global movement to make cities healthier

Timing to prepare the next year World Health Day and to collaborate promoting health through citizenship initiatives.

É tempo de preparar o Dia Mundial da Saúde do próximo ano e colaborar promovendo a saúde através de iniciativas de cidadania.

World Health Day 2010

Be part of a global movement to make cities healthier

Sigfus Sigmundsson People cycle at the city centre in Brussels, Belgium on a car-free street day.

World Health Day 2010 will focus on urbanization and health. With the campaign "1000 cities - 1000 lives", events will be organized worldwide calling on cities to open up streets for health activities. Stories of urban health champions will be gathered to illustrate what people are doing to improve health in their cities.

The goal of the campaign is:

• 1000 cities – for 1000 cities to close off portions of streets to traffic for activities promoting better health.
• 1000 lives - to collect 1000 stories of urban health champions who have taken action to improve health in their cities.

:: Register your city/event!

About the theme

The theme for World Health Day 2010 was selected in recognition of the effect urbanization has on our collective health globally and for us individually. Embracing the positive side of urban health goes beyond the roles and responsibilities of government. It includes the contributions that civil society, community groups, architects, engineers, and responsible businesses can make.

The "1000 cities - 1000 lives" campaign is dedicated to bring communities together towards a common goal united around health – municipal authorities, community groups, and individuals. But it also represents an opportunity for people to enjoy exercise, music and being outdoors with friends and neighbours. Local businesses can enjoy increased sales, and all can enjoy the sense of community the day will bring.

Urbanization is associated with many health challenges related to water, environment, violence and injury, noncommunicable diseases (cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases) unhealthy diets and physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol as well as the risks associated with disease outbreaks.