The perceived relevance of HIV/AIDS prevention and care programmes for reducing vulnerability to HIV: a qualitative enquiry from Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

The South African National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS and STI has intensified, comprehensive, multi-sectoral, national response to the epidemic. Many interventions are being implemented but little is known about their perceived relevance or usefulness from a community and service provider perspective. This study explored community and key informant���s perceptions of current HIV and AIDS interventions and assessed their potential for reducing vulnerability to HIV infection in selected rural and urban communities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Four key informant interviews were conducted with senior staff in government and non-government HIV and AIDS interventions, and eight focus group discussions were held with community members in areas where these interventions were being implemented. The interviews and discussions explored perceptions of HIV/AIDS prevention and care programmes. Transcripts were transcribed, translated and analysed using thematic analysis assisted by the software package Atlas.ti. The findings highlighted the need for community involvement in the designing of the programmes. Whiles the programmes have had demonstrable impact the popular view was that there is a need to address issues relates to stigma and discrimination especially at a service provider level. In addition, it is also important to mitigate the influence of traditional and cultural beliefs on gender power dynamics as they have an impact on HIV related risk behaviors and uptake of ARVs.