Background

Data-driven decision-making is central to effective HIV programme design, monitoring, and evaluation. Yet many countries continue to face challenges navigating fragmented data sources, accessing reliable guidance, and translating data into actionable insights. To address these gaps, the SSLN–i2i team has developed the HIV Data Decision Maker(HIV-DDM) - a centralised, interactive tool that streamlines access to key HIV datasets, analytical resources, and data collection tools across the HIV response.

As more countries request integration of their national databases into the HIV-DDM, SSLN–i2i has also introduced Tobi, an HIV Data Insights Chatbot that enables users to engage with curated guidance and data sources through natural, conversational queries. Built on trusted information from UNAIDS, WHO, PEPFAR, and national guidelines, Tobi expands the reach of the HIV-DDM by making evidence more accessible to programme managers, policymakers, analysts, and M&E teams.

Against this backdrop, SSLN–i2i convened an interactive virtual learning session to introduce the HIV-DDM and officially launch Tobi to stakeholders from SSLN member countries. The session offered an opportunity for participants to explore the tools, test real-world use cases, and help shape the next phase of refinement as countries move toward more agile, evidence-based HIV programme decision-making.

Objectives

Introduce the HIV-DDM as a comprehensive, user-friendly resource for accessing HIV datasets, analytical tools, and data collection guidance

Demonstrate how the HIV-DDM can inform programme design, target-setting, monitoring, and evaluation.

Build familiarity and confidence in applying the tool to real-world programme challenges through live, country-specific use case

Gather insights on national data needs and identify opportunities for integrating country-specific data within the HIV-DDM

Launch Tobi, the HIV Data Insights Chatbot, and showcase its ability to support data access, interpretation, and use through conversational queries

Enable participants to interact directly with Tobi, test different types of questions, and provide feedback to enhance its functionality and relevance

Invite countries to propose key national data sources for potential inclusion in Tobi.

Introduction

The session opened with welcoming remarks from Tamika Fellows (SSLN–i2i), who framed the importance of strengthening data use across HIV programmes. She outlined the session objectives, highlighting the dual focus on improving data navigation through the HIV-DDM and expanding real-time support through Tobi.

Presentations

The learning session included a series of demonstrations and interactive segments designed to showcase the practical application of both tools.

Lekoetse Mahao (SSLN–i2i) introduced the HIV-DDM, outlining its purpose, the challenges it addresses, and its role in supporting evidence-informed HIV programme decision-making. She then led a live demonstration of the tool, taking participants through its two primary components: the Data Guide, which provides access to existing datasets, and the Toolkit Library, which supports new data collection efforts. Lekoetse also walked participants through detailed country use cases, allowing them to test scenarios and explore how the HIV-DDM could strengthen programme outcomes in their contexts.

In the second half of the session, Obakeng Mojela (SSLN–i2i) launched Tobi. Rather than a traditional presentation, this immersive demonstration introduced Tobi’s mission, technology stack, and roadmap, followed by a live interaction showcasing how the chatbot responds to a range of question types. Participants were encouraged to test Tobi directly and propose priority national data sources for future integration.

Closing Remarks

In closing, Lekoetse thanked participants for their engagement and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration to strengthen data use across HIV programmes. She encouraged countries to embed the HIV-DDM and Tobi into routine programme operations and share additional data sources to support ongoing improvements.

This interactive session marked an important milestone in expanding access to high-quality HIV data and advancing evidence-based decision-making across the region. Insights from the session will inform further refinement of both tools and support their rollout to a wider set of countries in the coming months.