South-East Asia
Healthy Cities Network
Healthy cities aim to create preconditions for maximum impact and innovation, addressing the root causes of ill health and unhealthy behaviors. These cities should have three explicit concepts and methods
– World Health Organization, 2020
Call for application
Background
Rapid urbanization is evident in almost every country in South-East Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Maldives, and Thailand. While urbanization has provided opportunities for employment, education, and socio-economic development, it has also brought about several adverse health problems for urban dwellers. These urban health problems are caused by distinct factors called health determinants which are physical, social, and economic environments that affect people’s health conditions, lifestyles, and behaviors. Adequacy of medical and health services for the urban population particularly the poor and people in vulnerable situations (e.g., those living with disabilities, domestic workers, and migrant population) also determines the health conditions of the urban population. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated urban health inequities and significantly raised the importance of the local government’s readiness to address health determinants before, during, and after public health emergencies.
The 9th WHO Global Conference on Health Promotion in 2016 resulted in the Shanghai Declaration and Mayor’s Consensus for a Healthy City committed by several cities around the world. WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) established a regional Healthy Cities Network (HCN) and Regional Laboratory on Urban Governance for Health and Well-Being (Regional Lab on UGHW) in 2021. HCN is one of the strategic actions to synergize multisectoral actions addressing urban health determinants and promoting inclusive and equitable cities, during and in the aftermath of COVID-19. Solutions to urban health problems require the effective involvement of government, non-governmental organizations, private sectors, and communities both in health and non-health sectors (e.g., industry, transport, labor, education, commerce/trade, municipal utilities and services, urban planning, etc.). This initiative can improve the health and well-being of the increasing urban population, as well as accelerate health and development sectors to achieve Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 3, 11, and 17. Cities in South-East Asia Region will benefit from lessons learned in other cities and networks when they join the SEAR Healthy Cities Network.
Benefits of joining the regional network
Recognition and reputation as a designated healthy city by the World Health Organization.
Opportunity to make investment case for healthier societies that attracted interests from various partners.
Guidance and support from national and regional experts, researchers, and practitioners to improve their respective cities to become healthier and more resilient cities.
Opportunity to collaborate with other international and regional organizations, universities, and cities in the region for joint learning and/or co-create development projects.
Demonstration of good practices and local innovation promoting health and well-being of the cities/communities to the regional and global platforms.
Objectives
STRENGTHEN
FACILITATE
JOINT LEARNING
BUILD CITY CAPACITIES
Membership Eligibility
- A city within the WHO South-East Asia Region’s countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, DPR Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor Leste)
- Officially and legally defined as a city, town, or municipality.
- Mayor, governor, city authorities and local government entities that have authority within a given territory and are responsible for urban health-related policy and development.
- Affiliated organizations working closely with city authorities (e.g., academic institutions, professional associations, foundations, non-profit organizations, etc.)