CHENNAI: With over 10 per cent of streetchildren in Chennai being diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), the urgent need to recognise them as a `high-risk' group for HIV/AIDS has been underscored.

Between April 2002 and March 2005, about 3,699 streetchildren were surveyed in Chennai, of whom 409 had to be treated for STD. Also, two children, one girl and a boy, were found to be HIV positive, according to the study funded by the Chennai Corporation AIDS Prevention and Control Society and conducted by Karunalaya. The children diagnosed with STDs were referred to treatment centres and they continue to be provided care. Living on and off the streets is the biggest risk factor, says Paul Sunder Singh of Karunalaya. "These children are exposed early to sexual acts and also start experimenting early. In addition to this, children sleeping on the streets at night are sexually abused periodically, some by strangers, others even by relatives and friends," Mr. Singh said. Over 31 per cent of the boys and 13 per cent of girls said that they were forced into sexual contact.

Poor awareness and orientation on health and precautions leads to transmission and spread of STDs and HIV. A baseline study conducted among the children indicated that 98 per cent had not heard of STD/HIV, 78 per cent had no idea about AIDS and 96 per cent had no clue about the symptoms of STD/HIV/AIDS.

"The study has only strengthened our suspicions. Sexual activity is very high and it is only likely that there is a high level of such infections among them," said Fr. Jesu of Nesakkaram SEEDS, who has been working with street children for long. The study tested for STDs only children in the 11-18 age group. There are younger children who too might be infected, because of abuse or exposure; if they are tested, it is likely to take up the total prevalence to high levels.

"What we have can easily be just the tip of the iceberg," Mr. Singh said. As part of intervention, the non governmental organisation has initiated a public awareness campaign, orienting parents and wards about the modes of transmission, safety measures, condom demonstration, besides teaching them basic health and hygiene.

"Awareness creation is the only solution and these measures have to be stepped up," Fr. Jesu said.

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