South Africa, in a similar way to other developing countries, is experiencing rapid urbanisation, resulting in the growth of slums and squatter settlements where people live under appalling conditions of poverty and deprivation. People in these settlements live in substandard housing with inadequate water supply, sanitation and other basic necessities. Associated with this lack of services is an increase in disease and ill-health of these growing peri-urban populations. This paper draws attention to the relationship between poverty and health in the peri-urban environments. The discussion clearly indicates that the principal causes of ill-health and social maladjustment which include infections, inadequate nutrition, and faulty childrearing practices are products of poverty, ignorance and lack of resources. The effects of poverty on women and children's health is explored; and the new government's policy for dealing with poverty is highlighted.
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