Every year, more than 700,000 people lose their lives to diseases spread by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and flies. This alarming statistic from the World Health Organisation (WHO) highlights a growing crisis, particularly in regions like Nigeria and across much of Africa. While malaria often dominates headlines, it’s just one piece of a larger puzzle.
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) like river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and leishmaniasis wreak havoc on communities, causing blindness, disfigurement, chronic pain, and even death. Beyond individual suffering, these diseases destabilise entire communities, exacerbating cycles of poverty and inequality.

One might assume these diseases primarily plague rural areas, but the truth is far more complex. Urbanization, often viewed as a sign of progress, is fueling the spread of vector-borne diseases in ways we are ill-prepared to address.
With cities growing at breakneck speed, overcrowded neighborhoods, increased human-animal contact, poor sanitation, and climate-induced extreme weather events create the perfect storm for these diseases to thrive.
How Urban Life Fuels Disease Spread
Living in the city has its perks: modern infrastructure, industrial opportunities, and a fast-paced lifestyle. Yet, these very characteristics contribute to the spread of diseases. Here’s how:
New Pathogens, New Problems: Urban centres attract a constant influx of people, including those from rural areas who may carry infections. Dense populations make it easier for diseases to spread rapidly and harder to contain outbreaks.
More bugs and more humans to bite: The environmental conditions in many cities offer mosquitoes and other vectors ample opportunities to breed.
Overcrowded Housing: Expensive housing forces many to live in cramped, poorly ventilated spaces, creating a breeding ground for infections.
Healthcare Challenges: Overburdened urban healthcare facilities struggle to provide timely care, leaving diseases unchecked and increasing the risk of widespread outbreaks.
Without thoughtful planning, urbanisation becomes an open invitation for vector-borne diseases to thrive.

Challenges in Managing Diseases in Urban Areas
Cities face unique challenges in managing infectious diseases. Overcrowded apartments, inadequate waste disposal, and lack of access to clean water make outbreaks nearly inevitable.
Many urban residents can’t afford healthcare or endure long wait times, allowing small infections to escalate into major health crises. Public health systems often lag behind the pace of urbanisation, struggling to track and treat mobile populations.
Climate change exacerbates the problem, with rising temperatures and extreme weather expanding the habitats of vectors like mosquitoes and ticks. Even regions previously too cold for these pests are now becoming hotspots.
Hence if we’re serious about mitigating the impact of urban growth on vector-borne diseases, we need to adopt a multi-faceted approach:
Smarter Urban Design: Good urban planning is non-negotiable. This includes upgrading sanitation systems, ensuring clean water access, and integrating green spaces into city landscapes. Green spaces not only improve air quality but also enhance mental health and provide natural buffers against disease.
Education and Community Engagement: Awareness campaigns can go a long way. Simple practices like handwashing, proper waste disposal, and mosquito net use can drastically reduce disease rates. Community-led initiatives, supported by NGOs and local leaders, ensure solutions are tailored to the unique needs of each neighborhood.
Health-Tech Innovations: Technology can bridge gaps in urban healthcare. Telemedicine can provide access to medical advice in underserved areas, while mobile apps can educate, track symptoms, and remind residents about vaccinations. Predictive modelling using big data can help health officials anticipate and respond to outbreaks before they spiral out of control.
The Path Forward
Urbanisation has a significant impact on the dynamics of infectious diseases, generating both opportunities and challenges.
With integrated strategies that prioritise equity, sustainability, and resilience, cities can become healthier environments for their growing populations. Robust surveillance systems, health-conscious urban planning, and community-led initiatives are essential. Policymakers must incorporate health considerations into urban development frameworks and take decisive action on climate change.
This comprehensive and inclusive strategy has the potential to transform urban centres into more sustainable and healthier environments for the expanding global population.
…Sunday Olaniyan, founder of Clean Earth Nexus, is an environmental health researcher focused on sustainability, pollution management, and the impacts of toxic exposures on communities. He is passionate about promoting environmental equity and sustainable solutions.