This paper provides preliminary empirical evidence regarding the perceived role and actual experiences of
HIV/AIDS intervention-focused civil society organisations (CSOs) in Botswana’s national response. Key informants
see the national response as government-centred and the role of CSOs within interventions as negligible. Despite
secondary evidence that indicates a fairly robust and diverse civil society community, interviews with CSO personnel
revealed that the roles and experiences of grassroots organisations are currently hampered by spatial, institutional
and socio-cultural dynamics of intervention operationalisation. This raises questions about the extent to
which this scenario may create or exacerbate obstacles regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of the national
HIV/AIDS response in Botswana