Empowering cities to shape a healthier future

News

Urbanization is rapidly increasing across the globe, bringing with it a unique set of public health challenges. As cities continue to expand, local authorities play a vital role in addressing these concerns by focusing on local solutions and working collaboratively to improve public health outcomes in their cities.

Each city has its unique set of challenges, and local authorities are best equipped to understand the nuances of these issues. For example, in Copenhagen, authorities are rethinking development plans in coordination with residents to make the city safer and boost biodiversity and social cohesion, while in Malmö, a digital dementia guide has been launched to help relatives of people suffering from dementia.

One of the most significant ways local authorities can improve public health is by investing in urban infrastructure. “Local authorities have a key role to play in urban health,” Cambridge researcher Meelan Thondoo told us in a recent interview. “They are responsible for providing essential services such as water, sanitation, waste management, transport, and housing, which have a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of urban residents.”

Thondoo also emphasised how this infrastructure also includes creating “healthy environments that promote physical activity, social cohesion, and mental health” for the residents. “For example, by designing walkable and bikeable streets, green spaces, and public spaces that are safe and accessible for all.”

Local authorities have the power to tackle the social determinants of health, which are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. In Rome, measures aimed at curbing air pollution under the “Green Belt” umbrella have been introduced, showcasing how local authorities can address social determinants of health and create healthier environments for their residents.

Community engagement is crucial in fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for public health initiatives. By involving residents in the decision-making process and promoting local participation, authorities can create a strong sense of collective responsibility for public health. In Copenhagen, city authorities developed a plan in cooperation with residents based on traffic tests and analyses, demonstrating the importance of including community input in urban planning decisions.

Athens recently received international recognition for its efforts in drug overdose prevention at the inaugural “Partnership for Healthy Cities” (PHC) Summit in London. The Greek parliament has also taken significant steps to simplify the availability of naloxone, a life-saving antidote for drug overdoses. The Athens Naloxone program, which began three years ago, demonstrates how investing in public health infrastructure can save lives and improve overall wellbeing.

Collaboration and multi-sectoral partnerships are essential in addressing the complex and interrelated challenges of urban health. Local authorities can foster these partnerships with stakeholders such as civil society, academia, the private sector, and the health sector to drive meaningful change. Furthermore, local authorities can leverage their political power and influence to advocate for urban health at the national and global level, as highlighted by Thondoo.

Cities can significantly improve public health by utilizing data and evidence to inform decision-making and policy development. By collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data on health indicators, disease patterns, and social determinants of health, local authorities can identify areas of concern and prioritize interventions that are most likely to be effective. Leveraging data-driven insights enables cities to allocate resources more efficiently, monitor the impact of their initiatives, and adapt strategies as needed.

The role of cities in public health is multifaceted, encompassing everything from urban planning and infrastructure to policy development and community engagement. Local authorities have the power to transform public health in their cities, creating healthier environments and better lives for their residents. By prioritizing public health and working collaboratively with various stakeholders, local authorities can continue to drive positive change in the face of rapid urbanization and create a brighter future for all.

Local authorities have the potential to make a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of their residents. By learning from the successes of cities such as Copenhagen, Malmö, Athens, Rome and others, cities worldwide can work towards creating healthier, more sustainable, and more resilient urban environments for generations to come.

(Photo credit: Marovector / Freepik)