As the Paris Olympics approach its official start this Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) is actively collaborating with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the French Government to ensure that the Games are safe and health-conscious for both athletes and spectators.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the organization’s commitment, stating, “Just as athletes and fans around the world have been preparing for the Paris Olympics, WHO has been working with the IOC and the Government of France to make sure these Games are healthy and safe for everyone involved.”

The WHO and the IOC, who have been close partners since the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 2020 and its renewal earlier this year, have jointly launched the “Let’s Move” campaign. This initiative aims to use the global platform of the Paris Olympics to promote physical activity and inspire both athletes and the public to engage in healthier lifestyles. In support of this campaign, the French Government has introduced a new program mandating 30 minutes of daily physical activity for school students, ensuring a lasting positive impact from the Games.

In preparation for the Olympics, WHO’s health security experts from its Geneva headquarters and the European Regional Office in Copenhagen have been working diligently to support national and regional authorities. Their efforts include addressing potential health risks such as heatwaves, infectious disease outbreaks, food and water safety concerns, and crowd management. The WHO has also developed joint public health advice with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and France, offering guidance on vaccinations, protection against various illnesses, and strategies for staying cool and hydrated.

For the millions of visitors expected at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, which commence on August 28, WHO has provided detailed recommendations on health precautions. These guidelines cover necessary vaccinations, protection from respiratory diseases and vector-borne illnesses, and tips for maintaining hydration and managing heat.

WHO has actively participated in simulation exercises organized by the IOC Paris 2024 to test public health plans, set up Olympics-specific health surveillance, and produce daily situation reports in collaboration with ECDC. These reports are designed to identify early signs of health events and support timely responses, with updates provided to the IOC and other stakeholders.

Dr. Tedros is set to participate in the Olympic Torch Relay on Friday and will speak at the Paris Summit on Sports for Sustainable Development, hosted by the French Presidency and the IOC. At the Summit, WHO will commit to mobilizing efforts to improve nutrition ahead of the next year’s Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris. Additionally, WHO aims to support countries in enhancing diets, promoting physical activity, and managing obesity, with a target of reducing obesity prevalence by 5% in targeted countries by 2030.