Sexual Reproductive Health Challenges and Health-Care-Seeking Behaviour Among Children Who Live on the Streets in Harare

Abstract

Drawing on interviews and focus group discussions with 26 participants aged between 10 and 17, the paper describes sexual reproductive health problems, health-seeking behaviour, access to and utilisation of sexual reproductive health services among children living on the street in Harare. An intersectionality approach showed how participants’ social location, age and gender created vulnerabilities leading to STIs, maternal complications and sexual violence among others. Additionally, these factors contributed to challenges in accessing sexual reproductive health services among children living on the street. Thus there is need for tailor-made interventions to influence better health outcomes among children living on the street.