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Urbanisation and infectious diseases in a globalised world
Emilie Alirol1, Laurent Getaz, Beat Stoll
1Division of International and Humanitarian Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Primary Care, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
The Lancet. Infectious Diseases
|January 29, 2011
Summary
Urban growth significantly impacts global health, increasing infectious disease transmission in cities. Future town planning must prioritize health to mitigate these risks.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Urban Studies
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The global population is rapidly urbanizing, with projections indicating a near doubling of the urban population by 2050, primarily in developing nations.
- Cities serve as critical hubs for infectious disease transmission due to international travel and migration patterns.
- Rapid urbanization presents significant challenges and changes to infectious disease dynamics worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the profound effects of exponential urban growth on global health.
- To emphasize the role of cities as transmission hubs for infectious diseases.
- To advocate for the integration of health considerations into urban planning strategies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of United Nations population projections regarding urban growth.
- Review of the impact of international travel and migration on disease transmission in urban settings.
- Synthesis of current understanding of infectious disease dynamics in urban environments.
Main Results:
- Urban population is projected to reach 6.3 billion by 2050, with most growth in developing countries.
- Cities are increasingly recognized as key centers for the spread of infectious diseases, evidenced by recent pandemics.
- Physicians require heightened awareness of evolving infectious disease patterns in urban areas.
Conclusions:
- Urbanization significantly influences global health, particularly concerning infectious disease transmission.
- Integrating health considerations into urban planning is crucial for managing and reducing future infectious disease burdens.
- Proactive health strategies are necessary to address the challenges posed by increasing global urbanization.
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