1,000 cities, 1,000 lives
Urbanization and health. These are the two main axes which has turned this year’s World Health Day held Thursday April 7
The reason is to commemorate this date because on that day in 1948 came into force the Constitution of the World Health Assembly, which was signed by 61 countries and thus was formed the World Health Organization (WHO). The aim was to remember how important it is to support people from all over the world in the care and health protection.
“1,000 cities, 1,000 lives” is the slogan that the World Health Organization has chosen for this edition, which recalls that urbanization does not have to be at odds with healthy living. This year, for the first time in history is achieved by the fact that 50% of the population lives in urban areas.
Global objectives of the campaign
The main objectives this year WHO has set the pass to open public spaces to health. Activities in parks, town meetings, campaigns cleaning of the streets closed to traffic are some of the proposals to be developed along these days in different cities around the world.
The personal part will also fit into this initiative, “A thousand lives” will bring together a thousand stories of urban health promoters that developed through their work have made considerable impact on the health of cities.
The development is presented as a public health challenge
Urbanization is an emerging phenomenon, according to recent studies it is expected that population growth over the next 30 years will occur in urban areas, affecting issues such as water, environment, violence and injuries and non communicable diseases communicable diseases and their risk factors such as snuff consumption, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity … and so much more.
There are solutions
Promoting healthy habits should be part of urban planning by investing in active transportation, design areas for physical activity and the adoption of regulations against snuff and for food safety.
According to the WHO says, “These measures do not necessarily require more funding, but the commitment of redirecting resources to invest in priority interventions, thereby enhancing efficiency.”
Global Initiatives
Since World Health Day, encourages national leadership to promote and participate in various activities such as:
* Close some streets to traffic to provide a new space for exercise.
* Enjoying healthy foods in public urban points.
* Practicing tai chi in parks.
* Biking as a family.
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