Location: Abidjan

Situation:

Ivorians' living conditions continue to be difficult due to political instability in the area. In this context, Doctors of the World (DOW) is supporting the local NGO Movement for Education, Health and Development’s (MESAD) work with street children.

Activities:

We support MESAD, which was set up by DOW staff when the organisation withdrew at the end of 2002. Support (advice and basic care) is provided to street children in the AKWABA centre and in the Minors' Observation Centre in Abidjan prison. The AKWABA centre offers psychological support, assistance with socio-educational activities, helping children to return to school and start apprenticeships. The work in the Minors' Observation Centre includes legal support and tracing families. A parallel programme of awareness-raising, health education, prevention (focussed on drug use and HIV/AIDS) takes place in MESAD's reception facilities.

Outlook:

MESAD will carry on with this work and would also like to work on a reintegration programme for young girls, for whom there is currently only one specific facility in Abidjan.