10 urban risk factors influencing health in African cities

Over 40% of Africa’s population is urban, expected to double by 2050, with over half living in informal settlements. Local governments must act on interconnected health risks through coordinated, multi-sectoral planning and community-centred measures that prioritise the most vulnerable such as children, women, older persons, people with chronic illness, outdoor workers, migrants, and those living in informal and low-income communities.

This infographic explores:

1. Extreme heat & urban heat islands
2. Unsafe water, poor sanitation & flood risks
3. Air pollution
4. Food & nutrition
5. Waste accumulation
6. Limited green & public spaces
7. Unsafe mobility
8. Vector-borne disease expansion
9. Climate-related displacement & inequality
10. Mental health & psychosocial stress