Article Archives

City officials analyzing urban health data for policymaking

How Data Can Improve Your City’s Health

ArticleNovember 24, 2025144Views 0Likes 0Comments

For governments looking to formulate and implement good policy, data is paramount. Data helps us to identify what the issues are, why they exist (or what is causing them) and who are being affected. Without evidence, we are often unable to accurately define an issue. When we formulate solutions, data further supports in showing where…

Runner moving through a sunlit urban underpass, representing finding clear pathways and entry points in complex city systems.

Finding Your City’s Entry Point for Urban Health Action

ArticleNovember 17, 2025236Views 0Likes 0Comments

Urban health can feel overwhelming—but you don't need a complete strategy to start. You need the right entry point. This guide helps city practitioners identify opportunities already present in your city and turn them into real health impact What is an Entry Point? According to Taking a strategic approach to urban health: a guide for…

Skyscrapers connected by digital network icons representing 5G and smart technologies, symbolizing people-centred smart city development in the WHO-SEARO region.

People-Centred Smart Cities: Key insights from WHO-SEARO Healthy Cities Network

ArticleOctober 29, 2025487Views 0Likes 0Comments

Rapid digitalization in the world has propelled national and subnational authorities to accelerate the use of digital technologies to enhance service provision, people participation, and monitoring performances/feedback. Local urban governments are on the forefront to respond to the needs of the people living in cities. However, success in responding to climate changes and other challenges…

design city for youth mental health and well-being

How to Design Cities for Youth Mental Health and Well-being

ArticleOctober 22, 2025783Views 0Likes 0Comments

The Urban Challenge: Why Cities Matter for Youth Mental Health Urbanization stands as the most significant demographic shift of our times. Cities across South and South-East Asia provide access to education, health care, and economic opportunity — yet they also pose risks to mental well-being, especially among young people. Globally, an estimated 75% of mental…

Mental health burden in WHO South-East Asia Region

From Pandemic to Present: Why Mental Health Demands Urgent Action

ArticleOctober 15, 2025915Views 0Likes 0Comments

Every day, millions of people struggle silently with their mental health. For some, it means living with constant anxiety; for others, it is the weight of depression that makes daily life difficult. While already significant before 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has further worsened these challenges. Why Mental Health is Worsening According to the World Health…

How to Communicate Climate Change as a Health Issue

ArticleSeptember 23, 2025501Views 0Likes 0Comments

Climate change is often framed as an environmental crisis, but it is equally — and urgently — a health crisis. Rising heatwaves, worsening air pollution, food insecurity, and the spread of infectious diseases already threaten communities worldwide. For health professionals and communicators, this is both a challenge and an opportunity: framing climate change as a…

Streets for People—Are We Getting it Right?

ArticleSeptember 16, 2025755Views 0Likes 0Comments

The Big Idea: When Climate Solutions Meet Urban Reality Imagine this, busy streets are transformed into quiet walkways with trees, and children can play and neighbors socialize. It is fresh and clean in the air. Cafes are built outside and cars no longer park in the same area, bikers pass by small community gardens, and…

Participatory Approach to Climate-Responsive Healthcare in Pune, India

ArticleAugust 29, 2025756Views 0Likes 0Comments

Based on the Global Climate Risk Index, India is the seventh most vulnerable country to climate change. Its diverse climate zones, terrain and ecosystems make it particularly sensitive to climate change-induced hazards such as disasters, epidemics, crop failures, loss of livelihoods and biodiversity, poverty and displacement, among other dangers. An analysis by the Council on…

Innovation for Emergency Rapid Response in Bangkok, Thailand

ArticleAugust 29, 20252KViews 0Likes 0Comments

Bangkok faces a perfect storm of urban challenges that threaten public health and strain emergency services. As one of the world's rapidly developing megacities with over 10 million residents, the Thai capital grapples with extreme heat, frequent flooding, and notorious traffic congestion that can mean the difference between life and death in medical emergencies. The…

Art in Motion: Laan Me Sook as a Playground for All

ArticleAugust 15, 2025711Views 0Likes 0Comments

In Khung Samphao, a riverside community in Chai Nat Province, Thailand, the “Courtyard of Happiness” is transforming everyday public areas into vibrant hubs of sport, art, and community life. Part of the Healthy Space Next Door initiative, Laan Me Sook offers safe, colorful, and accessible areas for all ages to move, play, and connect—just minutes…

Understanding Climate Mitigation and Urban Challenges: How Cities Are Fighting Climate Change

ArticleJune 30, 20251KViews 0Likes 0Comments

What is Climate Mitigation? Climate mitigation means taking actions to reduce or prevent the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere or to enhance natural systems that absorb these gases. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide trap heat from the sun, warming the planet and causing climate change. Since the industrial era, human activities including…

What Would A Disability-Inclusive Environment Look Like?

ArticleNovember 26, 20242KViews 0Likes 0Comments

1 in 6 of us are persons with disabilities. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 1.3 billion people – or 16% of the world’s population – experience disability nowadays. Despite the prevalence of disability, available evidence points to a global lack of accessibility to urban environments and services. The Disability and Development Report…