Abstract
The provision of HIV treatment services was severely impacted by the COVID-19
pandemic and the subsequent lockdown measures, particularly among men who have sex
with men (MSM), a population disproportionately affected by HIV.
Objectives: To explore the service providers’ perspectives on the barriers and facilitators of the
HIV treatment services during the COVID-19 lockdown in Capricorn District, Limpopo province.
Method: The study followed an exploratory design and was conducted in Capricorn District
in Limpopo province. A purposive sample of 10 HIV treatment service providers were included
in the study. An interview guide was developed using the Consolidated Framework for
Implementation Research (CFIR) domains and associated constructs. The transcribed
qualitative data were captured and analysed on Atlas.ti version 24.
Results: The barriers included fear of COVID-19 transmission, movement restrictions during
the initial phase of the lockdown period, target-driven performance pressure, lack of mobile
clinics, and understaffing. The facilitators included teamwork among the various stakeholders
in the programme, tailoring strategies to reach more MSM, partnerships and connections with
the Department of Health and other relevant organisations.
Conclusion: The study revealed that the tailoring of the MSM programme facilitated access to
HIV treatment services during COVID-19.