Overcoming Stigma and Discrimination among HIV/AIDS Orphaned Children: the Role of NGOs’ In Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated the efforts of NGOs on empowering HIV/AIDS orphaned children to deal with stigma and discrimination in Njoro Sub County. The effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic pervade every aspect of children’s lives, their emotional well-being, physical security, mental development, and overall health. To ensure these children enjoy their rights, NGOs have been involved in empowering them by mitigating the challenge of stigma. The study was informed by the Empowerment theory by Andrea Diane (1995). The study used descriptive research design. Purposive sampling was used to get a sample of 47 children respondents and 10 key informants comprising of 2 NGOs officials and 8 community volunteers. The study collected and analyzed both qualitative and quantitative data. The results obtained indicated that the NGOs have implemented programs to empower HIV/AIDS orphaned children on how to deal with stigma and discrimination e.g. by holding their self-esteem high. The study found that children respondents’ lives have changed positively and they can freely play with their peers unlike before they were introduced to the programs. The study recommended that the NGOs should consider empowering the larger community on how to live with the children without stigmatizing or discriminating against them. Keywords: Empowerment, Stigma, Discrimination, HIV/AIDS Orphaned Child