding of the relationships between physical activity, healthy eating and a range of other health determinants that contributes to or inhibit optimal health is recommended.
Preserving the health of children and youth through healthy active living needs to be as high a priority as treating sick children, the report recommends.
