Healthy Homes Guidelines

An assessment of the impact of COVID-19, conducted by AAK and Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) in informal settlements within the Nairobi Metropolitan Region, found it was very challenging for residents to comply with prevention protocols such as regular hand washing, due to inadequate water supply, and social distancing, in single-room dwellings.

Most buildings surveyed were found to suffer from sick building syndrome, a cause of numerous illnesses experienced by residents who are often completely unaware of the underlying, building-related cause.

In response, AAK and HFHI developed the Healthy Homes Guidelines and Checklist framework, identifying fifteen pillars for achieving healthy housing. It is published alongside a Pecha Kucha report, giving practitioners and community organisers a working tool rather than a purely academic framework.