Urbanisation pattern in South-East Asia and its implications for health of urban dwellers

The urban population in South-East Asia region is growing rapidly at the rate of 4-5% per year posing a threat to their existing health infrastructure. Most countries in the region are passing through epidemiological transition and are facing the dual burden of traditional and modern diseases. The health status within the city is not evenly distributed rather the poor bear the greatest burden of diseases. The uncontrolled urban growth puts strains on food and water supplies, on the availability of safe housing and on health care services. Migrations from rural to urban areas bring in numerous psychosocial problems resulting in increased incidence of crime, accident, drug abuse, alcoholism, smoking, suicide, sexual problems etc that affect health. There is a huge gap between community needs and existing public health services. Cities in the SEA region need inter-sectoral coordination to address the health problems so as to develop healthy cities in the region.