Thesis:

Assessment of non-governmental organizations interventions in socio-economic welfare of people living with Hiv/aids in Wajir east sub-county, Kenya

The socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS extends beyond the individual to affect households, communities, and the overall development of the region. People Living With HIV/AIDs(PLWHAs) often face increased vulnerability to poverty, limited employment opportunities, and social stigmatization, further exacerbating their challenges. The existing gap in knowledge pertains to the specific roles, approaches, and competence mechanisms employed by NGOs in addressing the economic welfare of PLWHAs in the Health Need Wajir East Sub County. The study was guided by three research objectives; To investigate the effect of NGO advocacy programmes on socio-economic welfare of people living with HIV/AIDS in Wajir East sub-county; To examine the effect of NGO health services on socio-economic welfare of people living with HIV/AIDS in Wajir East sub-county; To establish the effect of NGO educational support on socio-economic welfare of people living with HIV/AIDS in Wajir East sub-county. The study was guided by two theories; Social support theory and Human capital theory. By the use of a descriptive survey design, the study targeted 442 PLWHAs. However, the population included the NGO staff offering HIV/AIDs services, staff in health facilities and Ward administrators and Muslim religious leaders. Using Mugenda and Mugenda recommendations, 30% of the PLWHAs (133) was sampled for the study. The rest of the participants (22) was selected by census method. Questionnaires used to gather information from the PLWHAs while interviews used among the NGO staff offering HIV/AIDs services, staff in health facilities and Ward administrators and Muslim religious leaders. Piloting involved 13 (10% of 133) PLWHAs and 2 staff from NGOs associated with support for PLWHAs from the neighboring Wajir Central subcounty. Validity was assessed through the respondents’ feedback about the clearness of the inquiries while experts in development studies scientist judged the tools’ appropriateness. Reliability involved Cronbach’s statistical scale to tests internal consistency of items. Quantitative information was figured out clear insights, for example frequencies, means and rates, with the guide of SPSS Version 24. Qualitative data was coded and analyzed based on themes and reported in verbatims. Triangulation of the results was reported. The findings reveal both successes and challenges in NGO supporting people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Concerning the advocacy programs, the study found that NGOs have successfully enabled PLWHA to share experiences, challenge stigma, and participate in HIV awareness and fundraising events. About health services, the study showed that NGOs have been effective in delivering primary medical care, ART access, and prevention messages. The study also found that about 24-28% of respondents reported positive impacts on employment prospects, business skills, and social networking. The study concludes that while NGOs have made positive contributions, there's room for improvement in service delivery, advocacy effectiveness, and educational support programs to better address the socio-economic welfare of PLWHA in Wajir East Sub-county. The study recommends that the NGOs in the HIV/AIDs support sector develop a policy framework detailing a multifaceted approach combining healthcare, economic empowerment, and education. Moreover, the managers in NGOs may need to redesign the programs in supporting people living with HIV/AIDs. This is informed from the high neutrality in responses suggests inconsistent service delivery. The study's findings may help the NGOS to significantly enhance the quality of life for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) in Wajir East Sub County.