Chapaevsk city in Russia designated to the World Health Organization's European Healthy Cities Network Phase VI

Chapaevsk city in Russia was among 48 cities designated to Phase VI (2014-2018), which will support cities in strengthening their efforts to bring key stakeholders together to work for health and well-being, to harness leadership, innovation and change and to enhance the potential to resolve local public health challenges (http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/environment-and-health/urban-health/news/news/2015/06/48-cities-designated-to-who-european-healthy-cities-network-phase-vi-2014-2018).

IPEN Participating Organization Chapaevsk Medical Association played the leading role in the nomination process and greatly contributed to addressing health problems associated with chemical exposure in the city. Dr. Oleg Sergeev, head of the Association, became a coordinator of the World Health Organization project "Healthy Cities," where he represents both NGOs and the city administration.

Chapaevsk is a well known chemical hot spot in Russia with high levels of dioxin contamination of the environmental media. Dr. Sergeev and his organization have contributed a lot to addressing the health problems of the city by conducting regular monitoring of the health of people, mainly children. Data collected by Chapaevsk Medical Association and its partner organisations was internationally recognized, which significantly influenced the decision-making process on sound chemicals management in Chapaevsk.