The WHO European Healthy Cities Network: a response to the COVID-19 pandemic close to the people
As COVID-19 spreads across the world, some cities have become national epicentres of the pandemic, amplifying the spread and transmission of infection, with their dense population and transport networks. Globally, and in the WHO European Region, city governments and local community organizations are key players in an effective response, and are at the forefront of curtailing the epidemic in many countries. As well as putting into place and giving guidance on measures to reduce the risk of infection, local/municipal authorities have easy access to their communities and are well placed to provide direction and support to mitigate some of the longer term economic and social impacts of physical distancing measures.
- Cities are often national and international epicentres in the COVID-19 pandemic. Cities act as centres of community transmission, as well as entry points into further country-wide transmission through national and international travel and trade. They also often serve as points for health-care surge.
- Cities are the closest level of government to the people. Municipal governments work most closely with people, including vulnerable groups. They are an additional entry point to reaching people and engaging them as part of the solution, with risk communication and public health messaging and advice, and with guidance from both the national authorities and WHO.
- Cities are operational partners of national government. They are key actors in national preparedness and response plans, essential providers of services, and are central to creating a sustainable future.
The WHO European Healthy Cities Network is a key partner for WHO/Europe in supporting Member States and their cities and municipalities. It is a platform from which to share experiences and lessons learned, promote solidarity, and coordinate support in cities across the Region. It is also a vehicle for supporting the city-level implementation of guidance from WHO and national authorities, as well as regional and national response plans – such as the WHO Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, and the country preparedness and response plans. National networks of Healthy Cities also act as partners in their respective national responses.
There are many examples of good practice taking place in cities across the European Region, and these are captured in the reports of the COVID-19 dedicated meetings of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network, which are available below, along with other resources.
