Social and community participation in the response to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Abstract

To understand the contributions that can be generated from the different social and institutional actors around the response to HIV. A qualitative research was developed, using a semi-structured interview as a research technique. Fifteen interviews were conducted, where four fundamental areas for HIV work were identified, namely: education, promotion and combined HIV prevention; early diagnosis and comprehensive HIV care; social and community participation in the response to HIV; and reduction of HIV stigma and discrimination. Some barriers that citizens have to access certain services and the limitations that exist in the implementation of sexual health projects in the municipality were evidenced, due to the lack of articulation between social actors and the municipal administration, which restricts the impact of HIV programs.