Background

The South-South Learning Network (SSLN), established in 2020, has proven to be a vital catalyst for change, empowering countries to drive their own HIV prevention agendas. As we enter a new phase, the global HIV landscape is at a pivotal juncture. While progress has slowed and funding challenges persist, new transformative opportunities offer new hope.

SSLN has entered into its third phase helping our 16 supported countries to navigate this new reality. This next phase marks a significant strategic shift from a traditional pillar-based model to an integrated pan-prevention framework. This new approach is organised around five new thematic streams that will structure all learning agendas, focusing on both prevailing prevention and the critical new product introduction.

SSLN 3.0 launched virtual launch event re-established the network by officially welcoming back our 600+ Country Champions, introducing the new strategic vision, and initiating the process of re-aligning the network to this new framework.

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Objectives

• Welcome & re-establish: Formally welcome the 600+ Country Champions from 15 countries and our new member, Lesotho, to the SSLN 3.0.
• Inform & align: Clearly articulate the strategic shift to the pan-prevention framework and introduce the five new thematic streams that will guide our work.
• Engage & excite: Celebrate the network's history, demonstrate global, regional and country level support, and showcase new innovations, including the Tobi AI knowledge partner.‍
• Call-to-action: Mobilise Champions to informally (re)commit to the network for Phase 3.0 and confirm their participation

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Summary of event

Kerry Mangold (SSLN Programme Director) delivered an opening address, welcoming everyone to this third phase of the SSLN. Kerry stressed that in the HIV prevention space has experience major disruptions and challenges persist. Alongside this, the HIV prevention landscape is at a moment of unprecedented opportunity with the introduction of new products and digital innovations. Stating that:

Today, the SSLN is proud to move into a new, active, hopeful, and re-energized state, and to meet you in this period of transition, this period of opportunity

She thanked everyone for being part of the SSLN journey and reflected on some of our shared successes.

Members of the network shared their words of support, including Nadduu Addico (Ghana Country Champion, Dr Adrina Mwansambo (Malawi Country Champion), and Helgar Musyoki (The Global Fund).

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Lekoetse Mahao (SSLN Country Engagement Lead) presented on the top innovations to the SSLN 3.0 being the shift to a pan-prevention framework, the introduction of an updated prevention self-assessment tool that aligns with this framework (known as the P-PSAT).

She also welcomed Lesotho as the newest member country added to the network.

There was a live demo of the Tobi chatbot - an interactive AI tool that can be used by decision makers, programmers, and M&E officers as a data-driven knowledge partner.

Karabo Skosana (Programme Coordinator) led an interactive sessions for participants to share their expectations for this next phase of the SSLN to help shape our future engagements.

The event was closed out by Saul Johnson (SSLN Principle Investigator) who shared his excitement in connecting, learning and delivering impact for HIV prevention together.