SKLON Translates WHO Guidelines to Boost Health Literacy in Slovakia

En Slovak Obesity Association (SKLON) has marked World Obesity Day 2025 with a landmark achievement: the translation of the WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour (2020) into Slovak.

This work, considered by SKLON to be a major step for health literacy, provides accessible information on the importance of physical activity for the prevention and treatment of obesity and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It also represents a valuable contribution to health policy in Slovakia, offering a foundation for integrating international recommendations into national practice.

Strengthening Policy and Public Awareness

The translated publication is now available on SKLON’s website (www.sklon.sk) and has been formally shared with key government officials, including the Minister of Health Kamil ŠaškoEl Minister of Education, Research, Development and Youth Tomáš Drucker, and the Minister of Tourism and Sports Rudolf Huliak.

In a cover letter accompanying the publication, SKLON urged the state to implement the guidelines across all relevant sectors, ensuring that physical activity and sedentary behaviour recommendations are embedded into health, education, and sports policies.

International Recognition at ECO 2025

The importance of this initiative was recognised at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025), where SKLON had the honour of presenting the publication to Vicki Mooney, representing the Coalición Europea de Personas con Obesidad (ECPO). During the congress, SKLON representatives also attended scientific sessions, with particular interest in the lecture by Prof. Francisco B. Ortega on the role of physical activity in preserving muscle mass during weight loss programmes.

Upcoming Activities

Building on this achievement, SKLON is continuing its public engagement activities:

• En August, SKLON will present its initiatives at the Summer University of Seniors, focusing on promoting physical activity among older adults.

• From September onwards, SKLON will organise awareness events, including Health Days at Piešťany Spa, a workshop at a national conference for general practitioners, and other initiatives aimed at raising awareness and supporting healthier lifestyles across Slovakia.

A Step Forward

With the translation and dissemination of the WHO guidelines, SKLON has provided both policymakers and the public with a practical tool to improve health literacy, promote physical activity, and reduce the burden of obesity and NCDs in Slovakia.