In response to the pressing global challenge posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the urgent need for equitable physical activity policies, the International Movement and Public Health Impact Assessment and Quantitative Tools (IMPAQT) project is set to launch a groundbreaking initiative spanning six countries.
IMPAQT's innovative approach focuses on developing, testing, and promoting policy benchmarking as a powerful tool to enhance policy implementation and accountability. By engaging diverse stakeholders and utilizing cutting-edge methodologies, including the newly developed Physical Activity-Environment Policy Index for Equity (PA-EPIQ), the project will assess the implementation of physical activity policies and their impact on health equity. Through evidence synthesis, validation with policymakers, and engagement with non-governmental experts and citizens, IMPAQT will generate country-specific policy implementation scores and actionable recommendations to bridge implementation gaps.
The project's scope encompasses six countries—Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, and Romania—representing a combined population of 165 million. With the support of an Advisory Board comprised of high-level experts, IMPAQT is poised to contribute to international benchmarks for healthy and equitable physical activity environments. Through its comprehensive approach and collaborative efforts, IMPAQT seeks to empower governments, communities, and stakeholders to enact transformative policies that promote physical activity and reduce health disparities.
For further information please contact:
Professor Catherine Woods
Physical Activity for Health (PAfH)
Email: catherine.woods@ul.ie
and
Dr Kevin Volf
Physical Activity for Health (PAfH) Research Centre
Email: kevin.volf@ul.ie