Abstract
Half the world’s population currently lives in urban centres and this share will continue to rise. Urban centres have a crucial role in the social and economic development of countries. As places where people live and co-exist, the urban environment and urban living conditions play a critical role in people’s health. Local government is the government institution closest to citizens and the one that is best placed to acquaint itself with city problems. Thus, it is a key contributor to improvements in the health and quality of life of its citizens and of all social groups. The World Health Organization’s Healthy Cities strategy plays an essential part in this as it seeks to improve urban environments in ways that contribute to people’s enhanced health and human potential.