Database
08 Mar 2022
Over 55% of the world’s population live in urban areas – a proportion that is expected to increase to 68% by 2050. This trend calls for strengthened support to address health at the urban level. To this end, WHO’s new repository on urban health gives access to a broad range of WHO-generated resources to enhance local action for health. The repository reflects WHO’s renewed commitment to...
Briefs & Fact Sheets
25 Jan 2022
This video showcases key facts and figures on the impact of tobacco cultivation and smoking on our environment and health.
Report
08 Nov 2021
This report provides a vital snapshot of the overall progress that governments have made in the field of health and climate change to date, as well as insight into what work remains in order to protect their populations from the most devastating health impacts of climate change. The health and climate change country survey is conducted every three years and in addition to tracking global progress,...
Briefs & Fact Sheets
29 Oct 2021
Key facts Over 55% of the world’s population live in urban areas and this is set to rise to 68% by 2050. Almost 40% of urban dwellers have no access to safely managed sanitation services and many lack access to adequate drinking water. An estimated 91% of people in urban areas breathe polluted air. Poorly designed urban transport systems create a range of threats including road traff...
Publication
15 Sep 2021
The Compendium is a comprehensive collection of available WHO and other United Nations (UN) guidance for improving health by creating healthier environments. It provides an overview and easy access of 500 actions, and a framework for thinking about health and environment interventions. It covers a broad range of areas such as air pollution, water, sanitation and hygiene, climate change, chemicals,...
Publication
11 Mar 2021
Air pollution is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, contributing to an estimated 6.7 million deaths worldwide in 2019 - half of which were due to heart disease and stroke. Fine particulate matter and other pollutants infiltrate the bloodstream, damaging blood vessels, raising blood pressure, and increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. Despite its significant...
Publication
13 Oct 2020
The aim of this guidance is to enhance the capacity of health care facilities to protect and improve the health of their target communities in an unstable and changing climate; and to empower health care facilities to be environmentally sustainable, by optimizing the use of resources and minimizing the release of waste into the environment. Climate resilient and environmentally sustainable health...
Report
04 Sep 2020
This report presents the results of an expert consultation whose objectives were to review and assess the current scientific evidence on questions related to protection measures that individuals can take (or so-called personal interventions) to reduce their exposure to air pollution. Such measures include wearing respirators, using indoor portable air filters (cleaners), or avoiding certain pl...
Report
17 Aug 2020
Addressing the challenge of NCDs and road safety requires national and city authorities to work closely together. This report is a call for city leaders to rise to the challenge and show the world how local action can help solve global health problems.
Database
03 Jun 2020
Cities are at the forefront of the COVID-19 crisis. The Partnership for Healthy Cities COVID-19 Response Center is home to practical guidance and tools to support cities in four technical areas: Surveillance and Epidemiology, Communications, Public Health and Social Measures, Legal and Ethical Considerations.
Publication
03 Mar 2020
This policy brief highlights the critical link between air pollution and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), calling for urgent action from policymakers, health professionals, and communities to protect health by improving air quality. It underscores the right to clean air as a fundamental part of the right to health.
Report
03 Mar 2020
This global survey report highlights how community pharmacists can play a vital role in addressing air pollution’s impact on respiratory health. It explores pharmacists’ awareness, current practices, and the barriers and enablers to expanding their role in respiratory care.
