HASHTAG GULU INITIATIVE LAUNCHES HEALTH CARE PROJECT FOR STREET CHILDREN IN ACHOLI SUB REGION

Different stakeholders with staffs of Hashtag Gulu Initiative pose for a group photo after the project inception meeting.

By Achomo Proscovia

Gulu City

In a groundbreaking effort to address the healthcare disparities faced by Street-Connected Children and Youth, Hashtag Gulu has launched the “Gulu Health Bridge Project”.

This initiative seeks to provide comprehensive physical and psychological health services to one of the most marginalized groups in the society.

This project comes at a critical time, when many street children continue to face neglect and discrimination while seeking medical care.

According to Michael Ojok, the Executive Director Hashtag Gulu Initiative, many street children face healthcare barriers due to stigma and this new project seeks to provide comprehensive care, ensuring that street children receive the necessary medical and mental health attention to improve their overall wellbeing.

“Many street children struggle to access essential health services due to discrimination and neglect. When they visit healthcare facilities, they are often given little attention, primarily because of their appearance and to address this, the Gulu Health Bridge project has been launched with a clear mission to establish a clinic where the street children can freely seek medical assistance without fear of judgement or stigma,” said Ojok.

Street children in Gulu are battling a range of health challenges, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), malnutrition, respiratory infections and mental health issues among others.

Unfortunately, their status often leaves them excluded from the healthcare system, Mark Otim, the Outreach coordinator Pacta Uganda highlights this issue, stating, “Many street kids are suffering from serious health conditions, but because of their appearance and background, they are often ignored when they seek medical assistance, they receive minimal attention and support.

Despite the severity of their health challenges, these vulnerable children often face neglect, leaving them without access to proper medical care or treatment.”
Jimmy Ociti, the Local Council I for Pece Lukung, Laroo-Pece Division in Gulu City criticized health workers for their discriminatory attitudes toward street children seeking medical care.

“Health workers must treat all patients equally, regardless of their background or appearance. Every human being deserves dignity and access to health care when visiting healthcare facilities,” emphasized the LCI representative.

This alarming situation underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the health needs of street children, ensuring they receive the care and attention necessary to combat these diseases and improve their overall well-being.

Doreen Aber Luboyo, the secretary health and education in Gulu City Council in her speech appreciated Hashtag Gulu for this initiative highlighting that addressing the health needs of street children requires a collective effort.

“Street children are part of our community, and their well-being is our shared responsibility,” said Luboyo.

According to Nyeko JJ Paul, Project Team Leader Mental Health Uganda, due to societal stigma and discrimination, these vulnerable children are frequently overlooked, leaving their health needs unaddressed.

“This situation highlights a critical gap in healthcare access and underscores the need for policies and initiatives to ensure that street children receive the same level of care and dignity as any other human being. Addressing this issue is essential to upholding their fundamental right to health, said Nyeko.”

The three years Gulu Health Bridge Project (2025-2027), is implemented in partnership with Vivo International, St Philips Health Centre and Pacta Uganda with support from Eirene Suisse, a Swiss agency in Geneva.

The project targets 600 young people (180 women, 420 men), impact 6,000 students through mental health awareness program and reach approximately 2 million individuals as indirect beneficiaries through campaign awareness.

STREET CHILDREN IN THE ACHOLI SUB-REGION

The Acholi sub region, which includes districts like Gulu, Kitgum, Pader, Amuru, Nwoya, Lamwo and Omoro, has faced significant challenges due to long -lasting effects of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA)conflict.
 
This conflict displaced thousands of families, disrupted social structures, and left many children orphaned or abandoned. As a result, a significant number of children ended up on the streets.
 
According to a 2015 report by the Uganda government and UNICIEF, there were approximately 10,000 street children in Northern Uganda, with a significant portion in the Acholi sub-region.
 
The numbers fluctuate due to factors like poverty, family breakdowns, and migration to urban areas in search of opportunities.
 
The plight of street children in Acholi sub-region still remains a pressing issue that requires urgent attention.
 
Increased funding, community involvement, and government support are essential to create sustainable solutions.
 
By addressing the root causes of homelessness and providing comprehensive support, we can help these children reclaim their future.