The Networking HIV, AIDS Community of South Africa (NACOSA) is a national civil society network of organisations working in the HIV, AIDS, TB and related social development fields.

With more than 1,500 members - mainly community- based organisations but also non-profit organisations and individuals - NACOSA works to build healthy communities through capacity development, networking and promoting dialogue. NACOSA, as a Principal Recipient for the Global Fund's Round 9, also channels and manages small grants funding to civil society organisations in South Africa.

NACOSA has made a critical contribution to reducing the negative effects and impact of HIV, AIDS and TB in South Africa by strengthening community systems. With representation on national, provincial and local structures and forums including the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), the Provincial AIDS Councils in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape, the Resource Mobilisation Committee (RMC) and the Global Fund Management Committee, NACOSA advocates for a cohesive, evidence- and rights-based response to HIV, AIDS and TB.

What They Do

Civil society plays a vital role in fighting the twin epidemics of HIV, AIDS and TB and building healthy communities, providing services to the most vulnerable and hardest to reach. But organisations face serious capacity challenges, often working in isolation and without access to training and networks.

NACOSA builds the capacity of these organisations and individuals so they can deliver effective and accountable health services in communities. They promote dialogue between government and civil society and advocate for a united, holistic and multi-sectoral response to HIV, AIDS and TB.

Capacity Building

NACOSA empowers organisations with training, knowledge and technical support, including:
 

• Training in organisational governance and development and programme-specific skills.
• Small grants, seed funding and technical support.
• MentoringC
• ommunity health systems strengthening, including training community health workers and lay counsellors.

Networking

By sharing knowledge and standing together, they come out stronger, as communities and as a country.
 

• NACOSA's network of over 1,200 members provides a voice for community, faith-based and non- proft organisations and individuals.
• The Children’s HIV/AIDS Network (CHAiN) promotes and supports child-focused service development and delivery.
• The Community Based Care Coali-tion (CBCC) is a vital voice for those working on the frontline of HIV, AIDS and TB.

Promoting Dialogue

NACOSA brings government and civil society together to build healthy, productive communities through:
 

• District and sub-district consultative forums to support the implementation of the National Strategic Plan.
• Summits that bring the HIV, AIDS community together.
• Representing NACOSA members on the Provincial Aids Council, the Global Fund Management Committee and with provincial and national departments of health and social services.