Urbanisation, slums and health in Colombia.

In the year 2000. every second person of the 6 billion people on earth will be living in cities. In 1950 there were 7 cities with a population >5 million in 1980 there were 26 such cities and by 2000 there will be 60 such cities. Colombia had 11 million people in 1950 and 30 million by 1980 with 70% living in cities. The slum called Aquablanca at the edge of the city of Cali as well as slums of Bogota were studied. The size of the huts where 7-13 people live ranges between 13-30 sq m; electricity supply is primitive and causes electrocutions; water is supplied through brittle rubber hoses that get infested with germs and parasites. No functional canal system is operational. 75% of the inhabitants are illiterate which precludes their chance for a secure job. They barely eke out an existence. Apathy is prevalent and there is rampant crime prostitution and child labor (starting from 8 years of age). Illegal odd jobs provide income. Shops sell mostly processed foods and serious malnutrition is widespread. Intrafamily contacts are slim and illnesses are frequent: stomach ache depression aggression and sleep disturbances. Wife and child beating is common. Children form gangs and gravitate towards criminality. There is extreme egoism and compassion is minimal. About half of those <15 have permanent febrile lung and bronchial infections intestinal parasites acute and chronic pyodermas eye infections diarrhea anemia malnutrition-generated damage epilepsy measles whooping cough scarlet fever tuberculosis and injuries. The adults frequently have rheumatism gastritis gastroduodenal ulcers respiratory infections parasitosis infectious dermatitis and alcohol-induced impairments. Prescription drugs are often sold along with aspirin antibiotics salves and the like in small shops. A German Jesuit priest with Colombian co-workers had launched an effort to improve living conditions by teaching self-help based on a medical-ethical approach.