Implementing the Urban Health Initiative

A city’s most important asset is the health of its citizens. Yet 7 million premature deaths annually are attributed to air pollution, most in developing cities with rapid growth. Interventions to address air pollution in sectors such as transport, energy and waste may also bring additional health benefits or unintended health harms, which emphasizes the importance for local stakeholders, within and beyond the health sector, to have the tools and guidance needed for a comprehensive assessment of policies and interventions.

The WHO Urban Health Initiative (UHI) aims to reduce deaths and diseases associated with air and climate pollutants, and enhance health co-benefits from policies to tackle urban air pollution and short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) – saving lives by linking health, environment and sustainable development. UHI mobilizes and empowers the health sector to use its influential position to promote the implementation of air and climate pollutant reduction strategies, provides tools and guidance for decision-makers to assess potential health benefits and health risks, and demonstrate to the public the full range of health, economic and climate benefits that can be achieved from implementing local emission reduction policies and strategies.

Cities are uniquely positioned to work against air pollution, with actions that reduce air pollution's health and economic burden, while creating an urban environment that promotes health and fosters vibrant communities.