The Coronavirus keeps the world in check and restricts the lives of countries. In Africa and Latin America, the coronavirus is now making its way into the townships and favelas. The people in these poverty-stricken areas are particularly at risk and depend on international solidarity. Here are 6 reasons why the corona virus is particularly dangerous for slums.
1. there is no social distancing for the poorest of the poor
In the corrugated iron, loam or natural stone huts of the southern poverty quarters often many people live close together. Grandparents, parents, children and sometimes uncle and aunt share very little space. An infection in such situations means that the whole family is affected. Furthermore, the huts in the cities are close together and the virus can spread from family to family.
2. the destitute cannot stay at home
Many in the lower classes of the population do physical work, for example in a craft, in agriculture or as domestic workers. Others sell goods on the street. None of them can work from home and often have to travel long distances to work in bulging buses. Their earnings are so poor that they cannot stock up on supplies and have to buy food every day.
3. people in poor areas are unable to comply with the hygiene recommendations
Hardly any hut in a South African or Zimbabwean township has running water. So people who come back from work or shopping cannot wash their hands. In addition, many people cannot afford soap and disinfectant is much more expensive. If these people carry the virus when they come home, a touch on their child's face, for example, is enough to infect them.
4. people in poverty cannot afford medical care
Industrialized countries are struggling to find enough ventilators for the many Covid-19 patients. In the developing countries the problem is much worse. In Zimbabwe, almost all the ventilators are in private hospitals, which people in poverty could never afford. Nevertheless, they too need medical help if they fall ill with Covid-19.
5. there are a particularly large number of at-risk patients in poor areas
The corona virus encounters other diseases in the favelas, townships and slums. Tuberculosis and above all HIV/AIDS are widespread. Tuberculosis could be cured, but is widespread in the poorer sections of the population. In this disease, the lungs are infected with bacteria and heavily contaminated, the coronavirus is a deadly danger here. If HIV/AIDS remains untreated, the immune system is severely weakened and cannot fight the coronavirus. For these diseases, too, many from the poor quarters lack the money and often also the access to medication.
6. false information makes the rounds quickly
In Africa and Latin America there are unfortunately many rumours and false information about the coronavirus. For example, garlic or ginger in the nose is said to help prevent infection. Far more dangerous are bleaching agents, the drug chloroquine or urine from animals, which are not effective but can be life-threatening. For lack of other information, people believe these fake news and put themselves and others in danger.
It needs our help
The corona virus is particularly dangerous for slums. That's why we must help. terre des hommes switzerland helps with additional water supply, the distribution of soap and the spreading of correct information. We thank you for your donation!
