Urban health in developing countries: what do we know and where do we go?
1Urban Development and Policy, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, London SE1 0AU, UK. T.Harpham@lsbu.ac.uk
Health & Place
|May 6, 2008
Summary
Urban health is critical as most people now live in cities. This review covers health in developing urban areas, identifying research needs and interventions for better city health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Urban Studies
- Global Health
Background:
- The global population became predominantly urban in 2007, necessitating a focus on urban health.
- Urban environments present unique challenges and determinants affecting population health.
- Low-income urban areas in developing countries face specific health burdens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of knowledge on urban health.
- To identify research and action priorities for urban health.
- To discuss interventions and obstacles in urban health programs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on urban health.
- Analysis of health determinants and outcomes in urban settings.
- Examination of multi-level and multi-sectoral approaches to urban health.
Main Results:
- Urban health requires a multi-level and multi-sectoral approach.
- Key concepts like the 'double burden of ill health' and 'urban penalty' are relevant.
- Interventions like the Healthy Cities project show promise but face implementation challenges.
Conclusions:
- There is a need for a paradigm shift from focusing on 'vulnerability' to promoting 'resilience' in urban populations.
- Effective urban health strategies require addressing complex determinants and fostering inter-sectoral collaboration.
- Further research is needed to understand and improve health outcomes in diverse urban settings.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:28International Nursing Organizations II
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations based in Geneva. The WHO has many initiatives that center around health. Primarily, they lead global efforts to expand universal health coverage using science-based policies and programs. They are also responsible for shaping health research agendas and developing norms and standards.
The WHO provides expert team support, including funding, vaccines, testing, and treatment tools at the country level to fight...
The WHO provides expert team support, including funding, vaccines, testing, and treatment tools at the country level to fight...
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural Health Centers
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
01:26Principles of Disease Surveillance
Disease surveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice. This process integrates data dissemination to entities responsible for preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Surveillance systems provide crucial information for action, helping public health authorities make informed decisions to manage and prevent outbreaks, ensure public safety, optimize...
01:26Introduction to Epidemiology
Epidemiology, known as the cornerstone of public health, involves studying the distribution and determinants of health-related events in defined populations and applying these insights to control health issues. This is essential for understanding how diseases spread, identifying populations at greater risk, and implementing measures to control or prevent outbreaks. Epidemiology addresses not only infectious diseases but also non-communicable conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease,...