Why COVID-19 poses a particular threat in the world's slums

May 11, 2020

Brian Musasia Wanyande, an artist from the Mathare Roots's youth group, walks away after painting an advocacy graffiti against the spread of the coronavirus disease in Mathare, Nairobi, Kenya, April 2020.

With deadly viruses flourishing partly thanks to urban sprawl, sanitation and public services have never been more of a key issue. Image: Reuters/Thomas Mukoya

Antônio Sampaio

Research Associate for Security and Development, International Institute for Strategic Studies

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Children in the Mathare slum, Nairobi, pose in front of graffiti raising awareness of COVID-19, 19 April 2020. Image: Reuters/Thomas Mukoya

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