STREET “ON AND OFF’’ CHILDREN LECTURE (7)

Introduction  Homeless persons represent an aggregate that is particularly at risk for disability, injury, or premature death. They suffer from lack of food, clothing, medical services, and social support. 22 June

Children “On” the street  These are children who depends on the street for their subsistence, but usually return home at night. Children “off” the street  These are children who work and sleep on the street, where by street is their principal home. 22 June

Prevalence  Worldwide, an estimated number of street children is million. National wide the estimated number of street children is 100, ,000, among these 67% are in Addis Ababa. 22 June

Reason (contributing factor) for being street  Even though several and different types of reason is given for being street. The most common reason-contributing factor includes.  Economic reason – (i.e. searching for better life)  Physical violence by their parents  Loose family ties  School failure 22 June

 Bribed by an adult  Orphaned by an adult  Drought, war, ethnic conflict  Mental illness 22 June

Problems of street children  Since street children are homeless, living in overcrowding shelters, unsuitable sleeping, unsanitary living condition and they have poor hygienic, and poor nutritional status. They are exposed to different disease causing organisms, they exposed for trauma, even for substance abuse and crime. 22 June

 Therefore, they are highly exposed to many health and health related problem, the mains health problems include:  Acute or chronic alcoholism Respiratory tract infection Drug abuse  Trauma (assault, accident, burns)  STIs  Diarrhea disease  Leg and ear problems Mental illness 22 June

 Sexual violence like coerced sex through threats, intimidations, or physical forces, rape, attempted rape, unwelcome kiss… are also other problems of female street children the consequences of problems include  Physical injury –loss of vision, hearing, disfiguring  Unwanted pregnancy unsafe abortion  STIs/ HIV 22 June

 Psychological problem – fear and anxiety  Sexual dysfunctions Low self – esteem  Post traumatic stress disorders (PTSD)  Depression 22 June

Some of the strategies to alleviate their problem include  Making health care facilities available.  Street based health education which focus on FP, personal hygiene, STIs/ HIV etc.  Looking for possibilities to reunite with their families. 22 June

THANK YOU 22 June