A comprehensive review of the health, hunger, and nutritional status of south and southeast Asian street children

Abstract

The issue of children living on the streets is one of grave concern, demanding immediate attention, especially in South and Southeast Asia. Street children live in pathetic environments; work in hazardous settings and lack access to food and healthcare facilities and experience hunger and malnutrition. They also suffer from several health issues, such as skin diseases, respiratory tract infections, tuberculosis, fever, dysentery, anemia, injuries, poor vision, dental problems, and poor mental health. Adolescent street girls are frequently forced into prostitution and human trafficking. The diseases that street children suffer from are mostly related to their surrounding environment, hygiene conditions, availability of healthcare facilities, access to food, and indulgence in substance abuse. This paper is an attempt to understand the health issues, hunger prevalence, and nutritional status of street children in the South and Southeast Asian regions.