[Factors influencing Central America's civil society organization's capacity to provide AIDS related care]

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the capacities of Central American civil society organizations (CSOs) to implement HIV prevention and care strategies in mobile groups within the HIV Mesoamerican Project.

Materials and methods: During the year 2008, 14 key actors of nine Central American civil society organizations participating in the Mesoamerican Project were interviewed. The information collected was systematized using Atlas-TI software, and content analysis was performed according to its categories and dimensions.

Results: These items were a contribution to capacity: the previous work of CSOs allowed the sensibilization of population and authorities to STD-HIV and to the implemented program; the coordination with government and other involved actors.

Limitations: a good but informal coordination with the government; the worsening economic situation reduced available resources; attended communities are isolated and unsecure.

Conclusion: To improve the capacities of CSOs in developing this type of project, it is recommended: that an initial community diagnosis be performed in order to better adapt the proposed interventions; to improve administrative efficiency; to formalize collaborative links with the government; and to seek counseling in the development of HIV prevention strategies that consider population mobility.