Physical Poverty – Lack of health
“Working in constant pollution and among infectious and sharp objects, the scavengers are in a clear state of permanent sickness. Health is a very urgent concern. The malnutrition, toxic waste, pathogens, filth and other high-risk aspects of scavenging cause severe respiratory and dermatological illnesses, along with a myriad of other health complications. The scavengers have almost no access to medical care services. The public health system in Guatemala is completely inefficient. Medical consults, lab exams and medications are totally out of the question for the scavengers.”
Source: http://www.pottershouse.org.gt/physical-poverty/
For more on what the Scriptures say on this form of poverty and combating it, see pages 14-15 of this Potter’s House document.