December 2, 2008, Nairobi, Kenya: At least half of Kenya’s street children are addicted to glue, according to a recent study by the Undugu Society of Kenya (USK), an Advocacy Project partner that works with children living and working on the streets.

The group’s work on the subject was recently covered by Voice of America, which produced an article and video about the issue.

USK estimates that anywhere from 52 to 90 percent of the children who live on the street may be addicted to glue.

Glue-sniffing puts these children at serious risk of brain damage, respiratory infections and other problems, according to USK. The report says street children sniff glue mostly because of peer pressure, to feel good from the high, to stay warm and to ward off hunger pains.

USK is calling for stricter legislation and enforcement and more support for rehabilitation.