Healthy Steps Campaign

Location: Primary schools in Nablus city

Timeline: April to July, 20225

Target population:

1.School children aged 18 and less

2.Parents

3.Healthcare workers

Field: Nutrition

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among Palestinian children aged five years or younger has been estimated at 7.3% and 1.5%, respectively. For those older than five, combined rates range between 18% and 30.2%. Childhood obesity is further exacerbated by low levels of physical activity among Palestinian children. A study on Palestinian adolescents found that only 9.9% met the recommended daily minimum of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Similarly, another study reported that just 20% of adolescents engaged in physical activity for over 60 minutes at least five days a week.

With childhood obesity rates on the rise in Palestine, a new health campaign, Healthy Steps, is set to launch in Nablus in April 2025. The Healthy Steps campaign, led by health and nutrition experts, aims to tackle this growing public health problem through interactive awareness sessions for children and their parents in local schools, specialized training workshops for healthcare professionals, and concluding with a children marathon.

The interactive workshops delivered in schools will teach children and parents about balanced nutrition and physical activity, with adequate guidance and empowerment. Additionally, healthcare workers will receive training on evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage childhood obesity. The final children marathon is set to take place in Nablus city as a token of physical activity and to promote an active lifestyle. By addressing the issue at multiple levels, including schools, families, and healthcare institutions, Healthy Steps campaign aims to induce change and reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity in Palestine.