The varieties of sexual experience of the street children of Mwanza Tanzania: notes on the possibilities of HIV / STI prevention.

This paper attempts to understand and address the possibilities of promoting HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention programs among street children based on kuleanas (nongovernmental organization) research findings and advocacy interventions carried out in Mwanza Tanzania in 1992-94. To do this information on the childrens varieties of sexual expression and risk behavior was collected over time using four different methods. Key findings of the study include the prevalence of prostitution rape among both boys and girls nonmutual anal penetration among boys and boys having sex with girls and women. A review of the literature on adolescent sexuality was also conducted and showed that a higher incidence of STI abuse and denial of self-determination occurred among girls. During the collection of information the researchers learned that street children are at substantially higher risks from sexual relationships among themselves compared to stereotypical exploitation and prostitution; misconceptions about sex among street children; the varieties and contexts of street children sexual practices are deeply embedded in complex power and friendship dynamics; HIV/STI prevention are not considered a major priority for most street children; prioritization of needs especially for immediate survival; and street children past experience of violence leads to inability to control their own life or determine their future. To confront these dilemmas this paper suggests that communication between street children and adult supporters should be improved.