Asia’s Healthy Cities are leading the way, here’s what we can learn. 

What does it look like when a city puts health and innovation at the centre of its future? 

According to the World Health Organization, we don’t need to guess.  In September 2024, WHO’s Western Pacific Region recognised a powerful list of healthy, innovative cities across Asia. These are places taking bold, local action to improve the health and wellbeing of their communities. You can read the full report here: WHO recognises healthy, innovative cities across Asia. 

From Thailand to the Philippines, these cities are showing what’s possible when health is treated as a shared priority, not just a service delivered in clinics. 

This isn’t about ticking boxes or chasing awards. It’s about long-term, people-first change in urban planning, food systems, air quality, climate resilience and everyday decision-making. 

So, who’s leading the way? 

Cebu, Philippines 

Once challenged by rising air pollution, Cebu has stepped up with an ambitious air quality monitoring network and a shift toward cleaner transport. Residents are now part of the solution, using real-time data to inform policy and protect their own health. 

Yala, Thailand 

Health starts early in Yala. The city has embedded health literacy into the school curriculum, giving children the tools to make healthier choices and helping shift behaviour across entire households and communities. 

Hue, Viet Nam 

Hue is rethinking the way we design cities for climate and health. Urban green spaces, heat mitigation strategies and inclusive mobility planning are all part of a broader push to make the city safer, cooler and more connected. 

Iloilo, Philippines 

With a strong focus on sustainability, Iloilo is restoring waterways, investing in green corridors and using community health data to guide urban development. It’s a clear example of what happens when local leadership and health systems work together. 

Why these cities matter 

They may come from different countries and contexts, but they’re all proving the same point. Healthier cities are possible when communities are involved, data is used wisely and decisions are made with the future in mind. 

They also show that innovation doesn’t have to mean high tech. Sometimes it’s about returning to basics, like protecting green space, integrating health into everyday environments and asking residents what matters most. 

At Healthy Cities Australia, these stories inspire us. They’re proof that cities can be catalysts for health and equity, not barriers to it. 

And they remind us that transformation starts with local action, clear priorities and a belief that everyone deserves the chance to live well, wherever they are.