The Ivorian football star Didier Drogba has signed to the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote the value of sport for healthier and happier life. 

The striker is best known internationally for his long and record-setting career at Chelsea Football Club, and for having been named African Footballer of the Year in 2006, and 2009. He is the all-time top scorer and former captain of the Ivory Coast national team, according to WHO.  

He also has a long track record off the pitch, of participating in various campaigns to promote healthy lifestyles, anti-malaria campaigns, and HIV prevention and control, the organization added. 

During the announcement of his new role, in Geneva on Monday, Drogba said he was honoured to work with WHO in supporting organization's activities to help people reach the highest level of health.

“I have benefited first-hand from the power of sports to lead a healthy life and I am committed to working with WHO to share such gains worldwide”, he said.  

WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the successful striker as “a proven champion and game changer both on and off the pitch.” 

For Tedros, the athlete’s support can help curb the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) through the promotion of healthy lifestyles.  

“We are pleased to have him playing on our team, and helping communities worldwide reach and score goals through sports for their physical and mental health and well-being”, Tedros said.  

According to the WHO chief, Drogba will also support the mobilization of the international community to “promote sports as an essential means for improving the physical, mental health and social well-being of all people, including in helping coronavirus pandemic recovery efforts. 

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of physical activity. According to WHO, up to five million deaths a year could be averted if the global population was more active.   

Current global estimates show four in five adolescents, and one in four adults, do not do enough physical activity, the organization stated. 

Globally this is estimated to cost $54 billion in direct healthcare costs, and another US$14 billion to lost productivity. 

Increased physical inactivity also hurts health systems, the environment, economic development, community well-being, and quality of life. 

Regular physical activity helps lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and various types of cancer, including breast cancer and colon cancer. 

Drogba’s announcement as a WHO Goodwill Ambassador was made during a ceremony to launch the Healthy 2022 World Cup – Creating Legacy for Sport and Health. 

The initiative is a partnership between Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health and its Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, WHO and world football’s governing body, FIFA, to promote sports during next year’s World Cup in Qatar.