LOCATION: Lobito, Benguela province

SITUATION:

Since the end of the war in 2002, Angola has been rebuilding itself from its oil revenues. However, the situation remains very unstable for the most disadvantaged people.  Although the budget allocated to health is increasing, the majority of the population is still excluded from healthcare. The most vulnerable are the poor urban populations, particularly street children as well as the rural populations.

SOLUTION:

Between 2005 and 2008, Doctors of the World (DOW) worked to improve living conditions of street children in Lobito in partnership with local organisations and the government, by improving access to healthcare and hygienic living conditions.  In addition its helping with socio-economic reintegration and strengthening child protection systems.

To ensure that the activities undertaken were sustainable, DOW decided that the project was ready for handover to the Angolan organisation OMUNGA in 2009. OMUNGA works on children's rights and is deeply involved in advocacy. DOW helped OMUNGA strengthen its capacity with financial and technical support until March 2010 so that the handover could take place in the best possible conditions.

BENEFICIARIES: 150

RESULTS:

Since 2009, 150 children and adolescents living on the streets have been supported in a health centre and approximately 20 have received training.

OUTLOOK:

Long term.

In 2011, Doctors of the World are going to open a joint project in Kwanza  Norte province. This project aims to improve the right to health for women and young people by strengthening sexual and reproductive health systems and by mobilising the community.