On World Cities Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a call to action for national and municipal leaders to revamp urban areas into hubs of health, equity, and sustainability. Currently, more than 4.4 billion people reside in urban environments, a number expected to rise to nearly 70% by 2050. In these cities, health disparities, environmental concerns, and economic challenges intersect, presenting both substantial risks and unique opportunities for advancement.
The WHO’s new guide, titled “Taking a Strategic Approach to Urban Health,” was launched to provide concrete strategies aimed at addressing the multifaceted health challenges that urban populations face. The organization highlighted that the most severe health issues often occur in slums and informal settlements, where approximately 1.1 billion individuals struggle with unsafe housing, inadequate sanitation, and food insecurity. Alarmingly, this number is projected to triple by 2050.
Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director General for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care at WHO, emphasized the importance of collaborative action among decision-makers. “This is a moment for decision-makers at every level to act together,” he stated. The guide offers a comprehensive framework for national and municipal leaders, planners, and communities to work collaboratively across various sectors to create healthier and more equitable urban futures.
The WHO’s findings illustrate significant health inequities in urban settings. A study encompassing 363 cities across nine Latin American countries revealed life expectancy gaps of up to 14 years for men and 8 years for women, based on the health status of different cities. Urban residents often confront overlapping risks, such as air pollution, inadequate transportation, and insufficient housing. Each year, air pollution contributes to the deaths of around 7 million people globally, with almost every city dweller exposed to air that does not meet WHO quality standards.
Urban environments have emerged as key influencers on public health, simultaneously driving significant global challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity. Consequently, cities stand at the forefront of addressing today’s health issues while also serving as platforms for transformative change. WHO advocates that strategic actions in urban health not only foster equity but also create resilient urban spaces conducive to sustainable economic development.
In various cities, decision-makers are actively incorporating community input into urban health initiatives. In neighborhoods like Dandora in Nairobi, Kenya, Suva, Fiji, Makassar, Indonesia, and Coimbra, Portugal, local voices are shaping health-centric urban designs. According to Dr. Etienne Krug, Director of Health Determinants, Prevention and Promotion at WHO, “Cities are key to advancing public health.”
The guide underscores that health should not be viewed as solely the responsibility of one sector; rather, it requires cohesive action from multiple sectors. Urban authorities’ decisions regarding clean air, safe housing, and active mobility directly influence the health of billions. To build healthier and fairer futures, WHO encourages aligning these everyday choices with broader societal goals.
“Taking a Strategic Approach to Urban Health” outlines actionable steps for governments to adopt a more integrated approach to urban health. WHO stresses the essential role local and national governments play in harmonizing health initiatives with other societal objectives, making urban areas not only more livable but also more just and sustainable.
In conjunction with the guide, WHO is launching the first three modules of an Urban Health E-learning course, hosted by the WHO Academy. This initiative aims to enhance collaborative capacities in urban contexts, equipping leaders and communities with the knowledge needed to implement effective health strategies in rapidly evolving urban environments.
