THE NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR AN ACTIVE & HEALTHY LIFE-ISRAEL
"Efsharibari"
In December, 2011, Israel launched National Program for Active & Healthy Living, to address
obesity and chronic disease. The program is called Efsharibari, loosely translated as "It's
possible to be healthy," but signifying the government's responsibility to enable citizens to
maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In the national program , the Ministries of Health, Education and Culture and Sport are
together leading a national effort for the improvement of health and the quality of life of the
entire population of Israel, to reduce illness and deaths from heart disease , cancer and
diabetes, which cause annually about 5,000 deaths and cost the economy approximately 2
billion $.
Efsharibari, is a national process, part of a global effort to foster a social, physical and
economic environment that enabels active and healthy lifestyle, including healthy nutrition
and physical activity for everyone, everywhere – in the educational system, at workplaces, and
in the community. The make-up of partners which is widening in the national program,
includes government ministries, local municipalities, health funds, civilian social organizations
Israel sport for al association and the business sector; that is the whole public.
Specifically within the national program, a municipality level program was designed:
DESCRIPTION OF intervention
The "Active & Healthy Municipality" plan of advancing programs in health by local authorities,
was developed, based on the "healthy cities" model, as implemented in Israel and abroad,
including the following:
1. Commitment and Leadership of the municipality and its main officials towards the
program, accompanied by an action plan. The program emphasizes the need for
designated staff for budget and evaluation, while encouraging cooperation and
pooling of resources.
2.
Creation of a Support Policy: advancing progress of policy, regulation and
supervision.
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3.
Creation of a supportive physical and social environment. Provide access and the
sports facilities and guidance for physical activity, healthy nutrition in educational
institutions etc.
4.
Serving populations in all stages of life, with an emphasis on marginalized and/or
at-risk populations.
Parallel to the intervention, qualitative and quantitative measures of evaluation were taken:
Main Findings
We observed positive increased involvement of leadership ( 72-130% increase), as well as an
increased engagement of officials and members of the community ( 200-400%)
In the educational system, the percentage of schools which were recognized as advancing
health increased by 58%.
.The agenda for 2015-2016:

Broadening of the program in the municipalities, with an emphasis on the
geographical and social periphery.

Broadening activities in encouragement and support of popular sport and movement.

Increasing investment in sports facilities for physical activity, its mapping and access.

Enlarging schools which advance health and increasing the integration of physical
education and movement in the formal and informal educational systems.

Launching " Efsharibari at the workplace" at a convention of the leaders of business
and industry.

Training and spreading the plan " Efsharibari for the very young".

Reducing prices of basic healthy foods and continuing work with the food industry.

Widening the use of the label of Efsharibari on products and frameworks which match
the criteria to be formulated.

Development and preparation of a goal oriented tool kit for municipalities, broadening
program at municipalities, distribution of public appeal
A discussion on policymaking dilemnas:
1. What is the correct model to incentivize municipalities/localities to operate?
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2. Who plays a leading role in the program – who is the program's champion?
3. What are the unique roles of each of the government ministries?
4. How can we ensure program sustainability?
5. How can we influence policy makers within the Ministry of Sport to act more to
promote sports for all, active life style etc.?
In the Efsharibari program, there is a united effort of all stakeholders, confronting the
challenge to adopt an active and healthy life-style, and advancing it in the community
and within the family, and making it an easier and more accessible part of life, to
enhance the quality of life and create a healthier society.
A 3 minute video clip will be presented during the lecture.
Shlomit Nir Toor
Director of the department for sport for all
Ministry of Culture& Sport
Israel
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