COVID-19 pandemic rips through Latin American poorest areas

Overcrowded neighbourhoods and a big population within poverty levels are a big challenge Latin American countries are facing during this global pandemic. | Aerial view of the shantytown on the San Cristobal hill on the outskirts of Lima.

Brazil, the hardest-hit country in the region, has surpassed 20,000 deaths, according to figures released by Brazil's Ministry of Health. Aerial view showing the Pavao-Pavaozinho favela surrounded by the neighbourhoods of Copacabana, Ipanema and Lagoa in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil.

The U.N. World Food Program is warning that upward of at least 14 million people could go hungry in Latin America as the coronavirus pandemic rages on. | Aerial view of Ciudad Bolivar neighborhood, south of Bogota.

Aerial view of the shantytown on the San Cristobal hill on the outskirts of Lima.

Aerial view of Ciudad Bolivar neighborhood, south of Bogota.

View of Divino Paraiso colony in Tegucigalpa.

Aerial view of the Cerro 18 sector, east of Santiago.

Aerial view of a slum of Tegucigalpa.

Aerial view of Villa Fontana neighbourhood in Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico.

View of a slum of Tegucigalpa.

Aerial view of Ciudad Bolivar neighborhood, south of Bogota.

Aerial view of the municipality of Huixquilucan, metropolitan Mexico City.

Aerial view of a slum of Tegucigalpa.

Aerial view of Ciudad Bolivar neighborhood, south of Bogota.

Aerial view of a slum of Tegucigalpa during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aerial view of Villa 31, one of the largest slums in Buenos Aires.

Aerial view of the Pamplona Alta sector in southeastern Lima.

View of Petare neighbourhood in eastern Caracas.

Aerial view of the municipality of Huixquilucan, metropolitan Mexico City.

Aerial view of the Pamplona Alta sector in southeastern Lima.