Networks in Flux: Power and influence in the Victorian HIV and hepatitis C sector

Where do people see power located in Victoria’s HIV and Hepatitis-C sector? Power is fundamental to achieving anything, and this includes achieving preventing and eliminating HIV and HCV. We wanted to know where stakeholders saw the power within the sector, where it was located, and what that meant for their organisations. We interviewed 30 people from across the sector and asked them about their understanding of power. Our initial qualitative analysis of the interviews produced five themes of note around where power could be found: money and funding; in the peak and/or large bodies; in the collaboration and relationships between organisations; in the use of evidence to underpin action; and in the ability to advocate successfully. Almost all participants referenced more than one theme in their responses; power in the sector was seen as a combination of factors by people in the network.