NACOSA 4287 views

NACOSA is a network of over 1,500 civil society organisations working together to turn the tide on HIV, AIDS and TB in Southern Africa. NACOSA promotes dialogue, builds capacity with accredited training, mentoring and technical assistance and channels resources to support service delivery on the ground, particularly among children and youth, key populations and women and girls.

As a principal recipient of the Global Fund and in partnership with USAID and PEPFAR and other public and private sector partners, NACOSA works at all levels – from international agencies and national government, right though to sub-district services and small, community groups.

Born out of a national conference in 1991, NACOSA played a central role in mobilising an effective, multi-sectoral response to HIV, AIDS and TB in South Africa. Since then, we have learned that when people come together to tackle community challenges, they have a stronger voice and are more effective at finding solutions. Our mandate comes from this network of community organisations and individuals. We work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders – ensuring good coordination and reducing overlap and duplication.

"NACOSA takes forward the voices of the people on the ground."

Although our collective efforts have made great strides in starting to turn the tide on HIV and AIDS, many health and social challenges remain:

• At 7 million, South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV and AIDS in the world.
• South Africa has an estimated 2.3 million orphaned and vulnerable children.
• TB is the nation’s leading cause of natural death and over 60% of TB cases are related to HIV.
• Young women are 8 times more likely to become infected, with 2,400 adolescent girls and young women becoming infected every week.
• Between 40% and 50% of all new HIV infections among adults occur in people from key populations.
• An epidemic of gender based violence is estimated to cost the economy up to R42.4 billion a year.

But we have the end of HIV in sight. If we adopt a fast-track strategy for testing and treatment, UNAIDS predicts we can end AIDS by 2030.