As the global pandemic continues to unfold, Brazil has been severely affected by COVID-19, climbing to one of the world’s top hotspots for the virus. Brazil is filled with many marginalized communities that are faced with poor living conditions. The impact of these harsh living conditions can ultimately be translated to over five million cases and roughly 150,000 deaths. Numbers have continued to grow over the course of the pandemic and are still increasing. Upon the public health emergency being declared within the country of Brazil it was strongly encouraged by health officials to cancel public events and implement social distancing measures. However, this was tremendously difficult for many of the overpopulated cities in Brazil. More than 1,000 people are dying per day, and the virus has migrated across the country. As a result, it is harmfully affecting those among the lowest socio-economic populations. Health risks stem from overcrowding within the favelas (Brazilian slums). This increasing vulnerability is putting more individuals at greater risk and endangering the health of millions.

An estimated 12 million inhabitants live in overcrowded favelas. These areas lack access to basic necessities, such as adequate sanitation, air quality, and ventilation; and are extremely vulnerable to being overcrowded. Thus, the spreading of illness in these vulnerable neighbourhoods is a given. Favelas are a feasible option for those who are unable to afford proper housing. However, the lack of maintaining social distancing is a great challenge when it comes to COVID-19. Individuals living in favelas in Rio, São Paulo, and other large cities are suffering greatly from the virus due to the overcrowded and densely populated living conditions. Once an individual becomes ill, it is extremely difficult to keep this person isolated from everyone in such small homes. For example, in São Paulo people who live in poorer areas are up to 10 times more likely to pass away from coronavirus.

When looking at Rio, favelas make up 22% of the population. Furthermore, favelas account for 34.6% of the number of confirmed cases and 9.8% of COVID-19 deaths. The distribution of the virus has been unequal in Brazil thus far. The rate of its transmission has been three times greater in poor neighbourhoods with inadequate living conditions. In response, the state has done very little to help their citizens living in favelas fight the virus. Favela communities have taken it upon themselves to act on imposing rules and regulations to slow down the rapid transmission of coronavirus. For example, within the city of Rocinha, a gang-imposed curfew has been implemented and enforced.

The lack of basic needs, especially access to water and sanitation, are important to be discussed when examining the poor living conditions amongst favelas. The long-lasting water and sanitation issue present within favelas is becoming more prevalent. When faced with a global pandemic, one of the most basic health measures is to wash your hands. A survey done by the state’s Public Defender Office concluded that 140 areas are dealing with irregular access to water in Rio. In addition to the lack of water supply, there is also a concern around inadequate sanitation. Sanitation has the ability to serve as a basic need that is detrimental in improving the quality of life. The government has estimated that 40% of homes in Brazil are not connected to a sewage system. More specifically, within favelas evacuation systems for sewage are not present. Throwing sewage is ultimately unsafe and the spread of diseases has drastically increased through this method within favelas.

In order to implement the correct strategies to mitigate the spread of the virus, those in charge of implementing COVID-19 containment measures like social distancing and basic sanitation must consider how certain communities are uniquely vulnerable due to a lack of basic resources.  The development of specific community infrastructure, such as proper waste management and sanitization systems, is critical in helping the most vulnerable and marginalized populations in Brazil stay safe and free from coronavirus.