The Department of Health (DOH) has taken part in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) activity against chronic diseases, and highlighted health as a human right for everyone.

In a Tuesday news release, the DOH said the “Walk the Talk New York: Health for All Challenge,” a 6.4-kilometer walk around Central Park was held on Monday to provide a healthy kickstart to the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly from Sept. 19 to 23, 2023.

Undersecretaries Enrique Tayag and Kenneth Ronquillo led the DOH delegation in walking the entire route and actively participating in various health activities.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, International Organization for Migration’s Amy Pope, and other health leaders led the health activity.

“We can turn around many of the chronic diseases. We are not inherently expected to have these chronic diseases,” Adams said in his speech.

“Only 10 percent of your DNA is connected to chronic diseases. So, it’s not your DNA, it is your dinner; it is not your lineage, it is your lunch; it is not what you are born with, it is your breakfast,” he said.

Hundreds of partners, stakeholders, UN delegates, member states, and athletes, among others participated in the activity that celebrates healthy lifestyles and raises awareness on the pursuit of health for all. (PNA)