The increasing burden of NCDs signifies a dual threat to global cities in terms of human health and the economic impact it implies. The urban poor, especially those living in vulnerable urban geographies such as slums, peri-urban areas and other at-risk locations, are particularly affected by this new penalty of urban living as it is occurring in a context of inadequate basic services and infrastructure, and continued exposure to concentrated hazards such as air pollution, long and risky commutes, and the stressors of high density living.
