Educational Problems of Children Orphaned by AIDS:A Study in Krishna, YSR Kadapa and Karimnagar Districts of Andhra Pradesh

HIV/AIDS is one of the major social problems in developing countries like India. In 1986, the first HIV case was diagnosed by Dr. Suniti Salmon in a female sex worker from Tamil Nadu, India. Then gradually the HIV has been transmitted and diagnosed in all states of India. More than 6 million people in India are living with HIV/AIDS. The impact of HIV/AIDS is more on children, women and aged people. According to NACO, more than 2.1 million children, below age of 18 years have been orphaned as a result of AIDS. NACO defined "AIDS orphan is a child who is less than 18 years of age whose mother or father or both have died of HIV/AIDS".

This study makes an attempt to analyse the situation of AIDS orphans in three high prevalent districts of united Andhra Pradesh i.e. Krishna, YSR Kadapa, and Karimnagar. India. The study analysed socio-economic demographic profile of the AIDS orphans, perceived stigma and discrimination, educational and psychological problems faced by AIDS orphans and suggested the better interventions to promote the quality of life among AIDS orphans. The study collected data from 316 AIDS orphans and also conducted 6 focus group discussions. The study found that there are many challenges facing by AIDS orphans to access the basic education.