Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The interactions between people and places can have a significant
impact on the wellbeing of individuals, particularly in warm, arid countries such as
South Africa. Coupled to this are the various risks that climate change poses to the
development of communities, particularly in informal settlements. Several of
these risks include the increasing prevalence of contaminants in water and land,
as well as the challenges of managing the effects of climate change.
OBJECTIVES: This conceptual analysis aims to highlight the need for a
transdisciplinary approach to investigating the interaction between informal
urban living spaces, environmental and social determinants of health and
further propose a framework that incorporates tools and strategies to improve
health and wellbeing.
DISCUSSION: Despite the various advantages of living in an urban environment,
many people in informal settlements still lack access to adequate sanitation and
water services. This is why it is important that we develop a comprehensive
understanding of how these changes can be accommodated in the future. This
can be done through the collection of data from the people who live in these
communities. A comprehensive understanding of the environmental and social
determinants of health, coupled with innovative monitoring systems, would
provide a more holistic approach to suggesting a practical strategy for
promoting health and wellbeing in communities while working towards
developing safe and sustainable health-promoting living spaces.
CONCLUSION: Currently there is a paucity of information regarding access to water,
sanitation and health services, coupled with environmental pollution and poor
living conditions causing diseases affecting informal communities, furthermore
practical and viable changes to address these concerns are similarly lacking. To
ensure that healthier built environments are provided for children and adults,
transdisciplinary approaches between researchers and collaboration with,
communities within informal settlements and with policymakers to promote
health advocacy is essential.
