The Syrian Future Movement highlights the significance of March 4th each year as “World Obesity Day,” established by the World Obesity Federation in 2020 after previously being observed on October 11th. This day aims to unify global efforts to raise awareness of obesity’s health, economic, and social risks and to promote prevention and treatment.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that in Syria, where prolonged humanitarian and economic crises pose severe challenges to public health, obesity emerges as a hidden health issue exacerbated by the deteriorating healthcare system, collapsing infrastructure, and lack of public awareness. Additionally, harsh living conditions have driven unhealthy dietary habits due to rising prices and shortages of essential goods.
The Syrian Future Movement asserts that the Syrian war has turned many areas into environments devoid of healthcare services, making it increasingly difficult to access preventive and curative care for chronic diseases linked to obesity, such as diabetes and heart disease.
The Syrian Future Movement emphasizes that public health is a fundamental human right and an integral part of its national project to rebuild Syria on modern civil foundations. Combating obesity is not merely a medical issue but a developmental one that requires comprehensive policies, including improving food security, supporting health education programs, rehabilitating sports and community facilities, and enacting regulations to protect consumers from harmful food products.
The Syrian Future Movement considers that ongoing internal and external displacement, rising poverty, and the declining quality of education further complicate Syria’s health landscape.
The Syrian Future Movement calls for enhanced cooperation between government agencies, civil society organizations, and international bodies to implement awareness campaigns targeting all age groups, especially children and women.
The Syrian Future Movement urges the inclusion of obesity prevention programs in emergency health plans, ensuring the availability of necessary medications and medical equipment.
The Syrian Future Movement stresses the importance of supporting small projects that produce healthy food in the most affected areas to achieve self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on processed foods.
The Syrian Future Movement advocates for the reconstruction of healthcare and sports centers as part of Syria’s comprehensive rebuilding process to ensure environments that support physical activity.
The Syrian Future Movement asserts that the connection between obesity and Syria’s crises is not incidental but a cumulative outcome of years of neglect and conflict. Thus, improving public health is a crucial step toward building the future Syria—a Syria of equal citizenship and social justice.
On this global day, we remind ourselves that health is the foundation of human dignity and that the future of our country begins with healthy citizens capable of contributing to its prosperity.
