Street Children and Medical issues.

 

CAS, in conjunction with the Salvation Army Church, Ghana, runs a clinic at the Refuge. All street children who are registered by CAS can have a free consultation by the nurse. CAS in partnership with Salvation Army have agreements with hospitals and institutions which means that a child with a severe health problem can be referred to any of their centers for treatment. Children who are sick but cannot afford the treatment receive help from CAS. CAS pays all hospital expenses for the children. An average of 60 children visit the clinic every month. Many children practice self-medication or delay in seeking medical advice, which can be very dangerous. The nurse at the clinic also educates the children on health related issues.

 

HEALTH MANUAL.

CAS has written special lessons on health issues which can be used in the streets by street workers, in the Refuge and Hopeland by social workers and also use in workshops where children receive skill training.

In addition, children are counseled regularly on health and other non-health topics such as:

• Self esteem   2. Planning for the future. 3. anger management. 4. money management. 5. Courtesy for boys and girls. 6. taking responsibility for actions. 

7. Health issues on hygiene and emotions, Bilharzias, Birth control methods, intensive breast feeding and weaning.

After the hygiene lessons the children receive a piece of soap, a tooth brush and paste and are encouraged to wash their clothing.

 

SICKNESSES.

The health statistics of CAS show many sicknesses and other problems. Fortunately it does not include HIV-AIDS. These statistics are from children who visit the House of Refuge at Lartebiokorshie and Hopeland. These are:

Hernia, attempted abortions, eye and tooth problems, pregnancy cases, malaria, bilharzias, skin rashes, cuts and wounds, STD's, diarrhea, cholera, ringworms, chickenpox, boils, measles, chest and other pains.

CAS also receives children with hard drug problems and mental cases. At times children with certain disabilities also visit CAS but the staff are not trained to take care of such cases.

 

HEALTH INSURANCE.

CAS has made various attempts to insure children in the National Health insurance Scheme. Unfortunately, it has not been a success mainly because the street population is a fluid population and the children are not stationary.

 

CHILDREN' RIGHT.

CAS is preparing to work in the social welfare districts of the Greater Accra Region. As such, CAS will defend the right of the children who are in the streets. These rights are:

• The right to visit hospitals or clinics.

• The right to good sanitation.

• The right to clean water.

• The right to good and affordable health

• The right to a balanced diet.

• The right to shelter.

• The right to a safe environment.

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COALITION.

CAS is a member of ARHR- The alliance for reproductive health rights. The nurse or other members of staff attend the meetings.