World Health Organization, 2018

Housing and Health Guidelines

Improved housing conditions can save lives, prevent disease, increase quality of life, reduce poverty, help mitigate climate change and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those addressing health (SDG 3) and sustainable cities (SDG 11).

Housing is becoming increasingly important to health due to demographic and climate changes. The world’s urban population is expected to double by 20501 and will require housing solutions. The world’s population aged over 60 years of age, who tend to spend more time at home, will also double by 2050. Changing weather patterns, associated with climate change, underline the importance of housing providing protection from cold, heat and other extreme weather events in order to promote resilient communities.