Why urban health cannot be ignored: the way forward.

Urban health is an increasingly relevant and challenging field of action for the European region, and indeed the whole world. Urban health and action at the local level represent a high priority for the European Office of the World Health Organization. The success and appeal of the Healthy Cities concept to politicians, to professionals, and to community activists has resulted in a continuing growth of the movement both within and outside Europe. More than 1200 cities and towns are now involved in the 26 national Healthy Cities networks and several regional networks in Europe. Working directly and closely with a relatively small network of selected fully committed cities (over two 5-year phases: 1988 to 1992 and 1993 to 1997) has proved to be a valuable tool for strategic growth and a source of know-how, legitimacy, and continuous learning. No plan or strategy for health can be serious without systematically addressing poverty, vulnerability, and access to care. The WHO Healthy Cities programme gives emphasis on addressing equity and the social determinants of health through explicit political commitment and integrative policy making and planning.