PIP: There is growing evidence that social and interpersonal relations matter in determining developmental outcomes. It has been argued that social capital influences economic development, strengthen the moral resources of a society, renders democratic process more effective, lowers crime rates and increases the societal value given to education and health. Given these benefits, strong social capital seems to be an important determinant of the communities' response to the HIV epidemic. Group capital could influence the extent of support and mutual aid, and that of acceptance of or discrimination against the affected, within the group. In addition, societies with strong group capital may have greater tendencies to blame or to revenge themselves on those outside the group. Bridging capital, with its links to strengthening norms of respect across differences, could lower rates of spread of infection and ensure more supportive reactions in the broader community. Implications for research and practice are also discussed.