Ending Extreme Poverty and Enhancing Urban Health

Cities and human settlements play pivotal roles in influencing people’s well-being and are essential in realizing the wider objectives of global development as stated in the 2030 Agenda. The primary goal of sustainable development is to create cities and human settlements that are inclusive, secure, resilient and sustainable. This is achieved by addressing various aspects including housing, transportation, sanitation, healthcare, access to public green areas and fostering sustainable urban development. Despite significant economic progress in recent years, South Africa continues to grapple with the challenges of extreme poverty, with spatial planning playing a significant role in shaping its prevalence and persistence. Bloemfontein is one of the nine major cities in South Africa, representing an important case study for understanding the complexities of poverty and its impact on urban health. The paper employs a qualitative case study method in the Phomolong informal settlements to highlight nuances of the complex interactions between urbanization, poverty, health and the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Comprehending the factors influencing extreme poverty and urban health, especially in marginalized communities is crucial for achieving SDG objectives. The findings indicate that we are far from reaching these objectives. The apparent absence of essential services is at the core of these challenges, which significantly hampers the overall well-being of the residents. The paper concludes by emphasizing that attaining the SDGs targets in Bloemfontein will only become a reality if the state intentionally focuses its efforts on these communities to promote social justice, inclusivity and improved health outcomes for all residents.