Introduction

Prioritising key populations is central to achieving impact in HIV prevention under Global Fund Cycle 8 (GC8). As countries navigate constrained resources and evolving epidemics, there is an urgent need for evidence-driven, inclusive, and community-led programming. This 14th KP CoP webinar series was convened by the Global HIV Prevention Coalition (GPC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Fund, and SSLN, bringing together global and country stakeholders to share evidence, tools, and practical experiences aimed at strengthening HIV prevention for key populations.

Objectives

• Share evidence to support key population networks, implementing partners, and governments in prioritising programming for key populations in GC8
• Deepen stakeholders’ understanding of key tools available to support the development of the key population prevention section of the GC8 proposal
• Learn from government and community networks to strengthen advocacy and ensure effective prioritisation of key populations in Global Fund proposals.

Proceedings

Heather-Marie Ann Schmidt (WHO) opened the sessions, setting the context for strengthening meaningful engagement of key populations in GC8.

• Matteo Cassolato (The Global Fund) presented on the use of evidence to prioritise key populations and align investments for impact. The presentation highlighted the need to improve efficiency through the optimisation and integration of HIV services, while deliberately protecting community-led delivery systems and ensuring uninterrupted, stigma-free access for key populations.

• Antons Mozalevskis (WHO) presented global tools and updated WHO guidance to support HIV prevention for key populations in GC8, highlighting a prioritised, evidence-based package of interventions spanning structural, biomedical, and service delivery approaches. The session emphasised human rights–based, community-led, and integrated service models to improve access, maintain continuity of care, and strengthen the impact and sustainability of HIV prevention programmes for key populations

Country Presentations

• Dr Barbara Mambo (NASCOP, Kenya) shared Kenya’s GC7 experience on engaging key population community-led organisations (CLOs) in Global Fund processes, highlighting how early and structured involvement in technical working groups and writing teams enabled CLOs to meaningfully inform priorities, funding requests, and implementation planning. She emphasised moving from consultation to active decision-making, supported by community evidence, including BBS 2024, CLM, and service data

Panel Discusison

• Heather-Marie Ann Schmidt (UNAIDS) led a panel discussion with Matteo Cassolato (The Global Fund), Antons Mozalevskis (WHO), Bella Aubrey (Indonesia), Grace Kamau (ASWA), and Dr Barbara Mambo (Kenya), focusing on key population programming, the use of evidence, and community-led engagement in Global Fund processes.

Resources

Session recordings and presentations can be accessed below.