José Luis Castro, Vital Strategies’ President and CEO and Chair, NCD Alliance, has issued a statement on the upcoming U.N. Habitat III conference, emphasising the opportunity and the responsibility of national and local governments to promote health in urban environments.

Mr Castro noted that "With the world’s share of urban dwellers on the rise and 41 megacities with more than 10 million people each expected to exist by 2030, health must remain a top priority. We know that health is both a prerequisite and an indicator for sustainable urbanization. Strategic decisions made in sectors such as education, transport, energy, agriculture and food, can accrue health benefits and savings for cities and nations. These, in turn, will benefit millions of people in urban hubs across our planet".