Assessment of the impact of ARVs on physical development of the orphaned and vulnerable children living with HIV/AIDS’ A case study of PASADA,

Despite diverse problems experienced by Orphans and vulnerable children, HIV/AIDS remains the most dangerous suffrage that terrifies the children lives. Care and treatment for OVC living with HIV/AIDS has been the concern of the government of Tanzania with other actors like NGOs, FBOs, and CBOs. With all fundamental efforts to support OVC, there have been unresolved challenges associated with ARVs consumption for children. However, the purpose of this study was to assess the impact of antiretroviral treatment on the physical development of the orphaned and vulnerable children living with HIV/AIDS. Data collection methodologies deployed in the study based on primary and secondary sources in which interview was applied during focus group discussion with OVC and questionnaire were administered for the staff. Sampling techniques used by the researcher were purposive sampling techniques whereas doctors, nurses, social workers, counsellors and clinicians were purposively selected while convenience sampling technique was used to select OVC who attended clinical treatment regularly and thus they were conveniently selected to represent the larger OVC population. Theories used in this study include personality theory, trait theory, humanistic theory, psychodynamic theory and self theory all explaining the state of orphaned and vulnerable children in relation to ARVs consumption. Data analysis and presentation was in chapter four whereby tables, pie charts and graphs were used to analyse data and thus making both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods to be employed in this study. The analysis part showed that 42% of the respondents said ARVs cause body swelling and deterioration to some OVC, 33% of them indicated that the impact of ARVs is that help the decrease of opportunistic infections, while 17% indicated that ARVs help the relaxation of the body while 8% said ARVs cause pain and discomfort hence resulting into poor drug adherence to OVC who are on ART. vii Chapter five of this study comprised of summary of findings, conclusion and recommendations whereas the government, families, civil society organizations and drug suppliers have recommended to assures quality care and services for the orphaned and vulnerable children. Conclusively, the study has out with suggestions that need to be taken to improve the lives of the orphaned and vulnerable children