Introduction: According to the International Labor Organization there are about 250 million child laborers between 5 to 14 years of age. The negative effects of the worst forms of child labor such as slavery, prostitution and warfare, affect every facet of child development. In addition, their basic rights to health, seccurity and a nurturing atmosphere are denied. Objectives: 1)To examine the health effects of three of the worst forms of child labor, slavery, prostitution and warfare. 2) To propose possible interventions to reduce child slavery, prostitution and child labor in warfare. Methods: Through an extensive literature review, we compiled and analyzed general and specific caujses of the worst forms of chid labor, their potential health effects, and possible interventions. Results: Child labor in gneral, and specifically slavery, prostitution and combat, restricts opportunities for education, jeopardizes a child's psychological and physical health and increases the risk of exposure to HIV, injury, poor social development, exposure to chemicals and death. Conclusion: Due to the clandestine nature of this type of labor there is litte accurate data on the scope and scale of the adverse effects and succesful interventions. Much more research is needed to assess the full burden of these types of labor, especially the lasting psychosocial impact. For all forms the most succesful interventions combine "traditional" public health practices, psychosocial and educational programs, and advocacy within local and international frameworks.
Learning Objectives: 1. To determine the Health effects of the worst forms of child labor. 2. To elaborate recommendations and possible interventions to reduce child labor in the world.
Keywords: Child Health, Human Rights
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.