What we have learned Questions for discussion Summary of what I learned Constance Ambasa-Shisanya, CLOUT constanceambasa@yahoo.com

Questions for discussion 1. Did our papers effectively engage social capital in a world with AIDS? Which conceptualization of social capital should guide the discourse of AIDS 2031? 2. How should states establish meaningful political, economic & social relationships with citizens/donors/NGOs for better management of HIV & AIDS? What % of national budgets should be spend on HIV & AIDS to foster sustainability? 3. How should we strengthen the M&E component with a view to measuring health outcomes of AIDS programs?

Questions for discussion 5. What effect will integration/mainstreaming of HIV & AIDS activities have on groups to the left? 6. How should the challenges of inter-generational sex & concurrent partners be addressed? 7. Should an Afrocentric approach to HIV & AIDS be the norm in SSA? i.e couple/group testing, PMTCT & drug adherence support groups

What was learned Social capital is an essentially contested phenomenon. It is better understood from three perspectives: bonding, bringing and linking social capital Material & technical inputs cannot translate into positive health outcomes. Instead, focus must be put on the quality & quantity of human relationships.

What was learned In the African context, collective centered approach to relationships is important. Such a model could lead to effective uptake of HIV prevention measures e.g PMTCT, VCT A gap exists in literature with regard to the link between social capital and HIV interventions

What was learned Public health institutions should be reclaimed by changing policy & allocation of funds Religious organizations support PLWHAs but also exclude them by linking infection to sin Culture either enhances or hinders adoption of HIV prevention measures

What was learned Empowerment of women through access to land and female condoms could protect them from HIV infection Culture of AIDS response is problematic; it rewards PLWHAs at the expense of those who have attempted to avoid infections Need to focus on prevention than treatment & care

What was learned Governments should develop long-term plans to engage the epidemic rather than continue relying on donor support Measurement of HIV stigma and the work of NGOs is crucial Funding distorts management of the epidemic in many settings Need arises to focus interventions on the whole population rather than on PLWHAs

What was learned Must be cognizant to cultural & structural constraints that hinder men to apply safer drug injecting practices & safer sexual behavior Effective leadership is essential in determining the success of programs such as the response of civil societies to HIV/AIDS Donors- support TASO

What was learned NGOs reduce HIV prevalence rates & roll out ARVs in SSA Community based cash transfer could be a viable strategy in strengthening resilience of orphans & vulnerable children Micro-enterprises empower FSWs by giving them alternative livelihood when they wish to exit sex work