World Health Day: The Role of Housing in Global Health

World Health Day, celebrated annually on April 7th, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about global health challenges and promoting access to better health for all. For Reall, it’s a day to reflect on a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect of health: housing. 

Where and how people live significantly impacts their health, and for many low-income communities across Africa and Asia, inadequate housing conditions remain a major barrier to achieving good health. Poor living conditions, such as overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, lack of ventilation, and exposure to harmful environmental pollutants, can create a range of physical and mental health problems, including respiratory diseases and waterborne illnesses. However, with the right interventions, we can unlock the potential of healthy housing and create a future where affordable, sustainable, and healthy homes are a reality for all. 

Creating healthy homes is not only about providing protection against illness, but they also offer a foundation for economic stability, social equity, and environmental sustainability. When we invest in healthier housing, we’re not only improving physical health, but we’re also fostering more resilient and empowered communities. It’s clear that addressing housing issues is a key step toward building a healthier, more sustainable future for all. 

Successful Interventions Improving Health Through Housing 

A well-designed home doesn’t just protect from the elements; it creates an environment where physical, emotional, and social health can thrive, and there are many housing interventions that demonstrate the direct link between improved housing conditions and better health outcomes, this may include: 

• Access to safe water, improved sanitation, and good hygiene practices are fundamental to preventing a multitude of health issues. Inadequate WASH facilities are linked to the spread of infectious diseases, malnutrition, and stunted development. (Prüss-Ustün et al, 2019; Ngure et al, 2014). However, beyond physical health, the absence of water and sanitation facilities can lead to mental distress, including feelings of shame, anxiety, and fear, particularly among those who menstruate (Hennegan et al, 2019; Robinson and Barrington, 2021). Moreover, if there is a necessity to use community infrastructure or open spaces for sanitation, this can expose individuals to physical risks, including the potential for violence (Pommells et al, 2018). 

• Integrating green technologies into housing significantly improves the health and well-being of occupants. These technologies may focus on improving indoor air quality, or increasing thermal comfort, both of which contribute to better health outcomes (Jones, 1999; Ormandy and Ezratty, 2012). This also includes related elements such as creating energy efficient systems, which can help to reduce temperature-related illnesses, and the reduce stress by lowering energy demand and the associated cost (Maidment et al, 2014).

• Urban planning that incorporates wider green infrastructure, such as green roofs and green spaces, also help reduce heat island effects and shade building surfaces, leading to lower energy demands and improved indoor and outdoor climates (Marando et al, 2022). Furthermore, integrating green infrastructure into urban planning can mitigate climate-related health risks, such as heatwaves and flooding, by improving climate resiliency (Pamukcu-Albers et al, 2021). 

• The location of a home also significantly impacts its occupants’ health. Choosing areas with low air pollution levels can lead to better respiratory health (Chung et al, 2011), and choosing areas with higher safety can lead to reduced stress (Matthews and Yang, 2011).  

Mental well-being is also a significant component of health. Housing-related factors such as access to green spaces, adequate lighting, and community areas can influence mental health. Research indicates that living near green spaces can reduce the risk of depression by around 20%, often independent of socio-economic status (Mechelli, 2024; Hadhish, 2025; Chen et al, 2021). 

Reall Case Study: Improving Mental Wellbeing through Housing 

At Safiya Homes, Bushra finds safety and stability for her young son.

In 2016, Bushra, a 43-year-old mother of four from Faisalabad, Pakistan, faced significant health and social challenges; living in rented accommodation adjacent to a busy highway, she endured constant noise and air pollution, and heightened safety concerns for her children. The lack of a supportive community exacerbated her feelings of isolation, as she seldom interacted with neighbours and felt apprehensive about leaving her home.​ 

Motivated by the prospect of a better life, Bushra and her husband discovered the Safiya Homes development by the Ansaar Management Company (AMC) and Reall. The relocation brought immediate improvements: cleaner air to improve respiratory health, a quieter environment and better sleep, a safer gated environment to decrease security concerns, and a supportive community which decreased feelings of loneliness.  

Bushra’s story explores the impact that affordable, well-designed housing can have on mental health and community integration. By addressing environmental stressors and fostering supportive networks, Reall’s initiatives contribute to healthier, more connected communities. 

Why Healthy Housing Must Be a Priority 

As we celebrate World Health Day, we recognise that healthy housing should be a global priority. With the world’s urban population continuing to grow, and many cities in the Global South facing housing shortages, it’s crucial that governments, businesses, and NGOs work together to make green, affordable, and healthy housing a cornerstone of development. 

Providing shelter is about creating spaces that nurture health, well-being, and human potential. At Reall, we are dedicated to provide green, affordable housing to vulnerable communities in Africa and Asia, and we believe that every individual has the right to live in a home that supports their health. 

Together, we can create a healthier future, one home at a time. 

Written by Reall’s Monitoring, Research and Evidence Co-ordinator, Hannah Robinson