Relación entre la estructura urbana y la transmisión de enfermedades infecciosas

Abstract

The rate of urbanization tends to accelerate as countries
industrialize. It is estimated that by 2030, 60 % of the
world’s population will live in urban areas, where social
factors such as poverty, inequality, migration, illegal
human settlements and environmental degradation are
concentrated, hindering a sustainable development and
contributing to an increased transmission of infectious
diseases. Throughout this article, we will discuss the
importance of urban planning and the development
of policies for the control of infectious diseases, such
as dengue, leishmaniasis and COVID-19, diseases
that have mainly affected those who live in unplanned
urban areas or informal settlements. Through an
extensive review of the literature, we will demonstrate
that urban planning and policies play an important role
in disease prevention and on the creation of healthy
living environments, but the lack of them can amplify
the risks to people’s health. The experiences of Brazil
and the epidemiological data in Ecuador regarding
dengue and leishmaniasis demonstrate the impact
that unplanned urbanization and unresolved inequities
can have on public health. It should be noted that
health has an essential place in the interrelationship
of sustainable cities and communities, it is essential
to have an interdisciplinary team that involves urban
planners, architects, builders and public health
professionals to work throughout the process that
involves urban planning; to create spaces that have
adequate health conditions and to improve the quality
of life of the populations that live in those places.