Rapid Health Impact Assessment Of Transport Policies In Maputo, Mozambique

Abstract

Introduction: The evidence suggest that shift from car to active transportation(AT)(cycling, walking) and public transport(PT) in daily life could improve health. Although a number of health impact assessments(HIA) on transport have been conducted in developed countries, such studies still lacking in low income countries. This study aims to develop a rapid HIA of transport policies in Maputo. Methods: Rapid HIA of AT and PT in Maputo metropolitan area. Identification of the stakeholders, researchers, decision makers and data sources in Maputo. Perform interviews focused on transport policies, assessment necessities and barriers, health impacts, population and city characteristics. Literature review on transport and heath pathways Results: Maputo metropolitan area had in 2012 2.2 million inhabitants, 2.9 million of trips each day, of which 45% of the trips performed by pedestrians, 42% by public transport, 10% by car and 0.3% by bicycle. In 2035 is expecting a population grow until 3.7 million inhabitants, with low-density and not-mixed land use and double the trips per day, with reduction of PT use of 12% and 10% increment of car use Used cars(with low prices) are increasing in Maputo(rising air pollution emissions and traffic accidents), and are expecting to increase 50% by 2035. Low quality PT without complying the local safety legislation is also rising. These factors accompanied with the reduction in public space maintenance are helping to decrease the PT and AT use and encouraging car use. Policy implementation to promote and improve PT and AT infrastructure, followed with import taxes increment for used cars and high-dense mixed land use could reduce health risks (traffic hazards and air pollution) increasing PT and AT use (stimulating also the physical activity) Conclusions: The actual tendency of urban development in Maputo encouraging car use could increase pubic heath risks. HIA in low income countries are need in urban and transport decision-making process.