Exploring climate change and environmental determinants of child health in Mumbai’s informal settlements: Pilot study findings
Oct 24 2025 / Posted in
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The pilot study by SNEHA examined how environmental and urban factors influence child health in Mumbai’s informal settlements, focusing on Kurla. Interviews with parents and paediatricians revealed that respiratory infections, gastric problems, and vector-borne diseases are the most common illnesses among children. These were linked mainly to poor living conditions such as contaminated water, open drains, and improper waste disposal.
Participants did not directly associate child health issues with climate change, viewing them instead as seasonal or everyday urban problems. Monsoon-related flooding, stagnant water, and poor sanitation were seen as major triggers for illness, while heat-related health concerns were rarely mentioned. Air pollution from construction and traffic was also identified as a growing cause of respiratory problems in children.
The study highlights the urgent need to strengthen water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) systems, improve waste management, and promote safe hygiene and nutrition practices. It concludes that although climate change was not widely recognized by the community, poor urban infrastructure and environmental degradation indirectly worsen child health outcomes in informal settlements.
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