Summary

Urbanization is one of the leading global trends of the 21st century, and has a significant impact on health and well-being, particularly in relation to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Cities and local governments play crucial roles in supporting people living with NCDs, co-creating health with patients and communities, building health literacy and fostering empowerment and, through adopting evidence-based interventions, building physical, socioeconomic and cultural environments that tackle NCD risk factors. A multilevel governance approach is necessary effectively to manage and tackle NCDs, with cites operating within an enabling national framework and with coherence between the different levels of governance. This background paper focuses on the role of cities and local governments in tackling and preventing NCDs, including the policy context and examples of interventions.