Urban health issues: Photo gallery
All images may be downloaded and used, provided credit is given to WHO and photographers as mentioned with individual photos.
Photos page 1
Urban centres offer cultural, economic, and educational opportunities and can contribute to our well-being. However, urbanization is also associated with many health challenges related to water, environment, violence and injury, noncommunicable diseases as well as the risks associated with disease outbreaks.
City scapes and scenes
By 2030, six out of 10 people will live in cities.
One of the less positive features of urban life is the inequities that exist only kilometers apart.
Urban transport and road safety are challenges for municipalities in all parts of the world.
Heavy traffic can bring pollution, injury risks to pedestrians and cyclists and inhibits physical activity.
Call to action 1: Promote urban planning for healthy behaviours and safety
Urban planning can promote healthy behaviours and safety in many different ways. This includes design for physical activity in cities, where healthy food is available, safe, accessible and affordable, where health services for all are provided and where roads are safe.
Road safety: police officer directing traffic, Kigali, Rwanda.
Access to healthy foods in a market in Pointe Noire, Congo
Call to action 2: Improve urban living conditions
Improvements in housing and housing conditions, control of pollution and improvement in water and sanitation go a long way to mitigating health risks. Land security and tenure is a foundation on which health can be built. Squatter settlements are often illegal but generally represent the only option open to poor people, migrant or local, in search of shelter. Informal settlements are rarely provided with basic social services.
Over 90% of urban slums are in the developing world.
Improving access to safe water and sanitation can bring health improvements.
Call to action 3: Ensure participatory urban governance
Local participatory governance mechanisms should be established that enable communities and local governments to partner in building healthier and safer cities. Good urban governance means paying attention to concerns and planning horizons that extend beyond current needs.
Involving multiple stakeholders in local decision-making.
