New Delhi, Nov 9 (IANS): Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan Sunday urged the citizens in the national capital to make health a social movement so that the disease burden of the country can be brought down.

"To keep oneself healthy, walking is the easiest exercise. It is very important to reduce the disease burden of the whole world that has been caused due to physical inactivity. I will be very happy as a health minister of this country if I can make 122 crore Indians walk for least half an hour every day," said Vardhan, flagging off a Max Bupa Walk for Health event held here.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 40-45 percent of the disease burden of the whole world is only because of physical inactivity.

Max Bupa Walk for Health is a joint initiative by Max and Bupa, which has been educating families about the benefits of walking to bring about a positive and long-term sustainable behavioural change in their health and overall well-being.

The event witnessed the participation of 15,000 people, including children, who pledged to incorporate more walking into their daily routine.