More than 40% of the Philippine population live below the poverty level, so it is not surprising that children are often forced by circumstances to help their family eke out a living or fend for themselves on the streets of Manila. Most of these children’s parents migrated from rural areas in the hope of finding better job opportunities in the city, but have been confined to a life of abject poverty by lack of education.
This article highlights the work of two organizations in protecting the health of these children. Childhope Asia Philippines employs street educators who provide love and attention, protection, and referral for treatment and services (such as psychosocial support and education). They teach children to protect against drug abuse, sexual exploitation, sexually transmitted disease, and physical injury. They also teach life skills and help children plan life goals.
Families and Children for Empowerment and Development, Childhope’s sister NGO, runs programs for children who work on the street but live with their families. Families are helped to identify alternative opportunities for livelihood, including educational support for children to continue education.
The mental, emotional, and physical health of children who work and live on the streets of cities all over the world is a human right that has been taken for granted. It is of the highest urgency that health professionals in every city all over the world recognise this need. The alternatives are long and costly rehabilitation and recovery services for street children who have suffered physical, sexual, and drug abuse. These children are the future adults in every country in the world.
©The Lancet