DSD STRENGTHENS COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO HIV AND AIDS

By Tholakele Makena

• The Department of Social Development (DSD)’s strategy places communities at the heart of the HIV response through targeted Social and Behaviour Change programmes like ChommY, You Only Live Once (YOLO), and Men Championing Change.
• Partnerships with government, civil society, and development partners strengthen service delivery and extend the reach of HIV programmes.
• Stigma, limited funding, and gender inequality remain significant obstacles to prevention and treatment, with women and young girls disproportionately affected.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) continues to strengthen efforts to address HIV, TB and STIs through community-driven programmes aimed at improving access to health and social support services across South Africa.

According to Ms Mpudi Phaka, Deputy Director: Programme Implementation in the HIV and AIDS Unit at DSD, the department’s comprehensive HIV, TB and STI strategy focuses on reducing inequalities and addressing the social challenges that increase people’s vulnerability to HIV infection. The strategy aligns with the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs 2023–2028 and places communities at the centre of the response.

“Our approach is focused on ensuring that people have equal access to prevention, treatment, care and support services,” said Phaka. “We want to build stronger communities that are informed, supported and actively involved in addressing HIV and AIDS.”

The department implements several Social and Behaviour Change programmes that educate communities, promote healthy behaviour and reduce new HIV infections. These programmes target different groups within communities, including adolescents, young women, men and families.

Among the programmes currently being implemented are ChommY, You Only Live Once (YOLO), Boys Championing Change and Men Championing Change. Phaka said these programmes address issues such as risky sexual behaviour, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy and harmful social norms.

The department also provides psychosocial support services to people living with HIV and their families, including counselling, support groups and adherence programmes that help individuals manage their health and improve their wellbeing.

Phaka noted that collaboration remains one of the department’s greatest strengths in implementing HIV programmes. DSD works closely with government departments, civil society organisations, development partners and community structures to ensure coordinated service delivery.

“We recognise the important role played by communities and civil society organisations in responding to HIV and AIDS,” she said. “Partnerships help us reach more people and improve the impact of our programmes.”

She added that skills development initiatives implemented through Community Care Centres have also created opportunities for young people through education, internships, entrepreneurship and employment support.

However, Phaka acknowledged that challenges such as limited funding, stigma and discrimination continue to affect HIV prevention and treatment efforts. She said some communities still struggle with misinformation and fear surrounding HIV, which discourages people from accessing services.

“Stigma continues to undermine progress because many people are afraid to test or disclose their status,” said Phaka. “Community education and support remain important in changing attitudes and encouraging acceptance.”

Phaka also highlighted the impact of gender inequality on HIV infection rates, particularly among women and young girls. She explained that economic challenges, power imbalances and gender-based violence continue to place women at greater risk.

Looking ahead, the department aims to strengthen grassroots interventions, expand community-led programmes and improve awareness campaigns to encourage more people to access HIV services.

Phaka encouraged communities to support one another and participate in programmes that promote health and wellbeing.

“HIV affects everyone, and we all have a responsibility to create supportive and informed communities,” she said. “Together, we can reduce stigma, improve access to services and build healthier communities.”