how american cities can affect global health

Here, we will discuss the scenario for developing countries like Bangladesh where the vast majority of people are still unserved by basic infrastructure and are already the least able to cope with the increasing impacts of climate change. However, like many humans of less than ideal physiology who commit to conditioning themselves and improving their health by employing scientific knowledge and planning, cities can take a similar approach. In fact, the situation in many developing countries is quite different and sadly, ‘sick cities’ abound. Of course, just as not all of us humans were graced with the genetic and environmental assets that confer perfect health, not all urban development is ideal. Social cohesion - a sense of community in the neighborhood tolerant and safe environment.Housing - a mix of housing types and prices, suitable for living, housing built, or adapted, using environmental principles good outdoor and indoor air quality.Access - less than 30 minutes by mass transit to a range of employment, education, social and cultural opportunities safe walking and cycling paths to a primary and secondary school.Green space - less than 500 metres to parks.Food and goods - less than 500 meters to shops.Transport - less than 500 metres (via paved footpath wide enough for a wheelchair) to a bus, train or tram stop with regular services of at least every 30 minutes, off peak.The ideal healthy and sustainable urban environment looks like this: Unfortunately, these transformations are happening too quickly but in unplanned way and thus many municipalities are unable to find the proper balance necessary for preventing a range of symptoms from developing, which can leave a city rather sick and in turn impact the well-being of residents. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 70 percent of the world’s population will live in cities by the middle of this century. Urbanization is one of the leading global trends having a significant impact on health. But what constitutes a ‘sick city’ and what scenario could make Dhaka healthy? This team from the UNU International Institute for Global Health explores the topic. Creative Commons BY-NC 2.0 (cropped).ĭo you live in a sick city? The citizens of Bangladesh’s capital city would probably say yes, unreservedly.

How american cities can affect global health