Health of the homeless street women in South Africa

This paper reports on a qualitative survey conducted among 88 homeless street women in Johannesburg inner city about their health profile. The survey analysis is a descriptive one that elicits information about the types and causes of diseases prevalent among the street homeless women as well as their access to health care services based on the experiences of the homeless street women themselves. The paper, in view of the fact of the poor living and housing conditions of these women highlights their vulnerability to certain exposure to environmental risks, which ultimately affects their health. The paper suggests the need for more health security for homeless street women, and also health education and awareness programmes for the women to allow for more understanding of their health needs and priorities.