Today World Health Day

Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 2:07 pm

ISLAMABAD,PAKISTAN NEWS : Like other parts of the globe, World Health Day is being observed in Pakistan on Wednesday with focus on urbanization and health.

The theme of World Health Day 2010 “urbanization and health” was selected in recognition of the formidable health challenges faced in urban settings.

“1000 Cities, 1000 Lives” will be part of a global campaign designed to raise awareness of the potential effects of urbanization on the health of individuals and communities, and undertake activities to protect and promote health in cities.

Various events will be organized on the day at various levels calling cities to open up streets for health activities.

More than half of the world’s population lives in cities, and this proportion is growing. It is estimated that by 2030, 60% population will be living in urban areas.

The growing trend of urbanization brings many risks, including high population growth rates, air pollution, road traffic crashes, water and sanitation problems, food shortages, lack of sports and recreation facilities, congestion, growth of slum areas, etc.

Urbanization is the main source of many social challenges, many of which directly or indirectly impact the health and livelihood of people living in the cities.

Many health challenges are associated with urbanization, i.e water, environment, violence and injury, noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors like tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity as well as the risks associated with disease outbreaks.

The major drivers or social determinants of health in urban settings are beyond the health sector, including physical infrastructure, access to social and health services, local governance, and the distribution of income and educational opportunities.

According to health experts, solutions exist to tackle the root causes of urban health challenges. Better urban planning can promote healthy behaviours and safety through investment in active transport, designing areas to promote physical activity and passing regulatory controls on tobacco and food safety.

They said improving urban living conditions in the areas of housing, water and sanitation will go a long way to mitigate health risks.

Such actions do not necessarily require additional funding, but commitment to redirect resources to priority interventions, thereby achieving greater efficiency, they added.

Today World Health Day

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