African cities prioritise healthy living beyond health policies
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Thirteen African cities convened in Kigali, Rwanda to share strategies for improving public health by integrating wellbeing into urban planning.
Representatives discussed moving beyond simply adopting health policies to ensuring those policies create noticeable improvements in daily life. Joseph Ngamije of Vital Strategies explained that enacting a policy is only the first step, and real progress requires implementation and visible changes to city operations.
Kigali is experimenting with car-free days to encourage physical activity and reduce traffic, while also measuring the impact on air quality. Lusaka, Zambia is building new roads with dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, and is funding upkeep through parking fees. Kampala, Uganda is working to improve air-quality monitoring and reduce pollution. These cities recognise that factors beyond healthcare facilities, like roads, transport, and public spaces, influence residents’ health.
Alphonse Mbarushimana of the Rwanda Non-Communicable Disease Alliance noted that non-communicable diseases cause 57.7% of deaths in Rwandan health facilities and 47.2% of deaths in the community, linking these figures to unhealthy lifestyles and pollution. City leaders are now focusing on creating environments that support healthier choices for all residents.
