Need to do community training on the care and support for HIV/AIDS orphans in marginalized areas

Abstract

Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a tragedy of devastating magnitude in Kenya. It is estimated that on the average 350 lives succumb to HIV/AIDS related opportunistic diseases. According to current estimates in Kenya has a least 1.3 million HIV/AIDS orphans (Kenya Demographic Health Survey 2004). These orphaned children are faced with challenges that include limited access to basic human needs such as food, shelter, clothing and quality Education. The orphans are thus vulnerable and risk being exploited as commercial sex workers and being used as child laborers due to their plight. It is because of the cited predicament that this study’s intention was to assess whether there was need for community training on he care and support of HIV/AIDS orphans in marginalized areas. The methodology used in measuring the variables was qualitative method which employed non-probability and snowball sampling. He data collection procedure consisted of Semi structure interviews, memory focus group work and focus group interactions. The research study’s major findings and conclusion were that the orphans reported loss of parental love and care. They compared themselves poorly with those children who have parents. The care-gibes reported being overwhelmed by; the issuers of HIV/AIDS, such as how to care for the new acquired family members, inadequate assistance by the governmental those in authority. They also reported that there was no psychological support for those orphans and the care-givers. In conclusion the research study revealed that there was apathy both on the side of orphans in their new homes and even those who found themselves in the situation of given are to the HIV.AIDS orphans due to lack of any form of community training on the care and support for HIV/AIDS orphan’s in their areas which were also marginalized. The major recommendations by the care-givers were that he Ministry of Education should address the AIDS orphans issues more practically by providing a specific kitty for their upkeep and sponsorship beyond primary through tertiary and university institutions. In addition it recommended that counseling teacher should be trained on how to best handle learners’ affected by HIV/AIDS. There is none for further studying in the medical care on the HIV/AIDS orphans whose sero-status in positive in order to be provide with child-friendly Anti-Retro-viral drugs whose h are yet to be availed in the Kenyan hospitals.