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Thousands walk on Ethiopia Car Free Day

Sunday December 09 2018
Ethiopia

Thousands join the Car Free Day in Ethiopia on December 9, 2018 to promote healthy living. PHOTO | BBC

By BBC

Thousands of people Sunday marked Car Free Day in cities across Ethiopia by walking and exercising.

Major roads were shut as Health minister Amir Aman led the walk in the capital, Addis Ababa.

It was the first Car Free Day held in Ethiopia to promote healthy living, and to reduce pollution on roads usually clogged with traffic.

Tents were also set to offer free health checks to those who were walking and exercising.

Walk together

Generally, city-dwellers in Ethiopia are not in the habit of exercising, the BBC's Amensisa Negera reports from Addis Ababa.

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Mr Amir is trying to change that and Car Free Day will be held on the last Sunday of each month, he adds.

Mr Amir hailed the event, held in seven cities, a success.

"Thank you for everyone who participated and supported the event. We shine when we walk together and build a healthy Ethiopia," he said.

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