Smart cities, territorial inequalities and public health

necessary reflections

Abstract

How to build smart city processes that overcome socio-spatial inequalities, especially inequalities that are reflected in the health? This is one of the questions that starts this article. It is a critical-reflective essay. This article does not intend to bring absolute and ready answers to the issues that intersect in the questioning listed. It is methodologically supported by a narrative review of the literature based on the theoretical framework of the social determination of the health-disease process and on the understanding of health information as a right. This text brings some topics on the theme of smart cities in the Brazilian context, added to the discussion of health as a social right, democratically conquered in Brazil. It makes a interface with themes in the field of health information. Reflections and necessary notes are made so that the incorporation of digital technology in cities takes place in order to reduce territorial inequalities and not make them invisible or sharpen them. For reflective analysis, example situations were brought up that could elucidate the discussion. It is necessary to advance in processes and methodologies that identify territorial inequalities, especially those that affect health, and think about ways of using, incorporating and adapting information and communication technologies in accordance with local heterogeneities and needs. Health information is a human right, and we need to build digital health and digital cities that be inclusive and not barriers to access.