Urban Health Matters

Historically, the city has been an engine of economic growth, a centre of culture, and a generator of ideas. But while human potential is infinite, resources are finite. Urbanization creates problems, but healthy cities can solve them. A billion people now live in the world’s urban slums. The urban population of Asia is expected to double between 2000 and 2030. The health sector needs to take the lead in calling attention to the enormous implications of this growth in cities for the health of the people who live and work in them.

On 7 April 2010, World Health Day, WHO will focus on the theme of Urbanization and Health.