Special Session: Tackling Urban Health Challenges…

Special Session: Tackling Urban Health Challenges in a Changing World - World Urban Forum 11th Session (WUF11, 26–30 June 2022, Katowice, Poland)

As the world transitions through a global pandemic and against a background of unprecedented urbanization, extreme climate events, and conflicts, the health of urban populations is increasingly at risk. Health services are pushed to breaking point and often classic public health interventions are the only option to protect vulnerable citizens. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing health inequities.

Re-thinking urban space is thus important to tackle health both in the re-design of existing cities and towns, and also for the many urban areas yet to be built. This session will present a range of health challenges faced by city leaders and some of the new approaches to managing disease, including tracking, managing epidemics and prevention through improved urban design.

a. How is urbanisation affecting the health and well-being of populations? What are the main challenges and inequalities? b. What have we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of preparedness, response and recovery in urban contexts? How can this inform future action? c. What are the policies and governance measures that can be put in place to address gaps and identify opportunities? d. What are the resulting challenges in cities in conflict including those as a result of migration   e. What can stakeholders, national governments and local governments do? f. How can we assess the needs and provide tools for improvement?