Approaches used by NGOs in managing HIV/AIDS programmes in the Eastern Cape

The purpose of this research study was to explore the interventions NGOs used in addressing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS along with an exploration of the management and causal factors behind project failures and success. Five districts in the province of the Eastern Cape, South Africa were used in the study. The study had three objectives- the first being to identify the various approaches used to manage HIV/AIDS by NGOs; the second was to consider the influence HIV/AIDS policies on the health sector NGOs and finally the third objective of the study was to explore the monitoring and evaluation mechanism set in place to track progress, or lack of, in HIV/AIDS programs. The research design followed a qualitative methodology and data was gathered from ten participants through semi-structured interviews and supported by a document analysis of existing HIV and AIDS policies from both a national and provincial level which were qualitative. The findings showed that a lack of adequate or delayed funding affected the overall performance of NGOs as well as approaches such as home-based care and educational support programs. In addition, the negative stigma associated with HIV/AIDS has been a looming issue since 2004 which continues to undermine efforts of NGOs in their means to manage HIV/AIDS. The consequences of stigma from the findings are treatment adherence issues and little to no attendance of HIV/AIDS programs provided by the respective NGOs. Effective planning and management along with capacitated staff and volunteers increased the positive outcome of HIV/AIDS programs and services offered by the NGOs. From the study findings, it is recommended that the planning of HIV/AIDS approaches should consider resource planning to avoid abandoning projects midway due to a lack of resources. The management and monitoring of NGOs within the health sector, dealing with epidemics such as HIV/AIDS need to build on flexibility in implementation and have effective risk assessments in place as a contingency, so that corrective action is taken. Resource mobilization and fundraising ought to be diversified so that there is a committed and varied pool of funds to enable the execution of HIV/AIDS services and programs. The government and other stakeholders should build on local capacity to implement these various programs and also build financial, social and organizational sustainability