The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated Cork as a ‘Healthy City’. Designated with Copenhagen (Denmark) and Nantes (France); Cork city can now present itself internationally as a city that is prioritising the health of its citizens. Cork joins the Irish cities of Belfast, Galway and Waterford that have been designated already.
Cork City Council, University College Cork, Niche Community Health Project and the HSE have been working together to develop the health profile for the city, which supported the application to the WHO for ‘Healthy City’ status. To achieve this designation Cork city has demonstrated to the WHO that health is a core value for the city administration and that the vision, values and strategy for the city are translated into action for health through planning.
‘Healthy Cities’ celebrates and supports the evidence that health is influenced by where a person lives, their income, their level of education, their culture, and accessibility of public services. Every ‘Healthy City’ is unique because needs and economic resources vary from one city to another. With over twenty years of experience as a ‘Healthy City’, Belfast has focused on many areas of development including; regeneration, child friendly environments, active travel planning to increase levels of physical activity and a well-being guide for politicians. Meanwhile, Galway Healthy Cities has focused on the development of healthy sports stadia, developing an age-friendly city, organic gardens, active travel and travel safety in the city.