Community Participation in HIV/AIDS Programs

Abstract

The advent of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the last few decades has presented considerable challenges to health systems throughout the world. Many countries developed measures to combat the spread of the virus and the trends are improving, mostly due to the introduction of potent new combinations of medications, the development of effective prevention strategies and increased community awareness. These improvements would not have been possible without the mobilisation of communities around the world, who, recognising their vulnerability, have taken collective action to curb the propagation of HIV. The subsequent pages discuss the origins, development and components of community participation with respect to HIV, including examples of strong community participation initiatives.