UN-Habitat is carrying out immediate action in poor and densely populated areas, particularly informal settlements, in 64 countries to protect people against COVID-19 and the effects of the pandemic. It is working with its wide network on partners to implement the USD 72 million Response Plan to improve affordable access to water and sanitation, raise awareness and support initiatives to prevent homelessness and provide livelihoods.

Countries of Action
Countries of Action
72
million USD required to help in the COVID-19 response
64
countries with planned interventions
over
100
countries with planned interventions
Response Areas Africa (20 countries) Arab States (11 countries) Asia Pacific (17 countries) Latin America (16 countries) Global Programmes Total (64 countries)
1. Innovative community driven solutions 25,890,000 16,160,000 9,000,000 700,000 51,750,000
2. Urban data, mapping and knowledge 910,000 1,090,000 910,000 890,000 2,200,000 6,000,000
3. Mitigating economic impact and initiate recovery 6,500,000 300,000 480,000 6,740,000 230,000 14,250,000
Total needs for 2020 33,300,000 17,550,000 10,390,000 8,330,000 2,430,000 72,000,000

COVID-19 prevention in slums

UN-Habitat COVID-19 Response

The continuing spread of the COVID-19 crisis threatens the most vulnerable in cities and communities, particularly the one billion people living in slums and informal settlements. Therefore UN-Habitat is launching an urgent COVID-19 Response Plan for 64 countries focusing on immediate action in poor and densely populated areas.

Local officials in Nepal hand out masks to protect against COVID-19 made by local handicraft workers ©UN-Habitat
Local officials in Nepal hand out masks to protect against COVID-19 made by local handicraft workers ©UN-Habitat