Addressing London's modern urban health challenges: learning from other global cities
Abstract
Purpose 150 cities have emerged as notable, with a global population less than 12%, they generate 46% of world’s gross domestic product. These cities show a combination of communicable and non-communicable epidemiology and... [ view full abstract ]
Purpose
150 cities have emerged as notable, with a global population less than 12%, they generate 46% of world’s gross domestic product. These cities show a combination of communicable and non-communicable epidemiology and have stark inequalities and variable provision of primary care. Little comparative work has been published about policies that address city health challenges. It is urgent to move from describing problems towards leading large scale change which will address modern epidemics and reduce demand on healthcare systems.
Method
A small team visited New York to examine in detail how political and professional leaders address a range of complex health challenges. Practical methods were critically appraised with a focus on measurable outcomes over time and how these are communicated to the public. Research questions included; what methods led to large scale change? How important is political leadership? Were the lessons transferable?
Conclusion
Paris and NYC are addressing public health challenges by using evidence and empirical public health methods together with their various assets. Both cities have made differential but firm progress, at least some of which can be attributed to their direct action at various levels of government in each city. These methods and lessons are transferable but require political and in some cases, legal enablers. Evidence plays a crucial role in commencing programmes but social movements guided by exciting ambitions get action. It is important to publicly account for progress, good or bad. It is possible to change the health of urban populations if there is cooperation between political, professional and civil society. This is best done by working from the local level upwards. This is the method London is currently deploying. London has 10 ambitions for how it can be the healthiest global city and were developed in cooperation with key partners across the city.
Authors
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Aaron Mills
(Public Health England London)
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Yvonne Doyle
(Public Health England London)
Topic Areas
I. Urbanization AND Health: what interactions? 1.1 New paradigms, concepts, methods, and t , VI. Research and action 6.1 Collaboration; interaction of researchers; stakeholders 6.2 S , VII. Urban health policies 7.1 Governance and policy frameworks 7.2 Health in all policies
Session
PBAIC-O-04 » Place Based Actions to Prevent Disease and Promote Health In Cities (10:45 - Sunday, 3rd April, TBA)
Paper
ICUH2016_Abstract.docx
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