Health Risks

• Women often don't have prenatal care in settlements.health centre sign. access to health centre image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
  
  Living in an informal settlement can be dangerous. Drinking water is often dirty and sanitation poor, leading to insect infestation and harmful pathogens. Access to medical facilities and professionals may be limited. Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable.
  
  

The People

• Informal settlements are found around the world, especially in developing countries.globe image by Christopher Meder from Fotolia.com
  
  Informal settlements are found across the globe, mainly in developing countries in urban areas. These settlements are growing and an estimated 1 billion people live in slums in developing countries.
  
  

The Structures

• Houses in informal settlements don't meet zoning laws.window image by Kirill Zdorov from Fotolia.com
  
  The dwellings are often constructed of random found materials like reclaimed metals. They are make-shift and poorly constructed.