CHALLENGES FACING CHILDREN AFFECTED AND INFECTED BY HIV AND AIDS: A CASE STUDY IN SEKE RURAL DISTRICT.

Author's Name: Mawere Virginia Hope & Dr. Mabamba Fraderick
Subject Area: Social Science and Humanities
Subject Other
Section Case Studies

Keyword:

Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Caregivers, Psychosocial Support.


Abstract

Children have been and are being affected by HIV and AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa since its discovery in the 1980s.TheJoint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), reports that nearly 40 million of people in Sub-SaharanAfrica are either affected or infected with HIV and AIDS including about three million children under the age of 15years. According to UNICEF, by 2010, there were more than 25 million children orphaned by HIV and AIDS virus. Theorphan population appears to be increasing by day. This situation has a major impact on the growth and development ofthe children infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. This study sought to find out the impact of HIV and AIDS onchildren aged 3-6 years in Seke rural community in Zimbabwe. The study employed an informal survey using focusgroup discussions and individual interviews with caregivers. The study found out that most children who are infected andaffected by HIV and AIDS are under the care of caregivers who are either grandparents or secondary caregivers. Some ofthe children are not sent to Early Childhood Centers established in the primary schools, lack basic needs such as food,decent shelter and clothing. The children are in dire need of Psychosocial Support (PSS) and care. The caregivers alsosuffer from burnout, need to be educated on child rearing techniques and are in need of PSS and Care. The studyrecommended that Ward Councilors’, Village Heads, primary school personnel and the Government at large need todesign a policy on implementing PSS and Care to the needy children and their caregivers.

Download Full Paper