Study Reveals Urgent Need for Health Intervention as Street Children Struggle in Dar es Salaam

By Adonis Byemelwa

In the bustling streets of Dar es Salaam, amidst the roar of engines and urban chaos, a silent struggle unfolds. Street children like Aziza Juma, Beatrice Lusabo, and Tisso Kami navigate a world fraught with danger, risking their lives daily just to survive.

Washing car windows at busy intersections, they teeter on the edge of danger, dodging speeding vehicles as they scrape together a meager living. "Every day, I fear for my life," confesses Aziza, her eyes reflecting the perilous reality of street life. Beatrice nods in agreement, recounting encounters with irate drivers who threaten and yell. Yet, despite the risks, they press on, driven by an indomitable will to survive.

 In Dar es Salaam alone, an estimated 3,000-5,000 children live on the streets. Many are forced into labour by their families, who rely on their earnings for survival, according to Prof. William Anangisye.

But beyond the immediate dangers of the streets lie deeper, systemic barriers. Despite international mandates like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which promises every child the right to health and healthcare, street children in Tanzania face significant obstacles in accessing essential services.

Their stories underline a pressing need for comprehensive interventions to protect and support street children across Tanzania. From inadequate healthcare to systemic neglect, the challenges they face demand urgent attention and action

A recent study analyzed by Projestus Bernard, a PhD student at the University of Dodoma under the guidance of Dr. Leonce Mujwahuzi, adopted content analysis from ten different sources to identify patterns, themes, and relationships between welfare services and the health outcomes of street children.

The study emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies that address street children's unique challenges without ignoring their health-seeking behavior. It highlights the importance of identifying various social welfare interventions that link street children with health services and understanding the nature of community support for their health.

The findings reveal that most health-related interventions target adults, and there is a lack of specialized skills among volunteers and health officials in addressing the specific needs of street children. Additionally, the study notes that many street children remain disconnected from health services due to discrimination, stigma, and social exclusion. These children often rely on distorted information from their peers or informal networks, further hindering their access to proper healthcare.

Community-based organisations and social welfare offices play a crucial role in providing health services to street children. Collaborations between these organizations can significantly improve health outcomes by ensuring universal access to healthcare and addressing the root causes of health disparities. However, budgetary constraints and a lack of transparency often undermine the effectiveness of these efforts.

Mobile clinics and outreach programs are essential in connecting street children with health services. Despite their potential, itinerant services have yet to reach many street children due to inadequate administration and a lack of professional staff. Outreach programs are vital for building trust between healthcare providers and street children, encouraging them to seek medical help.

In addition to healthcare services, providing health education to street children and their families is crucial. This education can help them understand the importance of seeking medical help and adopting healthier lifestyles. Successful examples from other countries, such as India, demonstrate the effectiveness of involving street children, their families, and the community in health education programs.

The findings reveal a stark reality: most health-related interventions target adults, and there is a glaring lack of specialized skills among volunteers and health officials to address the unique needs of street children. Discrimination, stigma, and social exclusion leave many street children disconnected from health services. They rely on distorted information from peers or informal networks, further hindering their access to proper healthcare.

Community-based organizations and social welfare offices play a crucial role in providing health services to street children. Collaborations between these entities can significantly improve health outcomes by ensuring universal access to healthcare and tackling the root causes of health disparities. However, budgetary constraints and a lack of transparency often undermine these efforts.

Mobile clinics and outreach programs are essential in connecting street children with health services. Despite their potential, these services remain inadequate due to poor administration and a lack of professional staff. Outreach programs are vital for building trust between healthcare providers and street children, encouraging them to seek medical help.

Health education for street children and their families is also crucial. This education helps them understand the importance of seeking medical help and adopting healthier lifestyles. Successful models from countries like India show the effectiveness of involving street children, their families, and the community in health education programs.

Funding and resource allocation for street children’s health must be prioritized. The state social welfare department often neglects this vulnerable population, whose plight is a symptom of the failure of social structures such as family, political, and economic systems. Creating a protective environment for every child requires a commitment to child rights protection and enforcement mechanisms.

In the heart of Dar es Salaam, beneath the John Kijazi Bridge in Ubungo, Hamis Munuo and Katto Beebwa share their daily battles. "We sleep under the bridge because we have nowhere else to go," Hamis reveals. "When we get sick, we can't afford hospital visits, and the treatment is often harsh," Katto adds, shedding light on their dire health struggles.

Across town, at Morocco Bridge in Kinondoni, Grace Bigirwa and Mohammed Issa narrate similar tales. "We wash cars to make ends meet, but it's never enough," Grace laments. "Stomach pains and headaches plague us, but no one lends a helping hand," she continues, capturing the health challenges faced by many.

At Patrick Mfugale Bridge in Tazara, Khadija Samuel and Neema Kissa highlight the harsh realities of life at the bustling interchange. "The noise and pollution here are unbearable," Khadija says. "Respiratory problems are rampant, but medical help feels like a distant dream," Neema adds, underlining the lack of access to healthcare services.

These stories accentuate the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. Integrating street children's health into broader social welfare services, improving health education, and ensuring adequate funding are vital steps toward fostering a healthier, more inclusive society. Only through collaborative efforts involving government agencies, civil society, and community organizations can we hope to create a protective environment where every child can thrive.