Name: KP Networks Webinar| HIV Prevention in an Era of New Technologies: Balancing Innovation and Community-Led Prevention
Start: 2026-06-04T12:00:00.000Z
End: 2026-06-04T13:30:00.000Z

1. Introduction

The webinar “HIV Prevention in an Era of New Technologies: Balancing Innovation and Community-Led Prevention” brought together key population (KP) networks, technical partners, donors, and global health institutions to explore how emerging biomedical innovations can be integrated into community-led HIV prevention approaches. While new tools such as PrEP are expanding prevention options, participants emphasized that their effectiveness depends on trust, community ownership, equitable access, and strong community-led delivery systems. The webinar was convened by SSLN in collaboration with IMARAA, ASWA, AfricaNPUD, GATE, and the Key Population Transnational Coalition.

2. Opening and Welcome Session

The session opened with remarks highlighting the importance of prioritising key populations in HIV prevention programming and ensuring meaningful engagement in decision-making processes. It was facilitated by Ahmed Said (AfricaNPUD) and Clarice Pinto (World Health Organization). Speakers underscored the need for strengthened collaboration between global health actors, governments, and community-led networks, reaffirming the importance of aligning innovation with equity, rights, and inclusion.

3. Theme 1: Balanced HIV Prevention for Key Populations

This session explored how to achieve a balanced HIV prevention response for key populations.

Key contributions included:

Avenir Health emphasised adapting HIV prevention interventions to local contexts and ensuring responsiveness to population realities.
Global HIV Prevention Coalition (GPC) highlighted evidence-based programming integrating biomedical, structural, and behavioural interventions.‍
Global Action for Trans Equality(GATE )underscored the importance of gender-responsive, inclusive, and rights-based programming.

Key discussion points:

Biomedical tools such as PrEP are most effective when combined with community-led systems.
Trust and community ownership are critical for uptake and sustained use.
HIV prevention programmes must reflect diverse and evolving needs of key populations.

4. Theme 2: Donor Commitment and Community-Led Programming

This session focused on strengthening financing and implementation systems for key population programming.

Key contributions included:

The Global Fund emphasised sustained financing, efficiency, and alignment of investments to ensure impact while strengthening health systems.
Community representatives highlighted barriers such as funding bottlenecks, limited flexibility, and inadequate direct support to grassroots organisations.

Key discussion points:

Need for predictable and sustained funding for KP-led programming.
Importance of ensuring resources reach community-led implementers.
Strengthening accountability and transparency in funding allocation.

5. Theme 3: From Participation to Influence in HIV Prevention Advocacy

This session examined the shift from participation to meaningful influence of key populations in HIV response systems.

Country perspectives included:

Tanzania: Increased KP engagement in national HIV programming, with persistent challenges including stigma and structural barriers.
Ghana: Need for stronger data systems, capacity strengthening, and evidence-based advocacy for greater influence in policy and budgeting.
Uganda: Progress in community leadership, alongside the need for enabling environments and institutionalised engagement mechanisms.

Key discussion points:

Growing recognition of KP leadership in HIV response.
Continued gaps in decision-making power and structural inclusion.
Need for safe spaces and stronger advocacy platforms.

6. Closing Session

The webinar concluded with closing reflections facilitated by Humphrey Ndondo of IMARAA, reinforcing the central message that HIV prevention in the era of new technologies must remain both innovation-driven and community-led. Participants emphasised continued collaboration among governments, donors, and community networks to sustain progress toward ending HIV.