Cities are now the major sites of human habitation worldwide, a trend that will continue for the foreseeable future, not only in the developed world but in developing countries. Urban residence impacts health and health prospects both positively and negatively through a complex mix of exposures and mechanisms. In addition, cities concentrate population subsets of various demographic, economic, and social characteristics, some with particular health risks and vulnerabilities. Looking at health through the urban lens allows increased understanding of disparate risks and emphasizes the essentiality of collaborative efforts in protecting and enhancing the health of populations, especially those living in cities.
