| Abstract: | The World Health Organization's European Office has initiateda major new project known as "Healthy Cities". As a laboratoryfor the lifestyle targets agreed for Europe, the time seemsright to support integrated approaches to health promotion atthe city level. The city is often the lowest administrativelevel which can marshal the resources and has the politicalmandate and authority to develop and implement intersectoralapproaches to health; because it is a place with which its citizensidentify, there are good prospects for participation harnessedto neighbourhood or civic pride. Throughout the European Regionat present there is evidence of a general renaissance of publichealth activity at this level and it seems appropriate for WHOto support and facilitate processes which are already underway. The project will initially bring together ten or twelve Europeancities to collaborate in the implementation of intersectoralcity health plans. In turn, these cities will take responsibilityfor supporting the development of further networks of citieswhich wish to participate in the project. WHO will provide technicalexpertise and generate a range of resource materials of valueto the cities involved. In addition there will be a major collaborativeEuropean television series on the healthy city. By concentrating on concrete examples of health promotion whichinclude a commitment to community participation and intersectoralcollaboration, it is expected that the Healthy Cities projectwill mark the point at which WHO philosophies and frameworksare taken off the shelves and into the streets of European cities |
