Table 1 Summary of results

Usefulness of peer-support

Promoted dialogue on HIV risk and prevention

Allowed for dialogue on safe sex

Allowed for discussion on PMTCT

Allowed for information on treatment adherence

Provided different forms of support to IDPs

Peer support promoted emotional, psychological, physical and economic support among HIV positive people

Base for fighting disenfranchisement, marginalization, stigma and discrimination

Allowed IDPs to collectively challenge disenfranchisement, marginalization stigma and discrimination

Develop agency to fight for improved care

Utilization of indigenous resources in absence of efficient health systems

Provide continuous home-based maternal care

Provided each other with locally-available nutritious meals through group cooks (Mungaano) e.g. soya beans, coffee etc.

Promoted treatment-adherence

Peer support encouraged regular and consistent uptake of ARVs before

Peer support served as a continuous reminder for uptake of ARVs

Fostered alliances

Peer support allows for the formation of alliances among peers to advocate for an end to sexual cleansing

Fighting patriarchy and promoting women empowerment

As a conduit for referrals to professional care

Helped provide safe-passage to health facilities

Help to provide transportation support to health facilities

Peer support limitations

Peers lacked technical skills, equipment and medical supplies to handle complications

Peer lack skills to Help Easily conduct HIV tests

Peers lack skills and equipment to monitor CD4 count

Reinforced a stereotypes about ARVS

People branding ARVs as a neocolonial project aimed at eliminating them