NACOSA

NACOSA — the Networking HIV and AIDS Community of Southern Africa — is a major public health and community development organisation that works across South Africa to strengthen services addressing HIV, TB, gender-based violence (GBV), and sexual and reproductive health. NACOSA does not typically provide direct frontline counselling services itself; instead, it supports and funds networks of community organisations that provide these services on the ground.

Through its national network of community-based organisations, NACOSA helps connect vulnerable people — including survivors of GBV and sexual violence — with healthcare, psychosocial support, prevention programmes, and economic empowerment opportunities. Their work focuses heavily on strengthening community organisations so that survivors can access services in their own communities.

NACOSA is also a major grant manager for international and national health programmes and works closely with government departments, NGOs, and grassroots organisations to expand services that support vulnerable populations.

What They Offer Survivors

Connection to Community-Based Support Services
NACOSA works through a large network of local NGOs and community organisations. Survivors who come into contact with NACOSA programmes are typically referred to local service providers offering counselling, medical care, legal support, and other survivor services.

Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response Programmes
NACOSA runs programmes that strengthen GBV services in communities and support organisations that provide trauma counselling, HIV prevention after sexual assault, and psychosocial care for survivors.

Post-Violence Support Through Partner Organisations
Through integrated programmes, NACOSA has supported community organisations operating post-violence care centres that offer trauma containment, counselling, HIV and STI prevention services, and referrals to additional care.

Youth and Young Women Empowerment Programmes
Many NACOSA initiatives focus on adolescent girls and young women, who face a high risk of sexual violence and HIV. Programmes provide health education, prevention services, mentoring, and access to healthcare.

Economic Empowerment and Livelihood Support
The “Grow, Learn, Own” (GLO) programme helps vulnerable young people build financial independence through work readiness training, entrepreneurship support, and savings programmes.

Community Awareness and Prevention Programmes
NACOSA works with community leaders, activists, and organisations to challenge harmful gender norms, prevent violence, and build safer communities for women, children, and LGBTQIA+ people.

While NACOSA itself is primarily a national support and coordination organisation, the programmes it funds and supports help thousands of survivors access counselling, health services, and protection through local NGOs across South Africa.