The Municipality of Funchal has been strengthening its intervention in health and well-being promotion, focusing on active aging. Health councilwoman Helena Leal highlighted this commitment during the opening session of the I Conference of the SESARAM Public Health Unit, held at the Colégio dos Jesuítas.
Among the municipal areas of action, the promotion of physical activity stands out, through the Community Centers, Municipal Gyms, and the Senior University. The local authority also focuses on mobility, strengthening the network of sports facilities, and valuing public spaces as places for social interaction and sports practice.
Municipal intervention also includes carrying out screenings and information and awareness campaigns, aiming to prevent diseases, reduce risk factors, combat isolation, and promote physical, mental, and social well-being. Helena Leal underscored the importance of food and health literacy, stating that "an informed population is better prepared to recognize risk factors and adopt preventive behaviors".
Health promotion requires coordinated intervention among different entities. The councilwoman highlighted the partnership between SESARAM, the Public Health Unit, and the Municipality of Funchal. Projects such as Diabetes in Motion, which encourages regular physical exercise for people with type 2 diabetes, were emphasized. Between October 2025 and June 2026, this program conducted 100 sessions at the Funchal Community Center.
The implementation of a multidisciplinary intervention model for obesity in primary healthcare, scheduled to begin in October, was also mentioned. Helena Leal reaffirmed the Municipality of Funchal's commitment to continue being "an active partner in building a healthier and more inclusive city," concluding that "a community's health is built by everyone".
