Taking a strategic approach to urban health: a guide for decision-makers

Overview

Governments face complex health challenges shaped by the evolving interactions of people and institutions with urban environments; these are compounded as cities expand and urban populations grow. This WHO guide provides a structured framework for addressing such challenges strategically, avoiding the limitations and undesired consequences of fragmented, short-term initiatives.

The comprehensive report reviews what urban health entails, why it matters, and how to make progress through integrated, long-term action. It outlines the case for prioritizing urban health from epidemiologic, economic, equity, and sustainability perspectives, and shows how decisions in diverse sectors—from climate adaptation to digital transformation—affect well-being in cities. The guide centers on the idea that urban health is a shared responsibility and a strategic societal goal that requires coordination across government and with communities, civil society, and the private sector.

It proposes practical approaches to recognizing complexity, leveraging political and policy entry points, and strengthening means of implementation through governance, financing, capacity-building, data systems, evidence-based decision-support, innovation, partnerships, and participation. The guide also provides recommendations for developing comprehensive urban health strategies adaptable to local contexts.

Drawing on contributions from experts and case examples from cities worldwide, the guide positions urban health as essential to sustainable development, equity, and resilience. It offers decision-makers a roadmap to replace siloed actions with coherent strategies that enable all urban residents to thrive now and in the future.