Article Archives

Illustration of government-led urban transport planning showing inclusive mobility, with public transit, pedestrians, a wheelchair user, and a person using a white cane sharing the same pathway.

Different Paths, Same Goal: How Governments Enable Disability Inclusion through Tech

Article4 hours ago10Views 0Likes 0Comments

Cities around the world are rapidly digitalising. Transport systems are becoming smarter, public services are moving online, and artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in urban life. For persons with disabilities, these shifts can either remove long-standing barriers—or create new forms of exclusion if accessibility is overlooked. Disability-inclusive technology has therefore become a critical issue for…

A South Asian mixed-use city street showing diverse people—including an older adult, a wheelchair user, a child, and other pedestrians—using walkable streets, accessible crossings, and public transport in an inclusive urban environment.

Inclusive and Universal Design for Healthy Cities

ArticleJanuary 19, 2026121Views 0Likes 0Comments

Inclusive and universal design are essential approaches for creating healthy cities that celebrate human diversity, ability, age, and lived experience. Our societies are composed of diverse persons, each unique with distinct identities and perspectives. As we design our cities, it is therefore essential to ask: Who are we designing for? Urban design must begin with the…

Women sitting in urban public space, representing safer cities and gender-responsive urban governance.

She RISES Framework: Creating Safer, Gender-responsive Cities

ArticleDecember 22, 2025257Views 0Likes 0Comments

In 2016, WHO Member States endorsed the Global plan of action to strengthen the role of the health system within a national multisectoral response to address interpersonal violence, in particular against women and girls, and against children. As UGHW renews our commitment during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we review what women’s…

Women and community members using an inclusive public park in Nepal designed with gender-responsive features

How Gender-Responsive Public Spaces Are Transforming Nepal’s Cities for Women

ArticleDecember 17, 2025643Views 0Likes 0Comments

Why do gender-responsive public spaces matter? Nepal's cities are seeing brisk changes, with new climate hazards and rapid urbanisation. These shifts have placed considerable strain on existing infrastructure, alongside growing concerns about accessibility for vulnerable populations. Gender-responsive public spaces play a critical role in ensuring that urban growth supports the safety, health, and daily mobility…

City officials analyzing urban health data for policymaking

How Data Can Improve Your City’s Health

ArticleNovember 24, 2025423Views 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, 2025554Views 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, 2025743Views 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, 20251KViews 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, 20252KViews 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, 2025753Views 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, 20251KViews 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, 2025966Views 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…