The plenary session on strengthening good governance for health through action across government sectors held on Nov 22 during the 9th Global Conference on Health Promotion aroused concern among global leaders in the health promotion field.

Yang Shu'an, vice-minister of General Administration of Sport in China noted that exercise is an important way to reach national health. He added that it is the basic guarantee to people’s physique and happy life.

The convergence of exercise and health will become a major force for Chinese public fitness, Yang said.

China implemented the National Fitness Plan (2011-15) in 2011 and has identified fitness as a national strategy since 2014, Yang said.

Chinese residents have reported better health conditions after the implementation of the National Fitness Plan.

More sports facilities have been built in China between 2011 and 2015. By the end of 2015, every resident in China has 1.57 square meters space to take physical exercises. And it has developed a national fitness network in China.

"We are seeing increasing types of fitness programs in China and an Iicreasing number of people are providing instructions and volunteer services. By the end of 2015, we have nearly 2 million volunteers supporting our fitness plan," Yang said.

Pirkko Mattila, minister of Social Affairs and Health in Finland said that her country has taken health into consideration when setting up our development policies.

She said that it is necessary to promote collaboration and cooperation among government departments and stakeholders to bring health benefits to people.

Martin Chungong, Secretary-General of Inter-Parliamentary Union noted that the parliaments of all countries should actively integrate international agreement into the laws of the country, especially in regards to the fair distribution of resources and funds.

Mohammed Nasim, minister of Health and Family Welfare in Bangladesh said that as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease are very likely to be caused by smoking, the government has established a tax policy on tobacco and unhealthy food. For example, the Banbladeshi government has implemented a 20 percent increase in tobacco tax.

Anil Gayan, minister of Health and Quality of Life in Mauritius said that obesity has a huge impact on health in the country. The Mauritius government has increased taxes on drinks that contain high amounts of sugar.