Paris, France – The World Health Organization (WHO) and Bloomberg Philanthropies have recognized three cities – Córdoba, Argentina; Fortaleza, Brazil; and Greater Manchester, United Kingdom – for their outstanding achievements in preventing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries.
The awards were presented at the annual Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit in Paris, which brought together mayors and officials from 61 cities worldwide to address pressing public health issues.
The winning cities were chosen for their demonstrable progress in preventing NCDs and injuries, setting an example for other cities to follow. Córdoba, Argentina, has implemented a policy to promote healthy school food environments, eliminating sugary drinks and ultra-processed products from schools. Fortaleza, Brazil, has established a legal framework for air quality surveillance, guaranteeing the monitoring of air pollutants and their impact on residents’ health. Greater Manchester, UK, has expanded outdoor smoke-free areas, including opening its first smoke-free park, and developed a smoke-free toolkit for hospitals and sites.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the cities’ efforts, stating, “Cities are at the forefront of the fight against noncommunicable diseases and injuries. The progress made in Córdoba, Fortaleza, and Greater Manchester is not only improving health today but also setting a model for others to follow.”
The Partnership for Healthy Cities is a global network of 74 cities working to prevent NCDs and injuries, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, WHO, and Vital Strategies.
WHO/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
