WHO launches renewed repository on urban health

NEW DELHI: The World Health Organisation launched a repository on urban health that reflects the organisation’s renewed commitment to promote urban health worldwide. Over 55 per cent of the world’s population currently resides in urban areas, and the proportion is expected to increase to 68 per cent by 2050. The repository gives access to a broad range of WHO-generated resources to enhance local action for health.

It includes resources that provide technical support and build capacity, strategic reports and guidelines, health impact assessment tools, and other products relevant to urban health and cities. The repository is a living resource, making it open to modifications and additions. It will be regularly updated when new products become available. Topics such as urban planning, housing, environmental issues, transport and mobility, nutrition, physical activity, COVID-19, etc. have been covered in the repository.

A feature of search engine has also been added in the repository to allow users to access existing WHO materials by health topic category, product type, geographical area and year of publication or development. The initial content in the repository is based on a structured, non-exhaustive, technical mapping exercise. It identifies WHO activities and products across the organisation. WHO is expecting the repository to assist researchers, practitioners, community actors, government and city officials, NGO representatives, private sector agents, civil society members, donors, development partners, multilateral agencies and others in all Member States in the journey towards better urban health.