Which urban planning strategies would be the most effective in improving health in developing countries?

Health is now becoming a common problem in the world especially in developing countries. Evidence shows that some actions have to be taken in manyurban areas as the living environment and the health of poor people in developing country cities increased (Kjellstrom et al 2007, p.i86). Another survey reports that as cities have evolved, the health of urban populations has changed (Vlahov, Galea 2002, p.51). In order to raise some strategies to overcome this issue, solutions can be proposed as integrating non-polluting industrial cities, improving recycle waste program, and giving environmental education to citizens.

Firstly, pollution increased as industries grew rapidly in the last few decades. In the developing countries, the most common result is now having pollution near living places:  dirty smog, bad sanitation, and discarded garbage. Making a non-polluting industrial city separate from a city center would be suggested as a solution for urban planners. Research indicates that a seven miles distant industrial city from a city center could cover about one-fifth all city center jobs (Rabinovitch 1992, p.67). The research also reports that more than 400 non-polluting industries has been allocated to low-income public housing completed with necessary urban structures as services, infrastructure, schools, housing, green spaces, and transportation axes. However, it is mainly the governments of the developing countries to insist urban planners be more conscious in planning in advance before the proposed industrial city land is earthed by a lot of housing.

Another solution urges the living areas could be free from pollution as recycling program for solid and liquid waste or organics and inorganics garbage. This needs great contribution by citizens to collect their household waste and send them to become other valuable things. According to Rabinovitch (1992, p.68), a city can produce more than 100 tons a day from the two-thirds city’s recyclable garbage supported by over 70 per cent communities. As a result, hygienic areas integrated as safe water, garbage removal, and sanitation will be created when there is no more waste or garbage pollution in living neighborhood. In addition, the research notes that apart from the environmental advantages, a recycling program has positive impacts for city residents in generating income earned by selling the recycle garbage and providing some jobs to homeless and those who recovering alcoholism (Rabinovitch 1992, p.68). There will be less expensive budget to allocate concerning health issues. Those imply that the participation of city residents and the government in charge of urban planning will be the most essential to build an integrated industrial city in developing countries. Furthermore, if a city can reduce more pollution in this 21^thcentury, it describes that a city commits with the Rio Summit 1992 in which a country is not allowed to produce solid and liquid waste abundantly by industrial activities (Kjellstrom et al 2007, p.i86).

Lastly, the health issue arose because of low understanding of people about environment especially among poor citizens. The less people knowledge about environment, the more health problems will arise.  Research observesthat because of poor schools, most low-income peoplewho live in poor condition often face burdens simultaneously which influence their health. (Corburn 2003, p.1). Therefore, it recommends that environmental education is given for citizens supported by educators and communities.  Rabinovitch (1992, p.70) notices that environmental education can improve the quality of life for low-income households, and they mustbe responsible, respect and care for the environment they live in and from which has given benefit for them. As consequence, this requires educators to teach environmental education as subject matter in schools and city communities to give such training for citizens. According to Northridge and Freeman (2011, p.584), one of the important roles which will affect in improving health for people if there is community engagement and efficacy characterized by community or social organizations.

To be concluded, it is clear that any solution to the problems above will involve much better commitment and cooperation at all levels of government as urban planners, educators, communities, and also its citizens. Hence, as developing countries is facing health problems, improving integrated non-polluting industrial cities, recycle waste programs and environmental education would be the most effective strategies.