Urbanization can be the engine for progress of cities and
provide great opportunities for individuals and families to
prosper. However, urbanization can bring many difficult health
challenges. Rapid, unplanned urbanization, when not managed
properly, can give rise to urban poverty, growth of slums,
health problems and widening inequities. Urban health equity is
a pressing concern, especially for the poor. The urban poor are
often socially excluded, and face the following challenges: lack
of social support systems; unsafe living and working conditions;
discrimination; isolation, powerlessness; and inability to pay
for goods and services. The poorer a person is, the worse is his
or her health. The urban poor suffer from unfavorable, living
conditions. Oftentimes, they cannot afford the prohibitive high
costs of health services. They face illnesses and premature
deaths from preventable deaths, due to lack of safe drinking
water, improper sanitation, health facilities, safety, security
and health information. The