COVID-19 in India: Who are we leaving behind?
Emmanuel Raju1,2, Anwesha Dutta3, Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson4,5
1Global Health Section, Department of Public Health & Copenhagen Centre for Disaster Research, University of Copenhagen, CSS, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014 København K, Denmark.
Progress in Disaster Science
|June 7, 2021
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated inequalities, disproportionately affecting migrants and urban slum dwellers in the Global South. Implementing public health guidelines like handwashing and physical distancing is extremely difficult in informal settlements.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Human Rights
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and worsened existing societal inequalities globally.
- Migrants and residents of urban slums/informal settlements in the Global South are particularly vulnerable populations.
- Standard World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 prevention guidelines are often infeasible in informal settlements due to living conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the challenges faced by migrants and urban slum dwellers during the COVID-19 pandemic response in India.
- To provide human rights-based recommendations for safeguarding these vulnerable groups.
Main Methods:
- Case study analysis focusing on India.
- Review of living conditions in informal settlements.
- Analysis of the feasibility of WHO COVID-19 guidelines for vulnerable populations.
Main Results:
- COVID-19 prevention measures are difficult to implement in informal settlements.
- Migrants and slum dwellers face unique challenges during health crises.
- Existing inequalities are intensified by pandemics.
Conclusions:
- Urgent, human rights-based interventions are necessary to protect vulnerable populations during pandemics.
- Policy must address the specific needs and living conditions of migrants and slum dwellers.
- Strengthening public health infrastructure in informal settlements is crucial.
Keywords:
COVID-19Human rightsIndiaInformal settlementsMigrantsPublic healthSlum wellbeingVulnerabilityMore Related Videos
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