In a powerful example of global cooperation, the State of Qatar and the World Health Organization (WHO) have come together to show how major sporting events can be used to promote health, safety, and long-term well-being. Their groundbreaking collaboration during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ has now been turned into a detailed report designed to help future host nations make sporting events healthier and safer for everyone.
The report, titled “Changing the Game: Strengthening Health and Well-Being through Sport Events”, shares lessons learned, practical steps, and innovative strategies used during the tournament. It sets a clear roadmap for countries planning future large-scale sporting events—showing how to put public health at the heart of everything.
Turning a Football Tournament Into a Health Movement
The partnership between Qatar and WHO began in 2021 under the “Sport for Health” project. This three-year program brought together key organizations: Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health, WHO, FIFA, and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy. Their shared mission was to use the massive platform of the FIFA World Cup to deliver a global message about health, safety, and the power of sports to drive change.
Far beyond just football, the collaboration aimed to show that sporting events could be used to make long-lasting improvements in public health. And the results were impressive.
Health Initiatives That Made a Global Impact
During the World Cup, several health-focused campaigns and policies were introduced. These efforts reached millions of people, both in person and online, and proved that sports can be a strong tool for public education and wellness promotion.
Here are some of the major health actions taken during the tournament:
1. Promoting Physical Activity
With football already known as “the world’s game,” it made perfect sense to use its influence to inspire people to move more. Qatar and WHO launched international campaigns encouraging fans of all ages to get active, using the excitement of the World Cup to remind people that daily physical movement is vital to good health.
These campaigns reached schoolchildren, adults, and entire communities, encouraging walking, cycling, and participation in local sports clubs—even long after the final match.
2. Encouraging Healthy Eating
Junk food and sugary drinks are common at major events, but Qatar took a different approach. Healthy food options were made available at stadiums, fan zones, and across hospitality venues. Public awareness campaigns shared tips on balanced nutrition and the importance of staying hydrated, especially in the hot climate.
Visitors and locals alike were introduced to traditional yet healthy dishes and learned how to make better food choices—even when celebrating.
3. Creating a Smoke-Free Environment
All official tournament locations were made 100% smoke-free. This bold move protected fans and workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke and supported WHO’s global goal to reduce tobacco use. The policy also served as an example to other event hosts, proving that major gatherings can happen without tobacco-related risks.
4. Supporting Mental Health
Mental health often takes a backseat at large public events, but not in Qatar. The partnership emphasized the importance of emotional well-being, launching awareness programs that encouraged people to talk openly about stress, anxiety, and mental fitness.
Resources, quiet spaces, and support teams were made available for fans, workers, and athletes alike. This was a first for many, and it helped reduce the stigma around mental health conversations—on a global stage.
5. Ensuring Health Security and Emergency Readiness
One of the most critical pieces of the puzzle was making sure health risks were managed and that people felt safe. Qatar developed and implemented world-class health protocols to protect attendees from potential disease outbreaks and emergencies.
This included rapid response teams, extensive training for health workers, clear safety procedures, and even pandemic prevention plans. The result was a smoothly run, health-conscious tournament that became a model for other nations.
Voices from the Top: Health as a Priority
Qatar’s Minister of Public Health, Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, said the project shows how sports and health can work together to improve lives.
“The collaboration between Qatar, WHO, and FIFA can inspire future event organizers to integrate health from the start. This legacy goes beyond the World Cup—it is about changing the way the world thinks about public health.”
Similarly, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the work, saying:
“We now have proof that health promotion and safety can be seamlessly included in global sports. WHO remains committed to supporting future events that make health a global priority.”
What the “Changing the Game” Report Offers
The report released by Qatar and WHO is more than just a summary—it’s a how-to guide. It offers a detailed blueprint for governments, sports federations, and event planners on how to prioritize health in the planning, execution, and legacy of their events.
The key areas covered include:
- Building health policies into event planning early
- Coordinating with local and international health organizations
- Training staff in health awareness and emergency response
- Using sports marketing to spread positive health messages
- Monitoring health outcomes during and after the event
By offering clear steps and real examples, the report aims to turn good intentions into lasting change.
A Legacy That Lasts Beyond the Final Whistle
The success of the Sport for Health partnership has left a lasting legacy, not only in Qatar but around the world. Its efforts are expected to influence the planning of future events such as the Olympic Games, the Asian Cup, and other major tournaments.
This legacy includes:
- A healthier approach to public gatherings
- Stronger health systems in host countries
- More informed and health-conscious sports fans
- A global recognition that sports can lead social progress
Final Thoughts
Qatar’s partnership with the WHO has shown what’s possible when health is treated as a priority—not an afterthought. Their joint work during the FIFA World Cup 2022™ wasn’t just about putting on a successful tournament. It was about changing the way the world looks at health and sport.
With the release of the “Changing the Game” report, Qatar and WHO have created a global playbook for future hosts—proving that when the world plays together, it can also get healthier together.
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