Cali becomes the third Colombian city to join the Cities for Better Health network with a new initiative sparking healthy habits and lasting change
In the heart of Colombia’s Valle del Cauca, the city of Cali is stepping into the spotlight with a new commitment to public health. As the third Colombian city to join the Cities for Better Health network, alongside Bogotá and Barranquilla, Cali is launching a grassroots initiative aimed at transforming everyday life in one of its most resilient communities.
The initiative kicks off in Mariano Ramos, a sprawling neighbourhood in southern Cali that has long been a symbol of perseverance. Born in the 1960s amid waves of migration, the area has grown into one of the city’s largest, shaped by decades of community-led efforts to overcome social exclusion and inequality.1
Now, it faces a new challenge: poor health. With one in five adults and one in four children living with overweight, and more than half of the population showing high body mass index levels, the need for change is urgent.
Backed by an initial investment of USD 42,000, the programme aims to embed healthier habits into the fabric of daily life. From promoting physical activity to expanding nutrition education and supporting mental well-being, the initiative takes a holistic approach to health – one that starts in homes, schools and public spaces.
What sets Cali’s approach apart is its emphasis on collaboration. The initiative is being co-created with children, families, and local leaders. It is supported by a powerful alliance: the Mayor of Cali, Colombia’s Ministry of Health and Fundación Colombianitos, a national nonprofit known for using football and education to uplift young lives.
Together, they’re working to ensure the programme isn’t just a short-term intervention, but a catalyst for lasting change.
Cali’s entry into the Cities for Better Health network marks a significant step in Colombia’s growing commitment to urban health equity. As cities nationwide rally to make healthy living more accessible and sustainable, the hope is clear: to build a future where every child, family and community can thrive.
1. Rodríguez AP. Mariano Ramos es uno de los barrios más grandes de la comuna 16. Alcaldía de Santiago de Cali. Accessed 21/08/2025, https://www.cali.gov.co/participacion/publicaciones/162612/mariano-ramos-es-uno-de-los-barrios-mas-grandes-de-la-comuna-16/
