Better housing means better health and better well-being, underline new WHO guidelines

"Housing is increasingly important for health given urban growth, an aging population and climate change," the new guidelines say.

Studies have shown that poor housing conditions have consequences for a wide range of health problems, including respiratory, cardiovascular and infectious diseases such as asthma, tuberculosis, influenza and diarrhea, as well as Mental Health.

Based on systematic reviews, WHO's guidelines on housing and health provide recommendations based on health problems caused by insufficient living space, extreme indoor temperatures, risk of injury at home and accessibility of housing for people with disabilities or other disabilities.

In addition, the guidelines identify and summarize WHO's existing recommendations on housing with respect to water quality, noise from the neighborhood, asbestos, lead, tobacco smoke and greenhouse gas emissions. indoor radon – a radioactive gas linked to cancer death.

Housing, health and climate change

WHO guidelines also highlight the important indirect benefits of improving housing conditions. For example, the installation of an effective and safe thermal insulation can improve indoor temperatures that promote health, while reducing energy costs and carbon emissions.

"Improving housing conditions can save lives, reduce disease, improve quality of life, reduce poverty and help mitigate the effects of climate change," said WHO, noting that they can contribute the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health (goal). 3) and sustainable cities (Objective 11)

"Housing is therefore a major entry point" for "public health programs and primary prevention," he said.