The city of Córdoba, Argentina, has taken a bold step towards improving the health of its residents by passing a new policy aimed at eliminating sugary and artificially-sweetened beverages as well as ultra-processed foods from all schools by 2026. This move comes as part of a global trend where cities are increasingly taking on more responsibility for the health and well-being of their populations. The 2025 Partnership for Healthy Cities Awards, held in Paris, France, recognized three cities that have made significant strides in promoting public health.
The Partnership for Healthy Cities network, co-hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Health Organization (WHO), Vital Strategies, and the City of Paris, brings together mayors and officials from cities around the world to address key public health issues. The network now includes 74 cities from high, middle, and low-income countries, all working towards preventing non-communicable diseases, injuries, and other health threats.
During the recent Summit, the three cities that were honored for their efforts were Córdoba, Argentina; Fortaleza, Brazil; and Greater Manchester, UK. Córdoba’s initiative to remove sugary beverages and processed foods from schools aims to reduce the risk of cancer and other non-communicable diseases. Fortaleza implemented an air quality surveillance decree to monitor pollutants and their impact on public health, while Greater Manchester focused on smoking cessation efforts, including creating smoke-free areas and providing resources to support individuals and communities in quitting smoking.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, commended the awardees for their commitment to improving the health of their residents and setting a positive example for other cities to follow. The success of these initiatives highlights the important role that cities can play in addressing public health challenges, especially at a time when national governments may be facing cuts in public health funding and resources.
As cities continue to take on more responsibility for public health, the Partnership for Healthy Cities network remains committed to supporting and empowering cities to prioritize the health and well-being of their populations. With a focus on evidence-based strategies and a shared commitment to improving health outcomes, cities have the potential to make a significant impact on the overall health of their communities.
