Training Course on Urban Health & Planning for Healthy Cities

Module 1 – Introduction to Urban Health and the Healthy Cities Concept
Topics Covered:
Urbanization trends and their implications for health.
WHO Healthy Cities initiative and global frameworks.
Social determinants of health in urban settings.
quity and inclusion in urban health.
Case Study: Healthy Cities programs in Europe and Asia.

Module 2 – Environmental Determinants of Urban Health
Topics Covered:
Air pollution and respiratory health.
Water, sanitation, and waste management in urban settings.
Climate change, heat islands, and resilience planning.
Urban biodiversity and green spaces.
Group Activity: Mapping environmental health risks in a model city.

Module 3 – Urban Planning, Housing, and Mobility for Healthy Cities
Topics Covered:
Housing design, density, and slum upgrading.
Transportation systems: promoting walking, cycling, and safe public transit.
Urban design for active living and reduced health risks.
Road safety and injury prevention.
Workshop: Designing a health-sensitive urban neighborhood plan.

Module 4 – Governance, Policy, and Multisectoral Action
Topics Covered:
Role of municipalities in health-sensitive planning.
Policy frameworks linking urban development and health (SDGs, New Urban Agenda).
Public–private partnerships for healthy cities.
Intersectoral collaboration: health, environment, housing, transport, and finance.
Simulation Exercise: Developing a governance framework for a city health initiative.

Module 5 – Innovations and Evaluation of Healthy City Initiatives
Topics Covered:
Smart cities and digital health technologies in urban planning.
Community engagement and participatory planning approaches.
Tools for monitoring and evaluating urban health interventions.
Financing mechanisms for sustainable healthy cities.
Capstone Project: Participants develop a healthy city action plan for their own city/region.

Course Outcomes
Comprehensive understanding of the links between urbanization and health.
Skills in designing and evaluating health-sensitive urban policies and projects.
Practical tools for intersectoral and participatory approaches.
Capstone project with actionable strategies for healthier cities.
Certificate of completion