Saúde e meio ambiente urbano: direito à infraestrutura urbana como pressuposto do direito à saúde

Abstract

The urbanization process has enormous repercussions on the urban environment and, consequently, on the population’s health. Many diseases are directly related to the lack of environmental sanitation, and, more specifically, of urban infrastructure. Investments in this area implies in reducing the number of occurrences of diseases and, ultimately, of health expenditures. In recent history, several international entities have recognized the interrelationship between environment and health, which has had repercussions on national policies and legislation. Since it is an indispensable condition for the full exercise of the health law, the guarantee of this will only be realized if the provision of basic infrastructure to Brazilian citizens is guaranteed.