Citation

Connolly M, Franchet CN. Network 1993; 14(2): 24-25.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, Library and Information Science Division of the World Information Systems Exchange)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12287153

Abstract

Estimates of as many of 100 million 5-18 year old children have been generated on the number of street children in urban areas worldwide. About 70% are on the streets, during the day and return home at night and 20-25% know where their families are, but prefer to live on the streets. 5-10% are without family and live on the streets. About 25-33% are young girls. Poverty is one of the driving forces for street children from rural areas. These children face illnesses such as respiratory infections, skin diseases, gastrointestinal problems, trauma, sexual abuse, exploitation, unwanted pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis and gonorrhea. In Kenya, 4 out of 5 street children know that AIDS, while in India few are aware, and those who are have a fatalist attitude, since violence and death are faced by many of these children daily. As the numbers of street children have grown, so have health services to meet their needs. In the Philippines, Metro Manila has established a model program in providing health, nutrition, counseling, referral.

Language: en