Transport barriers and its health implications in Asunción

Introduction: Asunción is the capital of Paraguay, a landlock country in South America. The level of urbanisation in the city is increasing at a fast rate without proper planning. Local transport problem-symptoms can be related to health issues in the city, yet there are no official studies. This is a pioneering work describing transport-and-health-links in Asunción city. Scope: Transport-and-health-links in Asunción in relation to the international context are investigated. Local transport problem-symptoms affecting health are identified and discussed based on impact on physical activity, space usage, air pollution, and noise pollution. A comprehensive framework for future empirical research and planning is proposed, and policies and recommendations are given. Findings: Asunción city and peripheral areas have high rates of private vehicle usage – triggered by fast-growing urban sprawl and city population – as well as low levels of public transport service. Virtually no collaboration between transport and health authorities/planners has been identified. Infrastructure has greatly favoured usage of private vehicles, and the rate of obesity is increasing in the country and over 30% of the population have very high levels of physical inactivity. Barriers that hold back progress in transport (and could positively affect health) are identified. For the way forward, key considerations to improve polarised perceptions of users regarding private vehicle usage and lack of awareness regarding benefits and externalities of different modes of transport are indicated. In addition, suggestion of young adults on alternative usage of spaces to enhance active mobility are mentioned.