Table 3 Thematic network of findings

-Community groups are built on egalitarian principles

Community groups are often characterised by ‘female traits’

Group membership and dialogue encourage members to engage with HIV prevention, mitigation and care efforts

-More women than men take an active role in community groups

-Men can benefit from joining mixed gender groups

-Community groups provide members with opportunities for psychosocial development

Community groups are an important source of support and empowerment for group members

-Community groups provide members with a source of support during times of hardship

-Many community groups, but not all, are committed to HIV work

Many community groups are active in HIV management

-Many community groups contribute to the delivery of HIV services

-There is a need for externally resourced organisations because of limits of local support structures

Externally resourced organisations are important actors in support of HIV-affected community members

Networks and partnerships mobilise and make available much needed resources for the community response to HIV prevention, mitigation and care

-NGOs and other externally resourced organisations and active in supporting programmes for HIV-affected community members

-There is a call for greater NGO support and presence as the demand exceeds supply

-Community members realise that only by working together can they respond to the HIV epidemic

Community initiated groups continue to play a key role in responding to HIV – serving as the entry point for NGO support

-Groups and active participants are more likely to collaborate with NGOs and contribute with the delivery of HIV services

-The donor-beneficiary relationship is negotiated carefully for a good fit.

How NGOs engage with communities and community groups matters

-NGOs are thought to have a simplistic understanding of local needs

-Improved HIV services have changed the social landscape regarding HIV

There has been a normalisation of HIV and AIDS

Community strengths and resources are recognised and drawn upon in the community response to HIV prevention, mitigation and care

-A gradual openness around HIV has contributed to the slow breakdown of stigmatising attitudes and health damaging practices

-It is a social norm to provide care and support for vulnerable community members

Community contexts are characterised by an ethic of care and assistance

-Those close to families affected by HIV play a key role in the provision of care and support

-Some community members support HIV-affected households

-The lack of rain water and alternative water sources leave many people without enough food

The natural habitat is inhospitable, making subsistence farming difficult

Obstacles and barriers are acknowledged and considered in responses to HIV

-Poverty makes it difficult for caregivers of vulnerable children to adequately care for them

Poverty undermines the well-being of, and responses to, HIV-affected and infected community members

-The quality and access to public services occasionally prevent HIV-affected community members from accessing support

Structurally disabling environment inhibit support for HIV-affected community members

-Some macro-level influences inhibit a conducive environment for HIV-affected community members

-Damaging cultural practices and idle talk can still serve as a barrier to HIV management

There continues to be symbolic and cultural barriers to the support of HIV-affected community members