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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.

76%

of urban dwellers

live in developing regions

Health issue briefings

Urban Health Initiative
a model process for catalysing change

The Urban Health Initiative (UHI) goes beyond improving access to health care and promoting healthy behaviours, and focuses on how to build cities that...

Air pollution: effects on your body

Air pollution is one of the world’s leading killers. Globally, air pollution causes some 7 million deaths annually from outdoor and household sources....

Air pollution: communications to promote health

Communications and outreach to policy-makers and the wider public are essential to mobilize and sustain support for policy solutions to air pollution...

Tools for cleaner, healthier air in cities

The Urban Health Initiative promotes tools and guidance to assess the health impacts of air pollution and the health benefits of sustainableRead moreImplementing...

Air pollution: economics and urban health

Economics plays a vital role in health policy-making and investments to reduce air pollution; in helping to understand the costs of health care; and...

Sustainable transport for health

Sustainable transport systems can protect and promote health, by reducing risks from vehicular air pollution, physical inactivity and traffic injuries,...

Clean cooking for health

Clean and sustainable household energy and appliances, for cooking, heating and lighting can improve health, increase productivity, reduce poverty and...

Solid waste management, air pollution and health

Waste management options such as recycling, composting, incineration and landfill impact health and well-being in profound ways, particularly for people...

Publications

Economic costs of air pollution in Accra, Ghana

Air pollution is one of the most important global environmental health risks today. Combined with the shift of global populations to living predominantly...

Evidence-based strategies to reduce the burden of household air pollution in Accra, Ghana

Air pollution is one of the most important global environmental health risks today. Combined with the shift of global populations to living predominantly...

Ambient air pollution and health in Accra, Ghana

Accra is a city that has experienced rapid growth in the last decades. According to the last available census, in 2010, the total population of the Greater...

Health and economic impacts of transport interventions in Accra, Ghana

Globally, in 2010, the transport sector accounted for 14% of the greenhouse gases (GHG) budget (1). In developing countries, the rapid pace of motorization...

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