Meaningful HIV prevention happens when communities lead. In the latest issue of The Lancet HIV, Solange Baptiste along with industry peers, push toward models that are more inclusive, better resourced, and grounded in lived realities. It’s important to see global research that continues to validate what community networks have shown for decades.

Summary

Successful uptake of existing and new HIV prevention interventions demands meaningful, systematic, and participatory engagement integrated across the conception, design, implementation, and assessment phases of programming. Despite proven impact of community engagement, it remains chronically underfunded and is often not conducted consistently or as part of harmonised national policy and practice, causing gaps that are likely to worsen in the current funding environment.

Systematic models of community engagement—from peer-led outreaches to community-led monitoring and advisory boards—strengthen trust, responsiveness, and accountability. Equally crucial are mechanisms for harmonising and incorporating community insights into the design and implementation of new prevention tools, and using these insights to inform more responsive programmes and policies. Harnessing benefits of community engagement requires increased resource allocation; clear policy frameworks with measurable performance indicators; leadership opportunities for community members, especially youth and key populations; and the use of innovative technologies to expand the reach and impact of interventions.

Only with concerted and inclusive community engagement backed by resources and political commitment will HIV prevention efforts elicit the trust and buy-in needed to sustainably manage the HIV pandemic over the long term.

Enhancing HIV prevention through systematic community engagement, learning, and response, The Lancet HIV, 2025.

Ima John-Dada, Lilian Otiso, Stephen Ayisi Addo, Grace Kumwenda, Raymond Yekeye, Stephen N Kiio, Chimwemwe Mablekisi, Chimika Phiri, Florence R Anam, Nina S Hasen, Barinaada Afirima, Lillian Mworeko, Anne-Isabelle Cameron, Simon Sikwese, Prosper F Njau, Yohane Kamgwira, Sarah N Konopka, Thato Farirai, Richard Chilongosi, Rosemary Mburu, James Odek, Alister Munthali, Gaetan Gatete, Nyanyiwe M Mbeye, Gisele Mujawamariya, Nellie Bristol, Sarah Mwale, Sara M Allinder, Betha O Igbinosun, Charles B Holmes, Solange L Baptiste.