Honduras

International Activity Report, 2009

Homeless young people living on the streets in the capital Tegucigalpa are very vulnerable. Their living conditions are dangerous and they are often the targets of violence. They have little or no access to healthcare. Last year more than 500 homeless people under the age of 24 were murdered.
 
MSF runs a therapeutic day-care centre in Comayaguela that provides medical, psychological and social support in one of the poorest areas in the city. In 2009, the centre saw on average 220 young people on a regular basis and the MSF team recorded over 8,000 therapeutic visits, including over 2,000 medical interventions. Many suffered from respiratory infections, skin conditions, dental problems, injuries resulting from violence, and HIV/AIDS.
 
Some patients show symptoms too severe to be treated in the day-care centre. In 2009 MSF referred to national hospitals 37 people suffering with depression, psychotic episodes, severe drug or alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or who had attempted suicide.
 
In 2009 MSF implemented a new model of care for those with drug or alcohol addiction. The service helps people to confront their addiction, which is often the first step to recovery.