Awareness of the Availability and Accessibility of Government Services for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Affected by HIV/AIDS in Three Coastal Districts of Tamil Nadu, India
K. Somasundaram
Associate Professor, Department of Social Work and Sociology, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar.
B. Manickavasagam
Associate Professor and DY., Controller of Examination Department of Social Work and Sociology, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar.
The AIDS epidemic continues to pose a serious threat to the well-being of numerous children in underprivileged areas. The increasing prevalence of HIV and AIDS in India has led to a significant rise in the number of orphans in recent years. The study examines the awareness levels of Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC) affected by HIV/AIDS about government healthcare and related services in three coastal districts of Tamil NaduâKancheepuram, Villupuram, and Cuddaloreâthrough a descriptive research approach. Data was collected from 180 OVC, comprising 60 HIV-infected and 120 affected children, equally distributed across urban and rural areas by using a self-structured interview schedule. The findings of the study indicate that children have a high level of awareness about the services provided by the government and they are receiving it. The government services particularly provided for the orphan and vulnerable children are nutritional, educational, and medical assistance.
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