asynchronous 8: urban slums and WASH

define urban slums and provide examples of nutrition related challenges associated with living in an urban slum

overcrowding, inadequate access to safe water, sanitation, infrastructure. Housing of poor structural quality, insecure residential status.

• infections

  • stunting, wasting, death

evaluate the usefulness of food production sack gardens to improve food security in the context of urban slums

growing extra food on own, can help with income, strengthens social capital among farmers but theres lack of sanitation→risk of contamination

a) iron deficiency b) iodine deficiency c) vitamin a deficiency d) protein deficiency

describe consequences of inadequate WASH

diseases like diarrhea, helminth infections, even death

• intestinal parasites

• environmental enteropathy

comment on the extent to which diarrhea is responsible for children’s deaths throughout the world

9%

describe what is meant by “improved“ drinking water and sanitation and characterize access to improved drinking water & sanitation throughout the world

piped water into dwelling or yard/plot, public tap, protected dug well or spring, rainwater collected and stored until used.

• when water isnt on premises it needs to be collected by the women

improved sanitation

• flush toilet, septic tank, pit latrin with slab, etc

• 82% of 1 billion of global population engages in open defecation

consider the role of social norms and personal beliefs in strategies to reduce open defecation and give examples of initiatives that have aimed to change social norms

• no toilet no bride in haryana, india

• social pressure

or WASH (final exam question)

What?

• Urban slums are overcrowded settlements in cities where people live in poor housing conditions, often without access to clean water, sanitation, or secure tenure.

• These areas typically lack basic services such as healthcare, education, and waste management.

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So What?

• Living in slums contributes to serious public health issues, including malnutrition, infectious diseases, and high child mortality rates.

• Residents face social and economic exclusion, which limits opportunities for employment, education, and upward mobility.

• The cycle of poverty continues across generations, and slums put pressure on urban infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

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Now What?

• Governments and organizations must invest in slum upgrading programs that improve housing, sanitation, and access to services.

• Community involvement in planning and decision-making is key to sustainable development.

• Policies should address root causes such as rural poverty, rapid urbanization, and lack of affordable housing to prevent further slum growth.

What?

• WASH refers to access to safe Water, adequate Sanitation, and proper Hygiene practices.

• Many low-income communities, especially in rural areas and urban slums, lack basic WASH infrastructure.

• Inadequate WASH leads to exposure to contaminated water, poor waste disposal, and lack of handwashing facilities.

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So What?

• Poor WASH conditions are directly linked to the spread of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid — especially dangerous for children.

• Diarrheal disease is a leading cause of child malnutrition and death globally.

• Lack of WASH in schools and workplaces disproportionately affects girls and women, limiting education and income opportunities.

• WASH issues also contribute to environmental degradation and increased healthcare costs.

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Now What?

• Invest in WASH infrastructure (e.g., clean water systems, toilets, handwashing stations), especially in vulnerable communities.

• Promote WASH education and behavior change campaigns to improve hygiene practices (e.g., handwashing with soap).

• Integrate WASH into nutrition, health, and education programs to maximize impact.

• Support policy and funding at the local, national, and global levels to ensure sustainable access to WASH for all.