Background

The global HIV prevention landscape is at a critical turning point. While the last decade has seen a steady decline in new infections and the rapid development of biomedical innovations, these gains are threatened by shifting global politics and shrinking resources. Systems remain fractured, and targets are becoming harder to reach in a resource constrained environment.

Established in 2020, the South to South HIV Prevention Learning Network (SSLN) continues to serve as a trusted, country-led platform for peer learning. Recognizing that the future of HIV prevention requires a resilient, fit-for-purpose response, SSLN Phase III has launched a new paradigm: the Pan-Prevention approach. This framework moves beyond fragmented, siloed programs to embrace integrated thematic streams that underpin sustainable health systems.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Pan-prevention Workshop were:

● Connect: To bring together Country Champions from 16 nations alongside global partners and community representatives to strengthen social capital and cross-country solidarity.

● Learn: To orient participants on the SSLN Phase III framework, promising practices, and new resources like the Pan-PSAT tools.

● Deliver: To facilitate champion-led self-assessments and initiate the development of country-specific action plans and evidence-utilisation agendas.

Event Details

The workshop was held from 2–4 March 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya. Hosted in English, French, and Portuguese, the event convened over 130 participants from 16  countries, including representatives from National AIDS Commissions (NAC), Ministries of Health (MoH), implementing partners, and community networks.

Event Highlights

The workshop was officially opened by Kerry Mangold, SSLN Programme Director, who introduced the vision of Phase III: moving from isolated "strong threads" of prevention to an "unbreakable fabric" woven from five integrated strands. Dr. Stephen Ndolo from Kenya’s Ministry of Health welcomed the delegates, emphasizing that while Africa faces a high HIV burden and tightening resources, opportunities like long-acting prevention (LEN) roll-out offer a path forward.

"It’s no longer about access to prevention tools... but rather to a deliberate integrated prevention strategy embedded in primary healthcare, strengthened by self-care and powered by digital and AI-enabled systems." — Dr. Yogan Pillay, Gates Foundation

Over the course of 2.5 days, participants engaged in a dynamic agenda:

● Global Strategy Plenaries: Discussions on reimagining prevention through AI, digital intelligence, and the Prevention 2030 Global Access Framework.

● Thematic Deep Dives: Sessions focused on the five streams: Country Stewardship, Tactical Prioritisation, Community & Advocacy, Service Delivery Approaches, and Sustainable Financing.

● Skills Building: Practical training on modeling tools like GOALS (Avenir Health) and the Tier-Plus tool to help countries identify epidemic drivers and maximize impact.

● "National Treasures" Networking Dinner: A celebration of the 16 nations at the heart of the network, where attendees dressed in storied emblems and iconic cloths of their homelands.

● Action Planning Huddles: Dedicated time for country groups to use the Pan-PSAT tool to draft 2–3 key actions for their specific national contexts.

As the workshop concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to the "United for Impact" call to action, ready to return home and refine their plans to ensure HIV prevention services that last.

‍