Özet:

The West Africa society is rapidly becoming Urban as a result of multitude push and pull factors going on in West Africa. The study examines the rhythm of urban life marked by collective consumption which influences cultural values, pervades dressing styles of the wider social environment and health in West Africa. This has also generated urban health crises among city dwellers and the rural areas. The review showed that the pace of urbanization is unprecedented with cities such as Lagos having annual urban growth rate of 5.8%. Urbanization in West Africa is mainly demographically driven without commensurate socioeconomic dividends and benefits to the urban environment. This has created urban health crises of inadequate water safe supply, squalor and shanty settlements, sanitation, solid waste management, double burden of diseases and inefficient, congested, and risky transport system. In conclusion, when managed carefully, urbanization could reduce hardship and human suffering; on the other hand, it could also increase poverty and squalor. Some laws need to be amended to change the status of poor urban settlements. Urban health development requires intersectoral approach with political will and urban renewal program to make our urban societies sustainable that promote healthy living.

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