Contexto de las organizaciones civiles centroamericanas en la atención al sida en poblaciones móviles

Objective. To analyze the capacities of Central American civil society organizations (CSOs) to implement HIV prevention and care strategies in mobile groups within the HIV Mesoamerican Project. Materials and methods. During the year 2008, 14 key actors of nine Central American civil society organizations participating in the Mesoamerican Project were interviewed. The information collected was systematized using Atlas-TI software, and content analysis was performed according to its categories and dimensions. Results. These items were a contribution to capacity: the previous work of CSOs allowed the sensibilization of population and authorities to STD-HIV and to the implemented program; the coordination with government and other involved actors. Limitations: a good but informal coordination with the government; the worsening economic situation reduced available resources; attended communities are isolated and unsecure. Conclusion. To improve the capacities of CSOs in developing this type of project, it is recommended: that an initial community diagnosis be performed in order to better adapt the proposed interventions; to improve administrative efficiency; to formalize collaborative links with the government; and to seek counseling in the development of HIV prevention strategies that consider population mobility.