Publications

Nature, biodiversity and health: an overview of interconnections (2021)

This report provides an overview of the impacts of the natural environment on human health. It presents the ways nature and ecosystems can support and protect health and well-being, and describes how nature degradation and loss of biodiversity can threaten human health.

Urban redevelopment of contaminated sites: a review of scientific evidence and practical knowledge on environmental and health issues (2021)

The consultation was structured as a discussion of the evidence on environmental and health impacts of remediation, a review of European redevelopment case studies and a reflection on the applicability of impact assessment tools during remediation and redevelopment processes.

Supporting healthy urban transport and mobility in the context of COVID-19 (2020)

The recommendations in this guidance are supportive of Prescription 5 of the manifesto, on building healthy and liveable cities.

Moving around during the COVID-19 outbreak

These information sheets provide WHO advice on “Moving around during the COVID-19 outbreak”. Other formats including a larger one-sided poster, or layouts showing printer margins, are available for download at the link below.

Statement of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and the WHO Regions for Health Network on Safe Mobility and Transport for Urban Populations (2020)

3rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety "Achieving Global Goals 2030" Stockholm, Sweden, 19-20 February 2020

The versatility of health impact assessment: experiences in Andalusia and other European settings (2019)

This publication describes experience gained in health impact assessment (HIA) implementation in Andalusia over the last five years and includes case studies from Andalusia and other European settings.

Implementation framework for Phase VII (2019–2024) of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network: goals, requirements and strategic approaches (2019)

The Implementation Framework document outlines the overall goals and development themes of Phase VII (2019–2024) of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network, and explains the application process for cities and national networks interested in joining.

Almaty Acclamation of Mayors: Cities at the Frontline of Health and Well-Being for All (2018)

The Almaty Acclamation of Mayors was adopted at the WHO European Healthy Cities Network Summit of Mayors in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 24 October 2018.

Belfast Charter for Healthy Cities (2018)

This Charter expresses the commitment of political leaders of cities in Europe to promote health and well-being, keep the world safe, and protect the vulnerable, in line with WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work adopted at the World Health Assembly in May 2018.

Urban green space interventions and health: A review of impacts and effectiveness. Full report (2017)

The findings show that interventions to increase or improve urban green space can deliver positive health, social and environmental outcomes for all population groups, particularly among lower socioeconomic status groups.

Copenhagen Consensus of Mayors. Healthier and happier cities for all (2018)

A transformative approach for safe, inclusive, sustainable and resilient societies

Urban green spaces: a brief for action (2017)

Urbanization results in an increasing proportion of the population living in cities. In Europe it is expected that around three quarters of the population will live in urban settings by 2020. Urban living limits access to nature and can increase exposure to certain environmental hazards, such as air and noise pollution.

Urban green space and health: intervention impacts and effectiveness (2017)

Report of a meeting Bonn, Germany, 20–21 September 2016

Urban green spaces and health - a review of evidence (2016)

This report summarizes evidence of health benefits, discusses pathways to health and evaluates health-relevant indicators of urban green space.

National healthy cities networks in the WHO European Region. Promoting health and well-being throughout Europe (2015)

This book has two parts: the analysis of the multifaceted work and achievements of 20 WHO-accredited national networks and a profile of each of them, focusing on its organization, special features and achievements.

City fact sheets: WHO European Healthy Cities Network (2015)

This publication is a compilation of facts about 100 cities in nearly 30 of the 53 countries in the WHO European Region that were members of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network in Phase V.

Healthy cities. Promoting health and equity – evidence for local policy and practice. Summary evaluation of Phase V of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network (2014)

This publication summarizes the evaluation of Phase V (2009–2013) of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network.

Smart governance for health and well-being: the evidence (2014)

Governance for health describes the attempts of governments and other actors to steer communities, whole countries or even groups of countries in the pursuit of health as integral to well-being. This study tracks recent innovations to address the priority determinants of health and categorizes them into five strategic approaches to smart governance for health.

Terms of Reference and accreditation requirements for membership in the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks Phase VI (2014-2018)

Implementing a Health 2020 vision: governance for health in the 21st century. Making it happen (2013)

The WHO Regional Office for Europe commissioned this report to support the implementation of the Health 2020 policy framework. The Russian version of this publication is also available.

Health literacy. The solid facts (2013)

As societies grow more complex and people are increasingly bombarded with health information and misinformation, health literacy becomes essential. People with strong health literacy skills enjoy better health and well-being, while those with weaker skills tend to engage in riskier behaviour and have poorer health.

Governance for health in the 21st century (2012)

This study was commissioned to provide the evidence base for the new European health policy, Health 2020. Calling for a health-in-all-policies, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, Health 2020 uses governance as a “lens” through which to view all technical areas of health. The Russian version of this publication is also available.

Addressing the social determinants of health: the urban dimension and the role of local government (2012)

This report summarizes the evidence on the social determinants of health in the urban context, drawing on the findings of the global Commission on Social Determinants of Health and the European review of social determinants of health and the health divide.

Healthy cities tackle the social determinants of inequities in health: a framework for action (2012)

This report provides practical guidance for taking action to address health inequalities at the local level. It offers helpful explanations of key concepts and offers examples of how to go about making a case and deciding which interventions to use to tackle more effectively the social determinants of health and increase commitment to addressing the causes of inequalities.