Effects Of Hiv/Aids On The Affected Children In Kenya: A Case Study Of Olopito Village In Narok North Sub-County

Abstract

One group of (HIV) affected children with distinct vulnerabilities are those living with HIV infected or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) ill adults or lost parents as a result of HIV/AIDS. These children experience social, emotional, and health vulnerabilities that overlap with, but are not necessarily the same as, those of orphans or other vulnerable children. The purpose of this study aimed at finding out the effects of HIV/AIDS on the affected children in Olopito village in Narok North Sub-County. The study was guided by the following objectives: to investigate the prevalence of HIV/AIDS on the affected children in Olopito village, to find out the effects of HIV/AIDS on the affected children in Olopito village and to assess the mitigation measures of HIV/AIDS on the affected children in Olopito village. The study utilized descriptive survey design, where the accessible population was 5000 people from which a sample of 10% of the total population was selected and a sample size of respondents was obtained for the 10 % of the total population study. Quantitative research approaches were used to collect information. Stratified random sampling was used to select the sample that represented the whole population. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used since they make easier to collect data from the respondents. Data was collected and arranged by coding and editing into manageable proportions and entered into the computer by use of Microsoft Excel spread sheet computer programs. The presentation of the study findings was in form of tables, bar graphs and figures where necessary. The findings revealed that HIV remains a leading cause of death worldwide and Africa in particular. The study also found that HIV/AIDS affects psychological development of children. It concluded that the prevalence of HIV/AIDS on the affected children is still high in Kenya, particularly in semi-arid areas which HIV/AIDs have many effects to the affected children. Mitigation measures should be sought to curb the HIV pandemic effects on children and these include increasing HIV counseling and testing, couples should maintaining fidelity, blood screening, and promotion of safer sexual practices and early diagnosis of STDs. The study recommended that the government should be gender sensitive and embrace affirmative action, civil society should also take an active role to help the children affected by HIV/AIDS especially in education participation. Finally suggestion for further study was given.