Nairobi has embraced an influential global initiative, the Partnership for Healthy Cities, joining an exclusive network that includes prominent cities like New York, USA, and Osaka, Japan. This initiative aims to tackle the pressing issue of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries, which are responsible for over 80% of global deaths, encompassing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, respiratory ailments, and cancer.

The Partnership for Healthy Cities, collaboration between Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Vital Strategies, currently boasts 73 member cities worldwide. Nairobi’s inclusion in this alliance carries immense promise, granting the city access to essential resources and expertise to advance public health.

The core of this initiative lies in the implementation of evidence-based solutions, focusing on key areas such as tobacco control, road safety, active mobility, healthy nutrition, data surveillance, and overdose prevention.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, commended Nairobi, New York City, and Osaka for their commitment to fostering health-centric urban environments and pledged WHO’s support for their efforts in deploying cost-effective solutions to combat NCDs and injuries.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, enthusiastic about collaborating with state and non-state actors facilitated by Bloomberg Philanthropies, emphasized the city’s role as a leader in injury and disease prevention.

The partnership not only provides resources but also connects Nairobi with a worldwide network of like-minded cities, making it a vital step in the city’s journey toward enhancing public health.