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Young people living in street situations face significant physical and mental health challenges. A survey conducted by Hashtag Gulu Initiative with 50 street-connected children and youths (41 boys and 9 girls) revealed that only 32% of males and 56% of females interviewed reported feeling healthy.
One of the primary obstacles they encounter is the difficulty in accessing proper healthcare due to severe stigmatization by healthcare providers. Consequently, they often resort to self-medication with whatever they can find, leading to more harm than good. Studies on street-connected children and youths (SCCY) have shown that various factors, such as violence, malnutrition, infectious diseases, risky sexual behaviors, substance abuse, and stigmatization, contribute to poorer health outcomes among this vulnerable population.
These factors not only jeopardize their chances of reintegrating into their community or family but also put them at risk of unwanted pregnancies, long-term health complications, and, in the worst cases, premature death.
SCCY often lack knowledge about where to seek proper healthcare services and have limited health-related knowledge in general. Their lack of trust in others further hinders their willingness and ability to seek physical and mental treatment when needed. While vocational training programs are important for equipping SCCY with skills to find jobs and generate income, addressing their physical and mental health issues is essential and necessary. In collaboration with St. Phillips Health Center, vivo international, and Elephante Commons, Hashtag Gulu Initiative is implementing the