Introduction

Key Populations (KPs) continue to bear a disproportionate burden of HIV across East Africa, often facing stigma, discrimination, and legal barriers that limit access to lifesaving services. Recognising this, the South to South Learning Network convened a regional Link and Learn session to spotlight practical experiences in integrating KP services into public health systems. The session featured national and community perspectives from Uganda and Malawi, with contributions from Kenya, South Sudan and Tanzania.

Objectives

• Deepen understanding of country-led models for integrating KP services into government health facilities.
• Share implementation experiences—including successes, challenges, and innovations—from Uganda and Malawi.
• Promote peer learning and dialogue to strengthen regional strategies for inclusive, sustainable, and rights-based HIV programming.

Proceedings

• Uganda presented its integration model led by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with partners, using a mapping-driven, facility-based approach. Service delivery combined biomedical, behavioral, and structural interventions, underpinned by peer-led outreach and targeted capacity-building to ensure stigma-free, client-centered care.‍
• Malawi showcased its blended service delivery model—combining Drop-In Centres (DICs), outreach services, and KP-friendly public facilities anchored in strong collaboration between government and donors.
• Country champions and implementing partners shared practical insights on the impact of service disruptions during the stop work order, ongoing infrastructure challenges, and the key role of social contracting and peer-led approaches. ‍
• Breakout discussions underscored opportunities to enhance regional coordination, foster meaningful community engagement, and accelerate the integration of KP services into national health systems.

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Event Resources

Access presentations and session recordings below.

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