Welcome to the 2nd annual Global Health Awareness Week (GHAW) presented by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Southern California (USC), and the Global Health Review.
"Urbanization is occurring at unprecedented rates globally; most future population growth will take place in urban areas...Growing poverty is leading to poor health and the overburdening of public health systems in urban areas around the world." - 1000 Cities, 1000 lives Campaign, WHO
Over the last few years, the world has witnessed a massive human migration from rural to urban areas. High concentrations of people unincorporated into formal city life make up the large slums in countries in all stages of development where health problems are exacerbated by poverty and lack of access to basic services. Many problems are common to developed and developing nations alike such as: inadequate housing, overcrowding, air pollution, poor hygiene and sanitation, diseases, and the stress resulting from unemployment, and violence[1].
Global Health Awareness Week 2010 will focus on Urbanization and Health in different regions of the world in recognition of World Health Day and the World Health Organization’s 2010 global health campaign, “1000 Cities, 1000 Lives”. Weekend service events will also provide the opportunity to aid some of Los Angeles’ most vulnerable urban populations. In this way, participants will be exposed to the range of health issues facing urban communities and what actions can be taken locally and globally to promote positive change.
On behalf of the USC-UCLA Global Health Awareness Week Planning Committee, we welcome you to this exciting week of events!
