On Friday, September 12, 2025, civil society organizations launched a new report, “Community Engagement in Global Fund Reprioritization: Findings from a Rapid, Independent, Civil Society-Led Analysis.” Among the leading partners was the Key Population TransNational Collaboration (KP-TNC), which joined COMPASS Africa and others in ensuring that the voices of Key Populations (KPs) were central to this analysis.
About the Report
This independent civil society-led assessment examined how communities were engaged in the Global Fund’s recent grant reprioritization and revision process. The analysis specifically measured the quality of participation by community and KP representatives, and assessed whether the reprioritization safeguarded programs critical to the lives of KPs and other marginalized groups.
Key Findings for Key Populations
- Uneven Communication: Access to essential information was inconsistent, leaving many KP networks excluded from timely updates and decision-making. Even CCM representatives reported serious gaps.
- Limited Space for Consultation: Many community and KP respondents felt there were no genuine opportunities to influence outcomes, with decisions largely shaped by Principal Recipients (PRs) and others.
- Cuts to KP-Led Programming: Activities such as community-led monitoring, rights-based services, and advocacy—key pillars of the KP response—were frequently deprioritized or reduced. This undermines the sustainability of services most needed by criminalized and marginalized groups.
Why It Matters for Key Populations
The findings highlight a troubling trend: KP-led programs, which are often the only safe and trusted entry point for HIV prevention and treatment, are among the first to be cut when resources are reprioritized. This threatens hard-won gains in the HIV response and risks pushing KPs further to the margins.
Call to Action
The report provides evidence that will inform civil society and KP advocacy in Grant Cycle 8, demanding transparent, inclusive, and accountable engagement in Global Fund processes. KP-TNC and partners urge KP networks and allies to use this report as a tool—to influence policy, raise awareness of the importance of KP-led responses, and ensure that the needs of KPs are prioritized in every funding decision. For KPs, this is not just about technical participation. It is about survival, dignity, and securing the resources necessary to end AIDS in our communities.
