HEALTH ISSUES CAUSED BY POVERTY “ Poverty is the worst form of violence. “ — Mahatma Gandhi.
P overty is a state where individuals lack the financial resources and essential necessities to maintain a basic standard of living . Poverty is a significant global challenge, with millions living in extreme poverty, struggling to meet basic needs like food, health, and education. Children growing up in poverty are particularly vulnerable. They face increased risks of malnutrition, infectious diseases, and developmental delays. INTRODUCTION
HEALTH AND POVERTY H ealth and poverty are inseparably intertwined. Being able to breast-feed, attend school, work to grow food, earn a living or feed a family all depend on a baseline level of good health. Poverty often leads to inadequate food intake, resulting in malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and weakened immune systems, making individuals more susceptible to illness. Poverty often forces people into overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions, increasing the risk of infectious diseases and exposure to environmental hazards.
HEALTH HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH POVERTY Nutritional Deficiencies: Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are common in impoverished communities, leading to various health problems, including developmental delays in children. Chronic Diseases: Poverty increases the risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, due to poor nutrition, lack of access to preventative care, and exposure to environmental hazards. Increased Risk of Infectious Diseases: Poverty is strongly linked to higher rates of infectious diseases like malaria , tuberculosis , and HIV/AIDS d ue to factors like poor sanitation, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare.
HOW POVERTY AFFECTS HEALTH Poverty will not “cause” a disease. Living in poverty does not necessarily predetermine poor health. Poverty affects health in many different ways through complex mechanisms P overty affects both the likelihood that an individual will have risk factors for disease and its ability and opportunity to prevent and manage disease. Poverty significantly impacts health by limiting access to essential resources and increasing exposure to health risks Living with financial insecurity including debt can cause chronic stress and mental health problems. Not being able to afford resources for good health such as nutritional food, adequate housing , resulting in people living in cold damp homes and going hungry .
Graph of health issues by condition in the poorest billion
Graph of health issues by condition in the high income region
SLUMS OF SEEMAPURI Ragpickers of Seemapuri . Seemapuri, on the outskirts of Delhi, is known for its large garbage dumps and the impoverished community of ragpickers who live and work there Ragpickers in Seemapuri handle a wide variety of waste. This exposure to hazardous materials puts them at risk of various infections, diseases, and health complications. Worms, anemia, and other health problems are also common among ragpickers due to poor hygiene and malnutrition. Despite the perceived value of the garbage, the ragpickers face hazardous conditions, due harmful materials and a lack of safety measures. The dependence on rag picking causes the extreme poverty and lack of basic amenities .
ALLEVIATION OF POVERTY Poverty alleviation refers to the process of reducing poverty levels through various means, aiming to improve the quality of life for those living in poverty Steps to Alleviate Poverty Involving communities in the planning and implementation of poverty reduction programs ensures that they are relevant and effective. Provide direct cash assistance to families in need, which can be used to purchase food, healthcare, and other necessities . Expand access to healthcare services, regardless of location or socioeconomic status. This includes providing services in underserved areas and addressing barriers like transportation and language.