Western and Central Africa

A major milestone achieved was the regional readiness for lenacapavir, covering deployment realities, planning tools, monitoring and evaluation and supply chain considerations. A national implementation plan was developed under the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) with strong political and partner support, and the country’s approach to “planning and structuring” deployment was shared as a regional case study to guide other countries. Readiness assessments in over 70 facilities across 10 states identified gaps in service delivery, supply chains and monitoring systems, while parallel efforts advanced demand generation, community consultation, and integration of lenacapavir into the national PrEP choice framework. The Joint Programme continued to drive progress on pediatric HIV through the Global Alliance to End Paediatric AIDS Hub, with four countries implementing targeted interventions, including early diagnosis, prevention of vertical transmission of HIV, congenital syphilis screening and triple elimination approaches. Meanwhile, guidance and tools were provided to integrate HIV and nutrition services across six countries, improving adherence, clinical monitoring and food security linkages among people living with HIV. Targeted nutrition assessment, counselling, and support resulted in measurable improvements in HIV treatment adherence while 40 traditional birth attendants were integrated into maternal health services, reaching 5000 pregnant and breastfeeding women and enhancing community-facility linkages.

The Joint Programme prioritized the strengthening of HIV related legislative and policy environment and human rights engagement deepened. For instance, securing commitments to end hate speech against sexual and gender minorities and promoting inclusive dialogue, and the submission of a memorandum by 28 civil society organizations to the National Human Rights Commission urging the State to uphold constitutional protection and eliminate discrimination in HIV services. Similar efforts in one country sensitized 72 Parliamentarians and 72 social facilitators, including religious and traditional leaders, on the HIV epidemic and the rights of people living with HIV and key populations. With technical support another country adopted a note and recommendation to integrate a GBV monitoring and evaluation mechanism into national systems. This new HIV law was submitted to the National Assembly for adoption, a reform which directly aims to reduce legal barriers to service access for people living with HIV and key populations.  

Joint focus on HIV sustainability and financing improved. HIV sustainability roadmaps progressed in 13 countries, two countries validating Part A, while expanded National AIDS Spending Assessments increased visibility of HIV expenditures and strengthened co financing and long term planning. In one country, an investment case demonstrated the potential for averting over 4500 deaths and generating US$532 million in economic gains, forming the foundation for evidence-based planning. Furthermore, another country progressed national social contracting through costing and Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis, alongside procurement of 23 000 HIV test kits to address shortages. The Joint Programme utilized the evidence to help shape a multi country grant for key population services and safety interventions. In addition, Joint Programme’s advocacy and data from a costing study led to the allocation of a new budget line specifically to support social contracting in one country. Together, these advances reinforce a more sustainable, evidence-informed and nationally owned HIV response across the region.