The role of physical and health education as a solution in solving complex African challenges for sustainable development

Africa faces numerous complex challenges related to Health, Education, economic development, and more. Addressing these challenges requires an interdisciplinary approach that brings together diverse fields and stakeholders. This paper views Physical and Health Education as an important field that can play a key role in such interdisciplinary partnerships for human development and sustainability in Africa. The main focus of this paper is on challenges of sustainable development in Africa, the role of Physical and Health Education in solving complex African challenges and recommendations to strengthen integration of Physical and Health Education with the inter-disciplinary partnership approach. By promoting Physical activity, health literacy, and holistic well-being, Physical Health Education can contribute to improved health outcomes, educational attainment, and economic productivity. This paper centers on how Physical and Health Education programs, when properly implemented through multi-stakeholder partnerships, can help bridge disciplines and drive progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Africa, with particular reference to Northern Nigeria. Recommendations are provided for policymakers, educators, and development practitioners on leveraging Physical and Health Education as part of an integrated approach toward overcoming the complex challenges bedeviling African health economics and holistic well-being for development and sustainability. Prominent among the recommendations made in this paper is integrating Physical and Health Education into national education and health policies, ensuring that it is adequately rescued and prioritized as part of a holistic approach to human development.