Survival in the Midst Of Challenges: Tale from Ijora-Badia Slum Dwellers of Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

The history of slum development can be traced back to the era of industrial revolution and urbanization which was characterized by migration of people from rural areas to urban centres seeking a better means of livelihood because of the desire and anticipated opportunities at the urban centres. In this paper, the environmental health condition of slum dwellers in Ijora-badia was examined. Some of the environmental health conditions data were collected via questionnaires, direct observation, personal interview, and focus group discussion. Some of the environmental health variables considered were major disease vector found, major disease suffered in the last one year health facilities patronized among others The research population was based on the total number of existing buildings from which the total numbers of household head were determined and 5% of the total household head population was taken for the interview. The total numbers of 189 questionnaires were administered and responses were taken. Findings reveal that mosquitoes accounted for 77.8% of major disease vector found in various homes which is vector for malaria disease; malaria is the most prevalent environmental health disease which the respondents suffered in the last one year. The paper concludes that the healthcare facilities should be provided and located within the localities for easy accessibility of the people. In this wise, the federal, state and local governments ‘Primary Health Care Delivery Programme’ should be extended to the area and made affordable for the people.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2014.v4n3p131