Sample Proposal on “Voices in Care: Community-Led Monitoring for HIV Impact”

Executive Summary

While global efforts have led to progress in HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, many vulnerable communities continue to fall through the cracks. Key populations—including sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender individuals, people who inject drugs (PWID), and adolescents—face multiple, intersecting barriers that prevent them from accessing life-saving services. These challenges are often rooted in stigma, legal exclusion, social marginalization, and the absence of inclusive, responsive healthcare systems.

Despite being disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic, these groups remain underserved and underrepresented in health planning and service delivery. Current approaches often overlook the lived experiences of those most at risk, resulting in programs that fail to address their unique needs. To close this gap, it is essential to adopt a community-driven model that empowers affected populations to monitor services, raise their voices, and hold systems accountable for delivering equitable and effective care.

This proposal, “Voices in Care: Community-Led Monitoring for HIV Impact,” aims to establish a sustainable, grassroots-driven system to monitor and improve HIV services in [target region/country]. Through participatory methods, the project will empower communities to collect and analyze real-time data, identify service gaps, and engage in dialogue with health authorities and policymakers. This feedback loop will enhance transparency and drive improvements in HIV service delivery. In parallel, the initiative will strengthen prevention and treatment efforts through peer-led outreach, awareness campaigns, and referrals—ensuring services are not only available but also accessible, acceptable, and tailored to community needs. Ultimately, the project aligns with national HIV strategies and global targets, contributing to a more equitable and effective HIV response.

Background and Rationale

HIV continues to affect millions globally, with underserved populations—such as sex workers, MSM, transgender individuals, people who inject drugs, and youth—bearing the brunt of the epidemic. Traditional service delivery models often overlook the voices and experiences of those most affected.

Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) is a proven strategy that places communities at the center of service evaluation. It not only promotes transparency and accountability but also enables rapid responses to gaps in care. When paired with effective HIV prevention and treatment programs, CLM ensures that services are responsive, inclusive, and impactful.

This Proposal aims to:

• Amplify community voices in healthcare evaluation.

• Strengthen HIV prevention and treatment outcomes.

• Bridge the gap between community feedback and health system reform.

Problem Statement

Despite years of global investment in HIV prevention and treatment, persistent service delivery challenges continue to hinder progress—particularly for key and marginalized populations. Stigma, discrimination, stockouts of essential medicines, untrained staff, and non-inclusive policies contribute to a lack of trust and underutilization of services among people living with HIV (PLHIV), sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender persons, people who inject drugs (PWID), and youth. In many regions, health systems are not adequately equipped to respond to the lived realities of these communities, and the lack of meaningful community involvement further deepens the disconnect between service provision and actual needs on the ground.

Moreover, existing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms often exclude the perspectives of the communities they aim to serve. Without structured, community-led systems to track service quality and accountability, health facilities and policymakers remain unaware of critical barriers affecting access and outcomes. This absence of feedback mechanisms leads to recurring gaps in care, missed prevention opportunities, and a widening equity gap in the HIV response. There is an urgent need for a participatory model that empowers communities to identify problems, propose solutions, and hold service providers and authorities accountable. Community-led monitoring (CLM) offers a promising solution to address these challenges and transform the way HIV programs are implemented and evaluated.

Objectives

• General Objective
  • To improve the quality, accessibility, and equity of HIV prevention and treatment services through the implementation of a community-led monitoring system and the active engagement of affected populations in [target area].
    • This overarching goal seeks to empower communities most impacted by HIV to take a leading role in assessing, influencing, and improving the healthcare systems that serve them. By doing so, the project aims to build a responsive and rights-based HIV response that reflects community needs, ensures accountability, and promotes long-term sustainability.
• Specific Objectives
  • Establish a Functional Community-Led Monitoring Framework Within 6 Months
    • The project will design, pilot, and roll out a fully operational CLM system that includes standardized tools, trained personnel, data collection protocols, and reporting channels. The framework will be developed in collaboration with civil society, healthcare institutions, and government bodies to ensure legitimacy and effectiveness. The system will enable continuous feedback from communities about the quality, accessibility, and responsiveness of HIV-related services.
  • Strengthen HIV Prevention and Treatment Services in Underserved Areas
    • Through data gathered via CLM and peer outreach, the project will identify service gaps—such as stockouts, discrimination, or lack of follow-up care—and work with service providers to address them. Outreach activities will promote uptake of testing, PrEP, ART, and adherence support. Community-led solutions and advocacy will help ensure that services are inclusive, youth-friendly, gender-sensitive, and culturally appropriate.
  • Train 100 Community Monitors and Peer Educators from Key Populations
    • The project will recruit and train at least 100 individuals from high-risk and marginalized groups—including people living with HIV, sex workers, MSM, transgender persons, PWID, and youth. Training will cover CLM principles, data collection, rights-based approaches, HIV literacy, facilitation skills, and advocacy. These individuals will serve as both monitors and trusted peer educators, amplifying community voices and building awareness.
  • Facilitate Quarterly Community Feedback Forums and Action Dialogues with Health Authorities
    • The project will organize regular community meetings and multi-stakeholder dialogues to present CLM findings, share community experiences, and co-develop solutions with healthcare providers and government officials. These forums will foster mutual accountability, promote service improvements, and build trust between communities and health systems.
  • Advocate for Policy and Budgetary Reforms Based on Community-Generated Evidence
    • Using the data and insights collected through CLM, the project will produce advocacy materials such as policy briefs, scorecards, and reports. These will be used to engage policymakers, donors, and health planners in discussions about resource allocation, service design, and legal/policy reforms. The goal is to institutionalize community feedback in national HIV strategies and ensure that funding priorities align with real community needs.

Target Population

• People Living with HIV (PLHIV)
  • This group remains at the heart of the HIV response. PLHIV face persistent challenges including stigma, discrimination, lack of access to quality care, and gaps in treatment adherence support. The project will ensure their voices are central in shaping and monitoring HIV services, promoting dignity, rights, and meaningful engagement in all stages of implementation.
• Key Populations
  • These groups are disproportionately affected by HIV due to social, legal, and structural factors, and often face significant barriers to healthcare access:

    • Sex Workers:

      • Frequently criminalized and stigmatized, they often lack access to non-judgmental health services.

    • Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM):

      • In many contexts, MSM face criminalization and social exclusion, making HIV services inaccessible or unsafe.

    • Transgender Persons:

      • Experience high rates of HIV infection and discrimination in healthcare settings, often being misgendered or denied services.

    • People Who Inject Drugs (PWID):

      • Encounter criminalization, incarceration, and limited harm reduction services, increasing their vulnerability to HIV.
        This project will prioritize building trust with and ensuring service access for these key populations through peer-led outreach and inclusive monitoring systems.

• Adolescents and Young People
  • Young people, especially those in high-risk environments, often lack access to age-appropriate HIV prevention information and youth-friendly health services. This group also faces unique challenges around stigma, gender inequality, and lack of autonomy in making health decisions. The project will engage youth as community monitors and peer educators, creating safe spaces for awareness, prevention, and support.
• Marginalized Rural and Urban Communities
  • Geographic and socio-economic marginalization limits access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas with weak infrastructure and in urban slums with overburdened services. These communities often lack health literacy and representation in healthcare decision-making. The project will focus on reducing urban-rural disparities by deploying monitors from within these communities to assess and advocate for equitable service provision.

Project Components and Activities

• Component 1: Establishing Community-Led Monitoring Mechanisms
  • This foundational component focuses on creating a robust and inclusive framework for community-led monitoring (CLM) by equipping affected communities with the tools and skills needed to track service delivery effectively.

    • Recruit and train community monitors

      • Individuals from key and affected populations—such as PLHIV, sex workers, MSM, transgender persons, and youth—will be selected and trained in HIV literacy, rights-based approaches, monitoring protocols, and ethical data collection.

    • Develop standardized CLM tools

      • User-friendly monitoring tools such as surveys, scorecards, and qualitative feedback templates will be co-created with community members and technical experts. These tools will be translated into local languages and adapted to specific cultural contexts.

    • Set up secure, anonymous reporting mechanisms

      • Multiple channels will be established (e.g., digital apps, suggestion boxes, community hotlines) to allow individuals to provide feedback on HIV services safely and confidentially. These tools will ensure inclusiveness, protect identities, and encourage honest reporting.

• Component 2: Strengthening HIV Prevention and Treatment Services
  • This component aims to improve access to and the quality of HIV-related services by addressing both service gaps and social barriers through community-driven outreach and support.

    • Conduct peer-led outreach for prevention

      • Peer educators will distribute condoms, lubricants, clean needles (where applicable), and PrEP information while providing targeted education to hard-to-reach populations. This builds trust and increases uptake of preventive measures.

    • Facilitate HIV testing, counseling, and linkage to ART

      • Through community campaigns and facility partnerships, the project will encourage voluntary HIV testing, offer pre- and post-test counseling, and support timely linkage to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for those who test positive.

    • Address stigma and discrimination through sensitization workshops

      • Workshops will be conducted for healthcare workers, community leaders, and law enforcement to address bias and build understanding around the needs and rights of key populations. This will foster a more supportive and non-judgmental service environment.

• Component 3: Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting
  • Effective monitoring and accountability depend on timely, accurate, and community-owned data. This component ensures regular tracking of HIV service delivery and promotes evidence-based decision-making.

    • Conduct monthly monitoring visits to clinics and community sites

      • Trained monitors will visit healthcare facilities and outreach points to assess service availability, quality, staff behavior, wait times, confidentiality, and accessibility for key populations.

    • Analyze service delivery gaps and share findings with stakeholders

      • Data collected will be synthesized to identify trends, highlight systemic issues, and prepare recommendations. Regular data review meetings will involve community representatives, health providers, and project staff.

    • Publish community scorecards and brief policy reports

      • Monitoring findings will be compiled into visually engaging scorecards and concise policy briefs. These will be shared with local governments, donors, media, and civil society to drive service improvements and policy change.

• Component 4: Community Engagement and Advocacy
  • Engaging the wider community and relevant stakeholders is critical for sustained change. This component ensures that findings lead to dialogue, advocacy, and systemic improvements.

    • Host quarterly community dialogues and townhall meetings

      • These forums will provide platforms for community members, health providers, and policymakers to openly discuss monitoring results, identify barriers, and co-develop action plans.

    • Engage health facility staff in joint problem-solving

      • Health workers will be invited to collaborate with community monitors in interpreting data, responding to service gaps, and developing solutions to improve care quality and patient satisfaction.

    • Collaborate with media and civil society for broader awareness

      • Stories of lived experiences, progress, and community-led change will be shared through print, radio, social media, and civil society networks to amplify the call for inclusive and equitable HIV services.

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework

A participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework will be integral to tracking the project’s performance, impact, and alignment with its objectives. The framework will incorporate both qualitative and quantitative indicators to ensure a comprehensive understanding of outcomes. Community involvement will be central to the process, enhancing transparency, learning, and ownership.

Key indicators and components include:

• Number of Community Monitors Trained
  • Tracks the total number of individuals from key populations and affected communities who complete CLM training.
  • Disaggregated by gender, age, and population group to ensure diversity and inclusion.
  • Measures capacity-building success and readiness for independent community-led monitoring.
• Number of Health Facilities Monitored
  • Captures the reach and scale of monitoring efforts across public and private healthcare settings.
  • Assesses frequency, consistency, and geographical coverage of CLM visits.
  • Helps identify systemic patterns or recurring service delivery issues.
• Service Gaps Identified and Resolved
  • Measures the effectiveness of CLM in detecting barriers such as stockouts, long wait times, poor staff behavior, or discriminatory practices.
  • Tracks how many of these issues are addressed following community feedback and engagement with health providers.
  • Reflects improvements in responsiveness and accountability within the health system.
• Increase in HIV Testing, PrEP Uptake, and ART Adherence
  • Monitors changes in the uptake of key HIV services as an indirect impact of CLM and peer-led outreach.
  • Includes baseline and follow-up data on HIV testing rates, initiation and continuity of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence.
  • Indicates service accessibility, quality, and patient trust in healthcare providers.
• Community Participation in Evaluation and Feedback Processes
  • Evaluates how community members are engaged in data analysis, validation workshops, and decision-making.
  • Ensures that M&E is not extractive but participatory, fostering local ownership and shared responsibility for outcomes.
  • Encourages co-creation of solutions and community advocacy based on lived realities.

Sustainability and Scalability

To ensure sustainability:

• Embedding CLM within local civil society structures

  • Community-Led Monitoring systems will be institutionalized within community-based organizations (CBOs), PLHIV networks, and key population-led groups.

  • These entities, being deeply connected to the communities, are well-equipped to sustain and expand CLM activities beyond the project’s duration.

• Early and active involvement of government stakeholders

  • Ministries of Health, national AIDS control programs, and local health authorities will be engaged from the beginning.

  • This ensures alignment with national HIV frameworks and encourages government ownership and support for the initiative.

• Training community monitors for independent operation

  • Community members will be equipped with skills in data collection, advocacy, facilitation, and monitoring.

  • This approach builds local capacity and ensures continuity of CLM processes without relying on external actors.

• Using data for advocacy and systemic change

  • Evidence generated from CLM will be synthesized into policy briefs, reports, and scorecards.

  • These tools will be used to advocate for long-term reforms in policy, budgeting, and service delivery.

• Scaling successful models to other regions

  • The project will document good practices, challenges, and innovations throughout implementation.

  • Learnings will inform replication in similar contexts and contribute to broader regional and global HIV strategies.

Methodology

The implementation of “Voices in Care: Community-Led Monitoring for HIV Impact” will follow a participatory, rights-based, and evidence-driven approach. The methodology centers on empowering affected communities—particularly people living with HIV (PLHIV) and key populations—to actively monitor HIV services, identify barriers, and advocate for improvements. The methodology unfolds in five interlinked phases:

•  Community Mobilization and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Mapping and identification of key populations, community-based organizations (CBOs), and existing PLHIV networks in the target area.

  • Introductory consultations with government bodies, healthcare providers, local leaders, and CSOs to build buy-in and alignment with national HIV strategies.

  • Formation of community advisory groups composed of diverse representatives to guide project planning, ensure inclusiveness, and maintain accountability.

• Recruitment and Capacity Building

  • Selection of at least 100 community monitors and peer educators, prioritizing representation from sex workers, MSM, transgender persons, PWID, youth, and PLHIV.

  • Comprehensive training program covering CLM principles, HIV service standards, human rights, data collection, confidentiality, and advocacy skills.

  • Development and distribution of community toolkits and reference materials to support field implementation.

• Design and Deployment of CLM Tools

  • Co-creation of monitoring tools—including scorecards, structured interviews, service satisfaction surveys, and community checklists.

  • Translation of tools into local languages and testing for cultural relevance and usability.

  • Deployment of digital data collection platforms (e.g., KoboToolbox, ODK, or mobile apps) for real-time, secure, and anonymized data gathering.

•  Data Collection, Validation, and Analysis

  • Routine visits by community monitors to health facilities, drop-in centers, and outreach sites to assess service delivery.

  • Collection of quantitative and qualitative data on availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of HIV services.

  • Monthly data review meetings with project staff and community leaders to validate findings and prepare feedback for stakeholders.

• Feedback, Dialogue, and Advocacy

  • Organization of quarterly community feedback forums where findings are shared with service providers, policymakers, and funders.

  • Joint problem-solving sessions to develop action plans and service improvements based on monitoring data.

  • Development and dissemination of policy briefs, community scorecards, and advocacy materials to influence HIV-related policies and budget decisions.

• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

  • Establishment of a participatory MEL framework with baseline and endline assessments.

  • Regular tracking of key indicators such as number of monitors trained, facilities monitored, service improvements made, and client satisfaction levels.

  • Integration of community learning sessions to adapt the methodology based on real-time feedback.

  • This approach ensures that communities are not only data collectors but also change agents, using their insights to hold systems accountable and build a more inclusive, effective HIV response. The methodology is flexible, scalable, and designed to integrate with existing national health systems and civil society infrastructure.

Budget Summary

• Training for Community Monitors – $XXXXX
  • Conduct training workshops for selected community members.
  • Cover facilitator fees, training materials, venue rental, refreshments, and transportation.
  • Provide stipends and toolkits to trained monitors for field activities.
• CLM Tool Development and Printing – $XXXXX
  • Design and develop user-friendly community-led monitoring (CLM) tools, including scorecards, surveys, and checklists.
  • Translate tools into local languages where necessary.
  • Print copies for field use and distribute to community monitors and partners.
• Peer-Led Outreach and Prevention Kits – $XXXXX
  • Support peer educators to carry out HIV awareness and prevention sessions.
  • Distribute prevention commodities: condoms, lubricants, clean needles (where harm reduction is legal), and PrEP information.
  • Provide outreach supplies such as bags, flipcharts, and educational pamphlets.
• Community Dialogues and Forums – $XXXXX
  • Organize regular feedback sessions between communities and healthcare providers.
  • Facilitate town hall meetings to share findings from CLM data and co-develop solutions.
  • Cover costs of venues, materials, transportation for participants, and refreshments.
• Data Management and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) – $XXXXX
  • Procure mobile devices or tablets for data collection and management.
  • Hire M&E officer or consultant for data analysis and reporting.
  • Set up dashboards or digital platforms for real-time tracking of feedback and service gaps.
• Advocacy and Communication Materials – $XXXXX
  • Design and print policy briefs, infographics, and reports to share CLM findings.
  • Conduct media engagements and social media campaigns to amplify community voices.
  • Develop videos or case stories showcasing the impact of community-led efforts.
• Project Staff and Coordination – $XXXXX
  • Recruit a project coordinator, community liaison officers, and administrative support.
  • Cover salaries, communication expenses, and operational costs.
  • Ensure timely implementation, supervision, and reporting of all project components.
• Total Estimated Budget – $XXXXX
  • This represents the overall projected cost of implementing the project over the defined timeline.
  • A detailed budget spreadsheet can be provided upon request.

Resources Required

• Human Resources

  • Project Staff

    • Project Coordinator to lead implementation, coordination, and reporting

    • M&E Specialist to design tools, analyze data, and lead reporting

    • Community Liaison Officers to engage and mobilize local partners

    • Finance and Admin Officer to manage budgeting and logistics

    • Communications Officer to support advocacy and public outreach

  • Community Workforce

    • Recruitment and training of 100+ community monitors and peer educators from key populations

    • Stipends or incentives for community volunteers and outreach workers

    • Capacity-building consultants/trainers for CLM methodology, advocacy, and health rights

• Technical and Capacity-Building Resources

  • Training Programs and Materials

    • Development of training modules on HIV basics, human rights, and community monitoring

    • Facilitation of workshops and hands-on field training

    • Toolkits, manuals, and field guides in local languages

  • CLM Tools and Systems

    • Design and printing of data collection tools: scorecards, checklists, community surveys

    • Tablets or smartphones for digital data entry and real-time monitoring

    • Data management software or platforms (e.g., DHIS2, KoboToolbox)

• Operational and Logistical Resources

  • Outreach and Field Operations

    • Peer-led prevention kits: condoms, lubricants, clean syringes, PrEP brochures

    • Transportation and travel allowances for field monitors and peer educators

    • Safety materials for field staff (e.g., ID cards, personal protective equipment, mobile phones)

  • Community Engagement Activities

    • Venue rental, refreshments, and materials for feedback forums and public dialogues

    • Printing of banners, IEC materials, and visual advocacy content

    • Translation and interpretation services for multilingual community discussions

• Advocacy and Communication Resources

  • Documentation and Dissemination

    • Development of community scorecards and policy briefs

    • Infographics, case studies, and short videos showcasing lived experiences and results

    • Media engagement: press kits, social media campaigns, and storytelling platforms

  • Stakeholder Engagement

    • Resources for multi-stakeholder meetings, roundtables, and policy forums

    • Advocacy kits for use with local and national policymakers

    • Monitoring of national HIV budgets and legal frameworks for reform advocacy

Timeline

• Months 1–2: Preparation and Stakeholder Engagement
  • The initial phase will focus on laying a strong foundation for project implementation.

  • Conduct stakeholder consultations with government agencies, health providers, CSOs, and community leaders to build trust and ensure alignment with national HIV strategies.

  • Map key populations, local networks, and civil society organizations to identify partners and collaborators.

  •  Establish a community advisory group to guide project planning and maintain accountability.

  •  Recruit project staff including a coordinator, M&E specialist, and community liaison officers.

  •  Select and onboard 100+ community monitors and peer educators from key and affected populations.

• Months 3–4: Training and Tool Development
  • This phase focuses on building the skills and systems needed for effective community-led monitoring.

  •  Facilitate comprehensive training sessions for community monitors on HIV basics, CLM methodology, human rights, and advocacy.

  •  Develop, translate, and test monitoring tools—such as scorecards, service feedback surveys, and checklists.

  •  Conduct a pilot test of tools in a few selected sites and revise them based on feedback and usability.

• Months 5–6: CLM Rollout and Initial Feedback
  • With trained monitors and validated tools, field implementation begins.

  •  Launch full-scale community-led monitoring across selected health facilities and outreach sites.

  •  Initiate routine data collection on HIV service access, quality, and user experience.

  •  Begin regular data validation sessions with monitors and staff.

  •  Host the first round of community feedback forums to present early findings to health providers and stakeholders.

• Months 7–8: Midline Review and Policy Engagement
  • This phase emphasizes advocacy, dialogue, and mid-project adjustments.

  •  Analyze data trends and develop the first round of community scorecards and policy briefs.

  •  Conduct joint dialogue sessions between communities, service providers, and government actors to co-create action plans.

  •  Review CLM implementation progress and make necessary adaptations to tools, training, or site selection.

• Months 9–10: Advocacy and Community Engagement
  • Using community-generated evidence, the project will push for change at both local and national levels.

  •  Launch targeted advocacy campaigns focused on key issues such as stigma reduction, ART access, and youth inclusion.

  •  Organize a second round of community feedback forums and follow-up meetings with health authorities.

  •  Document success stories, case studies, and promising practices for wider dissemination and learning.

• Months 11–12: Evaluation, Handover, and Sustainability Planning
  • The final phase focuses on reflection, institutionalization, and knowledge sharing.

  •  Conduct endline data collection and evaluate project outcomes against baseline indicators.

  •  Compile and publish the final evaluation report and share results with stakeholders.

  •  Hold a final advocacy and dissemination forum to highlight achievements and policy impacts.

  •  Develop a sustainability plan and initiate handover to community-based organizations and government partners for ongoing CLM activities.

Expected Outcomes

• Functional CLM System Co-Led by Affected Communities
  • By the end of the project, a robust and sustainable Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) mechanism will be in place, operated by trained community monitors representing people living with HIV and key populations. These community-led teams will be actively collecting data, identifying service delivery challenges, and engaging with healthcare providers to propose and implement solutions. The system will be embedded within local civil society structures to ensure continuity, with clear protocols, tools, and reporting mechanisms that support ongoing accountability.
• Improved Access to and Satisfaction with HIV Prevention and Treatment Services
  • Through regular monitoring and community feedback, service delivery challenges such as long wait times, stockouts, lack of counseling, or stigma will be identified and addressed. As a result, access to HIV services—including testing, PrEP, ART, and psychosocial support—will be expanded, especially among marginalized groups. Improved service quality and responsiveness will lead to greater trust in healthcare providers, higher retention in care, and increased user satisfaction.
• Reduced Stigma and Discrimination in Service Delivery
  • One of the core goals of the project is to foster a safe, respectful, and rights-based environment in health facilities. Through community sensitization sessions, staff training, and continuous feedback loops, discriminatory attitudes and practices will be challenged. Community monitors will document instances of mistreatment, engage in constructive dialogue with providers, and promote the adoption of patient-centered care approaches. Over time, this is expected to reduce stigma and make health services more inclusive and equitable.
• Policy Adjustments Informed by Community Data
  • Evidence generated from community-led monitoring will be synthesized into policy briefs, scorecards, and advocacy reports shared with government bodies and health institutions. These insights will influence policy decisions, resource allocation, and health system reforms. For example, gaps in PrEP availability or ART delivery may prompt policy reviews or funding reallocations. This community-generated data will ensure that decision-making processes are grounded in the realities of those most affected by HIV.

Conclusion

“Voices in Care” aims to transform the HIV response by placing communities at the center of decision-making and accountability. Traditionally, service delivery models have excluded the very people most affected by HIV from influencing the design, monitoring, and evaluation of those services. This project challenges that status quo by equipping community members—particularly those from key populations—with the tools and training needed to lead monitoring activities, identify gaps in care, and advocate for changes based on lived experience. By fostering genuine community leadership, the initiative strengthens the responsiveness, transparency, and quality of HIV prevention and treatment services.

Beyond improving service delivery, the project is a catalyst for building resilient and inclusive health systems that uphold human rights and equity. Community-led monitoring ensures that health systems are not only technically sound but also socially accountable and culturally appropriate. It empowers marginalized voices, reduces stigma and discrimination, and holds institutions accountable for their commitments. As global efforts intensify toward ending the HIV epidemic, this initiative represents a vital step toward a more just and people-centered approach—one in which no one is left behind, and every voice is heard, respected, and acted upon.