Interesting analogy on a correlation that does not grab much attention in the contemporary town/ environmental planning systems in western countries. This is probably because health is embedded in the mainstream planning policy and practices in these countries.

Planning in Western countries is proactive; setting global standards for high-efficiency, amenity, innovation and social justice. In developing countries, it is, like many other things, is a catching up with western systems, however, not having strong legal/ technical foundations has always been a restriction for effective planning or implementation of standards. Therefore, planning in developing nations is more characterised by being 'reactive', trying to manage existing or prevalent issues, rather than designing or making new urban spaces.

Anyone familiar with town planning history knows, that the discipline first came into being in Europe particularly in response to the unhealthy living conditions in cities during the industrial revolution. So, health is the key ingredient!