Environtmental and Global Health

Posts Tagged ‘World Health Day’

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. Read the rest of this entry »

The World Health Day 2010 (7 April) will focus on urbanization and health. The theme reflects the desire to recognize the effects of urbanization on both our collective health on a global scale, as in the health of every one of us.

Virtually all population growth over the next 30 years will take place in urban areas. It affects such matters as water, environment, violence and injuries, non communicable diseases and their risk factors such as the use of snuff, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol and risks of disease outbreaks.

The urban planning can promote healthy habits and safety through investment in active transport, the design of areas for physical activity and the adoption of regulations against snuff and for food safety. It can also promote the improvement of urban living conditions in the areas of housing, water and sanitation. A city that is accessible and inclusive quality of life for all ages will benefit all its inhabitants.

As part of the campaign thousand cities, a thousand lives during the week from 7 to April 11, 2010 will be organized events around the world:

* Mil cities: open to the public streets, public spaces open to health, either for activities in parks, town meetings, cleanups, or close some streets to motor traffic.

* A thousand lives: tell the story of the local promoters of Urban Health, to collect a thousand stories of urban health advocates, for their efforts, have had a considerable impact on the health of their cities.