Urban Health Challenges: The WHO’s Assessment and Recommendations

More than half of the world’s population lives in cities. Cities are responsible for more than 60% of greenhouse gas emissions. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies several factors that undermine the health of these urban populations: due to poor housing conditions, transportation, pollution, waste management, and inadequate sanitation, there is an increase in noncommunicable and infectious diseases, as well as heightened risks of violence and accidents, particularly traffic accidents. Furthermore, health inequalities are particularly pronounced in urban areas. In light of this, the WHO advocates a "systemic" approach to urban health, meaning the consideration of all health determinants: the characteristics of urbanization are clearly identified as a priority determinant of health and well-being. To achieve this, health must be integrated into all city policies.

Author(s): Roebbel Nathalie-Laure, Toroyan Tamitza

Publishing year: 2022

Pages: 19-22

Health in Action, 2022, n° 459, p. 19-22

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