Key considerations: COVID-19 in informal urban settlements
This brief sets out key considerations for protecting informal urban settlements from the spread and impacts of COVID-19. There is heightened concern about these settings because of the combination of population density and limited infrastructure.With 1 billion people living in informal settlements – between 30-70% of inhabitants in some cities – there is an urgent need to consider feasibility and develop locally appropriate approaches to protect these populations from the worst impacts of COVID-19. This briefing discusses what is known about vulnerabilities and how to support local action.
This briefing highlights the major challenges and considerations for addressing COVID-19 in informal settlements. Some are obvious: population density and inadequate access to water and sanitation makes advice social distancing and washing hands implausible. But there are less obvious challenges to do with the social, political, and economic contexts which will influence vulnerability and possibilities for action in each context. A defining challenge of informal settlements and slums is the lack of data about them prior to, and during, emergencies. It is imperative that action is taken. The organisational challenge of epidemic control is always intensive and dependent on meaningful local involvement.