Urban Health Sector
Transforming Health in Urban Communities
Intgroduction - Urban Health
Current definition of ‘’urban & urban paradox’’ is defined as an area governed by municipal councils (MC) and urban councils (UC). Sri Lankan urban community consisted of approximately a number of 3.704 million, of which depicted by 18.2% from total population in 2018. [Spatial analysis data from report on State of Sri Lankan Cities, 2018].
Within the governance of Municipal Council areas (22), Urban Council areas (43) & Pradeshiya Sabhas, nearly 18.4%-30% of population is living in cities (4-7 million) of which >50% are living in under-settlements (low-socio economic group).
Health Challenges in Urban Communities and National Response
This rapidly urbanizing population are having its own challenges, and specific health related conditions which needs to address closely. According to the SDG 11, sustainable cities and communities, aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. It focuses on ensuring access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services, upgrading under settlements, and promoting sustainable mobility. The goal also emphasizes reducing the environmental impact of cities and increasing opportunities for all within urban areas.
To achieve this goal and to serve this urban community, the Ministry of Health has established a public health institution, with the directorate of Estate & Urban Health. From these two directions, the urban unit has formulated its mandates concerning public health, and overall wellbeing of urban community in Sri Lanka.
Strategic Role and Functions of the Urban Health Unit
- Develop Urban Health Policy & a National Strategic plan for urban sector
- Legislative amendments to the current municipal, & urban council, ordinances and several other laws in order to improve and streamline, the public health services in urban sector and maintain the equity of healthcare delivery.
- Establish a sustainable collaboration with the health & non-health stakeholders and ensure ‘’Health in all policies’’ concept.
- Conduction of National Urban Health Steering Committee, which enable a platform to coordinate all the stakeholders responsible to improve urban health
- Collaboration with vertical public health programs of Ministry of Health & Mass Media.
- Develop IEC materials addressing public health problems specific to urban health issues.
- Develop and implement training programs to build the capacity of urban human resources in order to improve the health of the urban communities.
- Providing guidance and care packages for healthcare delivery during disaster and humanitarian and emergency situations relevant to urban sector
Urban Health Objectives
- Public health and Primary Health Care of the urban sector is determined by coordinated function of multiple stakeholders, warranting strong intersectoral coordination and collaboration between the relevant health and non health stakeholders.
- Although the primary Health care services and public health services provided by the Medical Officers of Health & the primary health staff under the Ministry of Health, the administrative and legislative powers pertaining to the public health services lie with the Municipality & Urban Councils through the powers vested by MC and UC ordinances. In order to provide evidence-based healthcare provision for the people streamlining the system through strong collaborative partnership between local authorities is vital.
- Health problems encountered by the urban communities are clearly multi-factorial in origin, and strongly depend on the socio economical and environmental root causes. Partnership between the responsible will provide a wholistic approach to achieve the goals.
Responsibilities
The poor health seeking behaviors of the urban communities make them more vulnerable for diseases. This is more evident on the under settled populations. Community empowerment is a crucial pillar in achieving health goals and this is more relevant when it comes to urban communities. Strengthening Mother Support Groups, Community Based Organizations, and the Urban Health Champion Groups formed by the directorate can be utilized in addition to such groups form by the government organizations.
Embracing Technology for Urban Health
Discover how technology and innovation are transforming healthcare delivery and improving health outcomes in urban areas. Explore our cutting-edge initiatives that leverage digital tools and data analytics.
01.
Digital Health Solutions
Explore our digital health solutions, such as telemedicine and mobile health apps, that increase healthcare access and convenience.
These technologies enable urban residents to receive timely medical consultations and access health information remotely.
02.
Data-Driven Health Insights
Learn about our efforts to harness data analytics for urban health planning and decision-making.
By analyzing health trends and patterns, we develop targeted interventions and policies that address the specific needs of urban populations.
03.
Smart City Health Initiatives
Discover our involvement in smart city projects that integrate health considerations into urban infrastructure.
From air quality monitoring to smart transportation systems, these initiatives aim to create healthier urban environments for all residents.
