Implementing an action plan for the WHO designated Cork Healthy City, Ireland 2020-2030

Abstract

Abstract Issue With current UN predictions that by 2050 two thirds of the planet's citizens will live in cities, a Healthy Cities approach promoting health equity and advancing the WHO One Health agenda is an important public health intersectoral process. This is the overarching mission of WHO designated Cork Healthy Cities, Ireland, which emphasizes a collaborative, community-led and inter-agency approach at the heart of its business. Description Cork Healthy Cities launched its ten-year action plan (2020-2030) to address the six themes (the 6 Ps) outlined for Phase VII of WHO European Healthy Cities Network: People, Places, Participation, Prosperity, Peace, and Planet. The Cork City Profile, which informs the action plan with an evidence-base, is an important interagency aspect to the work of Cork Healthy Cities. Results A range of actions for each of the 6 Ps have been planned within the Cork Healthy Cities Action Plan. Results from sample projects for each of the 6Ps will be presented, including Child Friendly City (People); Let's Play Cork (Places); Sexual Health Network (Participation); Deliver the PSYCHED (Positive Support You Can Have Every Day) Initiative (Prosperity); the development of the Trauma Informed City (Peace); and Green Spaces for Health initiative (Planet). Lessons The actions outlined above have been included in the Cork City Development Plan (2024-2028), providing evidence of the public health actions being integrated into local government strategic planning processes. The collaborative and intersectoral experience of Cork Health Cities provides important learning for other cities across Europe. Public health actions within the Cork Healthy Cities Action Plan were the first of their kind in an inter-agency partnership platform such as Healthy Cities in Cork. Key messages • Create meaningful working relationships across public health, city council, researchers, and community groups. • Engage with city planning to develop an environment for positive health for all.