World Health Day is a Global Day of Action established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has been celebrated annually on 7th April. This is an opportune moment to highlight the intersection of local housing regulations and public health, which is increasingly recognized as essential for fostering healthier, more equitable societies.
Both the WHO and UN-Habitat emphasize the critical role of housing in shaping health outcomes, acknowledging that the quality, affordability, and stability of housing directly influence physical and mental health. Local and regional governments are directly involved in housing and urban development; therefore, their voice is important to be heard.
The WHO highlights that housing conditions—ranging from overcrowding to inadequate heating or sanitation—can significantly impact physical health. Poor housing quality, including lack of basic services like clean water, directly correlates with increased risks of respiratory infections, cardiovascular diseases, and communicable diseases. Furthermore, housing instability or insecurity can lead to chronic stress, which exacerbates mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Inadequate housing also contributes to environmental hazards, such as exposure to lead, mold, and other toxins that have long-term health implications.
According to WHO Housing and Health Guidelines, improving housing conditions can save lives, prevent diseases, and enhance quality of life. Additionally, it can help economic growth, mitigate climate change, and support progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being and SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.
UN-Habitat has reported that individuals in unaffordable housing often face trade-offs between rent, nutrition, and healthcare, negatively affecting overall well-being. The residents’ physical health is severely affected by housing quality and safety, with poor structural integrity, lack of access to natural light and to proper ventilation being key concerns. The surrounding neighborhood environment, including access to green spaces, safe streets, and essential services, also plays a vital role in shaping a person’s overall health and well-being.
Workshop on Housing and Health
Today is also an opportunity to announce that, in recognition of the upcoming World Health Assembly, UN-Habitat and the Global Cities Hub organize a ‘Workshop on Housing and Health’ on 7th May 2025 that will bring together experts and practitioners to identify gaps in policies impacting public health. The goal is to define the scope for updating existing tools on housing and health, by addressing overlooked issues, integrating cross-sector insights, and developing evidence-based recommendations for healthier housing policies.
Objectives
- To identify the important but often overlooked dimensions of housing and health, including aspects of housing as a preventive approach to public health, with a particular focus on vulnerable communities and informal settlements.
- To bring together representatives from international organizations, local and regional governments, academia, and the private sector to develop collaborative actions, including updating technical guidance on housing and health for Member States.
Speakers might elaborate on how housing regulations need to consider not only the affordability and stability of homes but also their quality, safety, and the surrounding neighborhood environment. These factors have a profound impact on both physical and mental health, underscoring the importance of integrating health considerations into urban development and local housing policies. The opinion of relevant stakeholders, such as LRGs, would bring a lot of added value to this forward-looking discussion.
You can follow the workshop online. Stay tuned for the registration announcement soon!
Photo by Evans Dims on Unsplash