The problems with living in a slum are obvious, but possibly the worst issue is disease. The slums of the world are a melting pot for sickness. Bad sanitation, close living quarters and warm moist surroundings. Perfect for the spread of illness.

This is Rochina, the biggest favela in Brazil:

Diseases on the rise include cholera, HIV/AIDS, measles, TB, typhoid, malaria and dengue fever. Put all of that on top of the fact that you’re living cheek to jowl in rickety houses that are built-in harsh environments by hand, and you’re asking for trouble.

This is a slum after the Haiti earthquake. It doesn’t take much to smash the whole place down.

So next time you’re considering having a winge about the state of your own house or flat, maybe take another look through those pictures and think again. I know my dirty little hovel is looking a darn site better now. Maybe I’ll leave the washing up for another day, the smell’s not so bad.

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