Work

Mass gathering events as avenues to healthy lifestyles in the era of non-communicable diseases

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Mass gatherings represent powerful but underutilized platforms for addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This article details how festivals, sporting events, and religious congregations can be strategically used to promote healthy lifestyles and combat key NCD drivers. This article emphasizes the urgent need to move beyond the traditional perceptions of these events as purely recreational or cultural spaces and explore their potential as multi-sectoral health promotion avenues. Mass gathering events can incorporate innovative approaches into their programming to integrate physical activity initiatives, mental wellness programs, nutritional interventions, and environmental sustainability measures. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for transforming mass gatherings into effective public health tools in which the need for collaborative frameworks between health professionals, event planners, and community stakeholders is emphasized.

Source: Mass gathering medicine.

DOI: 10.1016/j.mgmed.2026.100048

Authors: Bislom Chikwanka Mweene, John Nzobokela, Propheria Cheelo Lwiindi, Lweendo Muchaili

Institutions: Mulungushi University, Rusangu University

Language: English

Topic: Physical Activity and Health

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,400