The World Health Organization (WHO) is expanding efforts to improve urban health by equipping professionals with practical skills to address health inequalities and support sustainable city development. With urban populations expected to account for 68% of the global population by 2050, cities face increasing challenges linked to air pollution, inadequate housing, poor sanitation, extreme heat and unhealthy living environments.
For the second consecutive year, the WHO Academy and WHO Urban Health Unit conducted a four-week training programme, bringing together 73 participants from 27 countries across all six WHO regions. The participants, selected from more than 120 applications, represented government departments, academic institutions, civil society organisations and healthcare authorities.
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The programme focused on applying the Urban Health Capacity Assessment and Response Resource Kit to real-world challenges. Through interactive sessions and group activities, participants explored urban health priorities, assessed local challenges and developed draft action plans for their respective communities.
“Creating healthier cities requires more than technical solutions. It requires people and institutions that can work across sectors, understand where capacity is strongest and where gaps remain, and turn that knowledge into coordinated action. This training is helping to build a global community of practitioners equipped to place health and equity at the heart of urban development,” said Dr Nathalie Roebbel, WHO Technical Lead, Urban Health.
The initiative also highlighted the importance of collaboration across healthcare, transport, housing, food systems and environmental planning. By strengthening local expertise and developing future trainers, WHO aims to help cities place public health and equity at the centre of urban development. The next training programme is scheduled for 2027.
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