Walkability, Right to the City and Right to Health: pathways toward equity and justice – a systematic mixed-methods review

This paper explores the intersection of walkability, the Right to Health and the Right to the City, with a particular emphasis on equitable access in rapidly urbanizing environments. Urbanization exacerbates challenges to health inequities, particularly for vulnerable populations with limited access to walkable, health-promoting spaces. Through a systematic mixed-methods literature review, we analyze how walkability can enhance urban health and social justice. Traditional walkability indices tend to emphasize horizontal equity (proximity to resources) while often neglecting vertical equity, which considers fair access across different socioeconomic and demographic groups. Our findings underscore the necessity of incorporating both dimensions in order to foster inclusive and accessible urban environments. The '15-minute city' model exemplifies this approach but remains hindered by barriers such as inadequate infrastructure and social discrimination, limiting walkability for underserved communities. Addressing these gaps requires urban planning strategies that integrate social determinants of health, environmental justice and intersectoral collaboration. We conclude that participatory, context-sensitive policies are essential for fostering walkability and reducing health disparities, ultimately ensuring the realization of both the Right to Health and the Right to the City for all residents.