Introduction
Street-connected children and youth (SCY) in Kenya face significant health and social inequities. The research article, "Identifying Strategies to Advance Health Equity through Action on Social Determinants of Health and Human Rights for Street-Connected Children and Youth in Kenya," provides crucial insights into addressing these challenges. By leveraging data-driven strategies, practitioners can improve outcomes for SCY and encourage further research.
Understanding the Research
The study identifies three types of policies and interventions: repressive, welfare-oriented, and child rights-based. It emphasizes the importance of a child rights approach, which focuses on consulting children in decisions affecting their health and well-being, respecting them as rights holders. This approach contrasts with welfare strategies, which view children as victims, and repressive strategies, which often criminalize them.
Implementing Child Rights Strategies
Practitioners can enhance their skills by implementing child rights strategies, which include:
- Education and Vocational Training: Providing access to quality education and vocational training can reduce social stratification and improve health equity. Practitioners should advocate for educational opportunities tailored to the needs and interests of SCY.
- Housing and Basic Needs: Ensuring access to safe housing, adequate nutrition, and healthcare is fundamental. Practitioners can work with policymakers to develop programs that address these basic needs.
- Political Representation: Encouraging SCY to participate in shaping social and health policies empowers them and upholds their rights to be heard and involved in decision-making.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides a framework for action, it also highlights the need for more research to develop evidence-based policies and interventions. Practitioners are encouraged to collaborate with researchers to design, implement, and evaluate strategies that uphold SCY's human rights and address their needs.
Conclusion
By adopting a child rights approach and focusing on social determinants of health, practitioners can play a vital role in advancing health equity for street-connected children in Kenya. This transformative work requires collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to upholding the rights of all children.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Identifying Strategies to Advance Health Equity through Action on Social Determinants of Health and Human Rights for Street-Connected Children and Youth in Kenya.
