Urban health

Urbanization is one of the leading global trends of the 21st century that has a significant impact on health. By 2050, over 70% of the world’s population will live in cities. The factors influencing urban health include urban governance; population characteristics; the natural and built environment; social and economic development; services and health emergency management; and food security.

While cities can bring opportunities, they can also bring challenges for better health. Today’s cities and those of tomorrow are facing a triple threat: infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, TB, pneumonia, diarrhoeal diseases; noncommunicable diseases like asthma, heart disease, cancer and diabetes; and violence and injuries, including road traffic injuries.

WHO/Anna Kari