| The
International Healthy Cities Foundation web-site is getting
a new life. After many years of support from Mary Pittman
at HRET-AHA in Chicago, we are on our own.
What
is happening is a reorganization of the site to be more
useful. We would like it to be available by country,
by subject, and bibliography of books, articles and
web sites. We are asking each reader to recommend material
for the site, and to assume a semi-editorial responsibility.
Someone from each country should see if we could experience
what is going on there. If you come up with new techniques
let us know.
WHO
has been working in many counties in Europe. PAHO is
moving ahead rapidly in Latin America. Also, UNICEF
and UNDP have developed programs. Look at the UN HABITAT
program and find a lot that is usable.
If
you want to be listed as a consultant to other communities
let us know who you are, what your experience is, and
what you are available for. Those who will work pro
bono, except for expenses, should indicate this. Developing
countries are in great need. We may contact you before
we list you.
What
is most interesting is that we are seeing Healthy Cities
and Communities developing worldwide. Many do not have
the title. So, tell us of those you have found. There
are some important changes in the processes of governance,
indicators and evaluation. We will try to keep up with
them. Also, in the field of Public Health, and in the
Schools of Public Health this orientation is gaining
ground as a conceptual model for planning and policy.
The context is as important as the program. Participation
and equity is central to all we stand for. Wherever
you see it happening, send us what you can.
Recently,
I have spent time in Brazil and in Sao Paolo where in
one part of the city the Mayor is running the city as
a Healthy City program. “It is the only way to run a
city.”
Lastly,
we need translators. Much of the work in English should
be in Spanish and Portuguese. Similarly those web pages
in Spanish and Portuguese should be in English. We have
much to learn from each other. If there are countries
places with Healthy City and Community like programs,
we want them in their language, and translated.
Potential
sources of funds to maintain this site, and for our
other development work, are needed. Any ideas?
Please
get in touch with me directly at len-duhlatsocrates.berkeley.edu.
We don’t use the @ sign since it gets SPAM. But putting
it in this way will work.
Good
luck to us all. The world needs our kind of work.
Leonard Duhl, MD
International Healthy City and Communities
Professor of Public Health and Urban Planning
at Berkeley, Ca, USA
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