Non-Governmental Organisations in Prevention and Management of Human Immune Virus Among Children in Kilungu District, Eastern Province Kenya

ABSTRACT This study intended to determine the role of NGOs in prevention and management of HIV/AJDS among children in Kilungu District, Eastern province Kenya. This study seeks to Determine the profile of respondents in terms of A) NGO employees i) Age, ii) Gender, iii) Educational level, iv) Position. B). NGO Beneficiaries i) Age, ii) Gender, iii) Parental status, iv) Marital status, Determine the extent of NGO’s prevention and management of HIV/AIDS among children in Kilungu District, Eastern Province, Kenya, Determine the extent to which children with HIV/AIDS benefit from the services of NGOs, Establish whether there is a significant difference in the extent to which children with HIV/AIDS benefit from NGO services according to age, gender, and parental status and Establish whether there is a significant difference in the level of HIV/AIDS prevention and management between BIDIT and ICAP. The study employed a descriptive comparative survey and a cross sectional and exposit-facto design. Using staff (51) and beneficiaries (116) of two NGOs (ICAP and BIDII) sampled purposively, the researcher used a self made questionnaire to collect data, which was analyzed using frequencies percentage distributions, means, t-test and One Way ANOVA. The findings indicated that most NGO staff belonged to the age group of 20-39 years (lS%) and for beneficiaries 5-loyears (42%), most respondents both NGO staff (55%) and beneficiaries (62%) were male; for staff, diploma holders (52%) dominated the sample, most employees were field officers (78%), most employees belonged to ICAP (55%) and most beneficiaries had only mother (50%). The activities of NGO5 in prevention and management of HIV/AJDS were found to be fairly satisfactory (overall average mean = 2.87). The level of benefits from the NGO services was high (average mean = 3.90). There was a significant difference in the perceived benefit between male and female beneficiaries (t= -7.928, sig. = 0.000). There was a significant difference in the benefits received by children of different age groups (F = 2.720, sig. = 0.000). There were significant differences in benefits received according to parental status (F = 12.720, sig. = 0.000). Results also indicated a significant difference in the level of prevention and management of HIV/AIDS between ICAP and BIDJI (all sig. values < 0.05). The researcher concluded that NGO5 activities in prevention and management of HIV/AIDS are fairly satisfactory but the level of perceived benefits from NGO services is high. Female beneficiaries are more likely to benefit more from the NGO services compared to male beneficiaries. Young children receive more support from NGOs. Children with only mothers receive more support from NGOs. BIDIT’s support services are more satisfactory than vii ICAP. NGOs’ services are more attached to activities related to HIV/AIDS management. NGOs’ financial and social support is still unsatisfactory. The researcher recommended that NGOs management should; i) train their staff, increase number of female staff, increase their activities of helping children with HIV especially supplying ARV5 and other drugs, provide financial support, strengthen provision of education to HIV/AIDS children, avoid discrimination in giving support between male and female beneficiaries, increase on the nutritional support and for the government to also take part in HIV/AIDS management.