Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report 2024: Health in Cities

Department of Health and Social Care, 12 December 2024

A significant portion of England’s population, particularly those in deprivation and poverty, live in cities throughout their lives. Others move to cities early in adulthood for work or study, often leaving after starting a family. Cities experience high movement, concentrated deprivation in specific areas, a mix of young and old populations, and high ethnic diversity. The report addresses urban health challenges such as housing effects, the food environment, lower vaccination and screening rates, high STI rates, access to exercise, and air pollution. City residents often use the NHS and healthcare differently due to the transient nature of some groups.