HIV Prevention for Street Children

Suman Sengupta from India presented a study of the latest socio-economic and cultural determinants of high-risk sexual behaviours among street children in Calcutta. Using a variety of methodology, the study established that the risk behaviours of this group are governed by complex matrix of survival pressures, environmental factors, economic constraints shared beliefs, cultural perceptions particularly of their own body functions and power relations. Many of the children of both sexes had experienced sexual abuse from fathers, brothers and uncles and power figures (police). The assessment of the determinants of high-risk behaviour will help to develop appropriate HIV/AIDS prevention programs. Another study of Calcutta street children was presented. This was a study of street children who sell sex to earn money for drugs. The art therapy project was designed to educate the group about the risk of HIV/AIDS through visual and theatre arts.

Then Dr Sok Sophal spoke about the challenges of running a drop-in centre in Steung Meanchey, a poor urban area outside Phnom Phen Cambodia. The centre, managed by Mith-Samlanh Friends serves to educate, counsel and support children at risk of infection and those already affected or infected by HIV/AIDS. Dr Jayashree Ramakrishna presented a paper on sexuality and male children, examining vulnerabilities and sexualities of street and sexually exploited boys in Bangalore. She found that their experiences on the street and the interaction with the police combined with the societal and family notions of sex led these boys to develop disempowered identities. Low self esteem and general disgust for their own bodies led them to continue to undertake high-risk behaviours.