On World Cities Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a new report highlighting how urban areas can tackle the increasing challenges posed by noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries. As urbanization is expected to rise to 68% by 2050, the importance of cities in promoting health and well-being is more significant than ever. The report introduces the first set of WHO indicators specifically designed for city-level application, emphasizing cities’ critical role in mitigating major health risk factors.
While monitoring frameworks for NCD prevention and control are well-established at the national level, this report marks the first instance of such an approach being tailored for cities. The indicators focus on eight essential areas: air pollution, alcohol control, overdose prevention, healthy diets, road safety, safe walking and cycling, tobacco control, and NCD and injury surveillance. This guidance aims to assist cities in tracking their progress in preventing and managing NCDs and injuries by outlining key policy interventions and providing a framework for monitoring and assessment.
The report is based on a pilot study conducted from 2021 to 2023, involving 20 cities from various regions, and serves as the first real-world application of these indicators. It underscores the necessity of monitoring and supporting local initiatives in conjunction with global and national efforts.
“Cities are where most of us learn, work, play, and love in today’s world, yet they also present significant health risks. WHO is equipping cities with the tools to create healthier environments,” said Dr. Guy Fones, Ad Interim Director for Noncommunicable Diseases, Rehabilitation, and Disability at WHO. “By leveraging these resources, cities can evaluate their progress and implement policies that promote safer, healthier urban spaces.”
The report assesses the availability of 34 core indicators from the new WHO city-level monitoring framework for NCDs and injuries across the participating cities. It provides an overview of the core indicators by topic and includes city profiles detailing the status of these indicators along with case studies showcasing successful practices in each area.
The pilot findings reveal that many cities have already made strides in addressing the risk factors associated with NCDs and injuries, with all eight areas showing at least one indicator assessed as “advanced.” However, many indicators remain at a “nascent” level, indicating a pressing need for increased support to enable cities to enhance their policies in these critical areas.
Barriers to progress include limited legislative authority, insufficient policy enforcement, and a lack of monitoring capabilities. Greater technical and financial support is essential to strengthen policy actions in these areas.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of cities in improving public health, WHO collaborates with urban centers through various initiatives, including the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a global network committed to creating healthier, safer, and more equitable urban environments by reducing the prevalence of NCDs and injuries.
Additionally, WHO has released the Urban Health Capacities Assessment and Response Resource Kit, providing further tools to assist cities in their efforts to address health challenges, including NCDs and injuries.
