Healthy Cities -
The WHO Healthy Cities Programme
The Cardiff Health Alliance is co-ordinating Cardiff's World Health Organization (WHO) Healthy City programme.
The WHO Healthy Cities programme, launched in Lisbon in 1986, engages local governments in health development through a process of political commitment, partnership-based planning and innovative projects. It puts a special emphasis on health inequalities and urban poverty, the needs of vulnerable groups, and the social, economic and environmental determinants of health. It also strives to include health considerations in economic, regeneration and urban development efforts.
The Healthy Cities approach is a framework to which multiple existing collaborations, projects and initiatives can be linked, across many different health determinants.
Phase V (2009-2013) of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network: Goals and Requirements
In September 2008, the WHO issued the Official Call for Expression of Interest to Phase V (2009 -13) and Cardiff responded with a formal submission of expression of interest from the Council Leader.
Phase V will have the overarching goal of Health and Health Equity in all local policies. Cities will be expected to address the health impacts of policies and strategies as well as health inequalities, social inclusion and the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. Phase V will have three core themes:
Core Theme 1 - Caring and Supportive Environments
Important issues:
- Better outcomes for all children
- Age-friendly cities
- Migrants and social inclusion
- Active citizenship
- Health and social services
- Health literacy
- Healthy Living
- Healthy Urban Environment & Design.
Core Theme 2 - Healthy Living
Important issues:
- Preventing noncommunicable diseases
- Local health systems
- Tobacco-free cities
- Alcohol and drugs
- Active living
- Healthy food and diet
- Violence and injuries
- Healthy settings
- Well being and happiness.
Core Theme 3 - Healthy Urban Environment and Design
Important issues:
- Healthy urban planning
- Housing and regeneration
- Healthy transport
- Climate change and public health emergencies
- Safety and security
- Exposure to noise and pollution
- Healthy urban design
- Creativity and liveability.
Cardiff Application
Cardiff submitted its application to the WHO on June 11 2009, along with supporting documentation.
In October Cardiff received notification that the application was successful and Cardiff was designated as a Healthy City in Phase V of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network.
Cardiff launched its Healthy City programme in January 2010 to engage with wider stakeholders to develop a detailed plan of action for the next 5 years.
