ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the findings of the mid-term review of the Healthy Cities project. The Healthy Cities concept is indeed a recipe for quality living in an urban environment. Cities should, according to the Healthy Cities philosophy, provide a clean and safe physical environment of a high quality based upon sustainable ecosystems. Healthy Cities was from the outset a self-conscious, innovative project that attempted to develop new ideas in public health and the management of municipal enterprises. The concepts and principles of Healthy Cities are widely accepted with more than 300 cities in the region identifying themselves with national networks in one way or another. It has been agreed that Health for All, health promotion, Healthy Cities and the new public health all require new and creative approaches to research. The WHO analysis points towards six areas where research is obviously needed, Equity, Prerequisites for health, Policy and programme impact, Intersectoral action, Community participation, Strategic planning.
