Zimbabwe is also making steady progress in reducing new HIV infections and has also taken the lead in Africa and beyond, by galvanising political commitment to HIV prevention. Again, civil society organisations are heartened by initiation of new size estimation studies and proposed minimum service packages, which show an increased focus on key and priority populations.

In Ukraine the government is also failing to prioritise tackling harmful laws and policies, which make it difficult for key populations to access HIV services. Such inaction comes at a critical time for the HIV response in Ukraine, as the government takes on full responsibility for funding HIV prevention programming from the Global Fund. Although the government’s plans to continue contracting non-governmental organisations to provide services are welcome - many of the commitments the government has made are yet to be implemented.

In Uganda there are concerns that recent gains could quickly be reversed. However, the government has taken welcome steps, including launching the Presidential Fast Track Initiative, initiating new size estimation studies, developing an anti-HIV stigma policy and designing a national sexuality education framework.

In Nigeria, a country with one of the highest rates of new HIV infections in Africa, controlling the epidemic requires concerted action from government, donors and civil society. While some large non-governmental organisations have been consulted during the implementation of the Road Map, the engagement of community-based organisations representing key populations and young people in national target setting processes has not been consistent.

In Malawi there have also been delays developing the new national HIV prevention strategy. The country has made some significant progress, particularly around the development of new service packages for adolescent girls and young women and key populations. In part, this can be attributed to the consistent engagement of civil society in national prevention processes. Despite this, significant obstacles remain, especially around the lack of data and the perpetuation of punitive laws, and moral and religious values, which continue to limit access to vital services.