Slums around the world are considered as a significant problem. Although the majority of urban areas have areas that are classified as slums, a small percentage of slums are exceptionally unhealthy, inadequate, and problematic.

This article aims to examine the five most unhealthy slums.

Dharavi, Mumbai, India

Dharavi has become one of the most dangerous places in the world with a population of one million people crammed in 2.1 square kilometers of space.

Dharavi is known for its poor nutrition, sanitation, and absence of medical care and leads to several diseases.

The polluted water and lack of proper drainage in Dharavi lead to diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. The rising population in Dharavi also leads to lack of available facilities.

The result is the absence of garbage disposal, the existence of unclean roads, and blockage of the sewage system.

Petare, Caracas, Venezuela

Petare is the second-largest slum located in Venezuela, with a population of over 1.2 million people. This community is very overcrowded, with 60,000 people residing in a small area of 1.66 square kilometers.

The inadequate water supply and sanitation lead to the spread of water-borne diseases such as diarrhea, yellow fever, and hepatitis. The poor living conditions make the environment a breeding ground for communicable diseases.

Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya

Kibera is one of the slums located in the heart of Nairobi with a population of over 1.5 million people.

The high population density puts the area under a significant amount of pressure, resulting in inadequate health facilities, poor sanitation, and the absence of proper nutrition.

The spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and malaria is prevalent in Kibera. Lack of hygiene, poor nutrition, and limited access to health care make this area a dangerous place to live.

Orangi Town, Karachi, Pakistan

Orangi Town is the largest slum located in Karachi Pakistan, with a population of around 2.5 million people. The community is a low-income area with inadequate infrastructure and a lack of basic services, such as water, sewage, and electricity.

The unhygienic living conditions, contaminated water supply, and inadequate sanitation facilities put the area at risk of disease. The absence of basic health care facilities leads to the spread of communicable diseases.

Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rocinha is one of the largest and most impoverished slums located in Rio de Janeiro Brazil, with a population of around 100,000 people. The overcrowding and poor infrastructure put the residents’ health at risk.

The community has inadequate public services such as schools, hospitals, and sanitation facilities.

The lack of sanitation and waste management facilities result in the accumulation of garbage, leading to disease-carrying pests such as rats and mosquitoes. The spread of disease such as tuberculosis, dengue fever, and typhoid is prevalent in Rocinha.

Conclusion

Unhealthy slums are a significant global issue. Lack of access to basic amenities, inadequate hygiene, and poor infrastructure lead to low-quality living standards, which cause numerous health issues for residents.

The exploration of these five unhealthy slums gives an insight into the often deplorable conditions witnessed in such slums, which adversely affect the well-being of the people who reside in these communities.