Displacement, infrastructure deficits and public health risks in post-conflict marawi during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose – This research aims to examine how conflict-displaced households in Marawi in the Philippines navigated challenges in housing, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and identifies implications for built environment resilience and inclusive recovery. Design/methodology/approach – A mixed-methods cross-sectional survey was administered to 428 internally displaced households in Marawi. Quantitative data on housing damage, tenure, WASH access and self-reported ability to self-isolate were analysed, supported by thematic interpretation. Descriptive and inferential statistics explored associations between infrastructural variables and perceived pandemic resilience. Findings – Findings reveal extensive post-conflict housing damage, tenure insecurity and overcrowding, with many households lacking sufficient space or facilities to implement basic health protocols. While hygiene practices were commonly reported, inadequate access to reliable water and sanitation infrastructure, as well as intermittent electricity, hindered effective disease prevention. Respondents identified these physical limitations, alongside governance challenges and limited consultation in recovery processes, as barriers to resilience. Despite this, many expressed trust in government and NGO efforts, although gaps in participation and service quality remained. Research limitations/implications – Cross-sectional design limits causality. Further research should include longitudinal and comparative studies in similar settings to assess long-term resilience. Practical implications – Findings underline the need for integrated rebuilding programmes that prioritise tenure security, infrastructural upgrades (WASH, electricity) and inclusive planning to bolster resilience in displacement-affected built environments. Originality/value – This study uniquely integrates public health, housing, WASH and governance analyses in a protracted displacement and pandemic context. It highlights how built environment deficits undermine health resilience and how participatory recovery could bridge this gap.