Celebrating the successes of the SSLN: A transformational movement in HIV prevention

The HIV prevention landscape in Africa is being redefined—not by words, but by action. At the heart of this transformation lies the South to South HIV Prevention Learning Network (SSLN), a country-led powerhouse driving tangible impact across Africa, where it matters most.

‍Catalyzing change: The SSLN as a critical country catalyst for HIV prevention

The SSLN was born in 2020 at the request of African National AIDS Council Directors, who recognised the need for a dynamic learning network to strengthen HIV prevention programming. More than just a network, the SSLN has evolved to become a strategic movement, equipping countries with knowledge, tools, and collaborative spaces to own their HIV prevention agendas. Through its intentional design, the SSLN supports self-reflection using GPC Prevention Self-Assessment Tools (PSATs), ensuring that decisions are backed by evidence and tailored to country-specific needs.

Key achievements:

• Strengthened technical knowledge, equipping countries with practical tools to improve HIV prevention services as shown by our independent evaluation report
• Enhanced Global Fund funding applications, significantly improving the quality of submissions from SSLN-supported countries.
• Built trust and collaboration, fostering environments where community-led HIV prevention thrives.
• Boosted individual-level effectiveness, with stakeholders feeling more aligned and connected to their national HIV prevention efforts.

"It is high time for African governments to realise that donor transitions demand country readiness. Addressing PrEP implementation constraints while sharing best practices is critical, and the SSLN provides the platform to do just that." — Country-level stakeholder

As we reflect on these remarkable achievements, it’s clear that the SSLN is not just shaping policy—it’s driving action. Today, it stands as a vital regional and global asset, ensuring that HIV prevention efforts are more strategic, data-driven, and country-led than ever before.

Global insights, local impact: The SSLN as a regional asset

The South to South HIV Prevention Learning Network (SSLN) has transcended country-level support, emerging as a regional and global force in HIV prevention. More than just a knowledge hub, SSLN delivers real-time, in-country intelligence, enabling partners to refine strategies, mobilise resources, and drive results where they matter most.

A case in point: When US government stop-work orders disrupted HIV prevention programs, SSLN acted fast—conducting a rapid assessment across affected countries, gathering critical insights, and identifying contingency plans. The findings informed donor funding decisions, ensuring a more resilient response.

SSLN’s structured yet agile approach has led to game-changing outcomes:

• Sharpened global alignment – Partnering with UNAIDS, PEPFAR, The Global Fund, WHO, and others to enhance national HIV prevention strategies through learning events
• Built high-impact connections – Linking national programs, key population networks, and UN agencies via the GPC Key Population Community of Practice (KP COP) for real-time knowledge exchange.
• Accelerated innovation – Spearheading the adoption of new prevention products, approaches, and technologies to stay ahead of evolving needs.
• Unlocked critical funding – Securing $350,000+ in technical assistance and leveraging $240,000 in co-funding for SSLN learning events.

"SSLN is a unique and invaluable platform for HIV prevention. As new technologies emerge and complexities grow, its ability to rapidly disseminate insights is more crucial than ever—not just for Africa, but globally." — Global-level stakeholder

As a network, we are not just driving the conversation—we are driving sustainable, country-led HIV prevention solutions that deliver lasting impact.

From learning to action: How SSLN turns insights into impact

Knowledge alone doesn’t drive change—execution does. The SSLN isn’t just sharing best practices; it’s empowering countries to implement solutions that deliver results.

Across Africa, the SSLN has worked alongside national programs, translating insights into tangible, country-led progress:

• Uganda – SSLN facilitated cross-sector collaboration on condom programming and key population strategies, leading to a successful funding application that expanded national HIV prevention efforts.
• Ghana – A knowledge exchange visit to Kenya unlocked game-changing insights on harm reduction, inspiring Ghana to adapt proven models into locally-driven interventions for at-risk populations.
• Malawi – After studying Kenya’s approach to people who inject drugs (PWID) programming, Malawi developed its first-ever national PWID strategy and roadmap, ensuring a more targeted, evidence-based response.‍
• Mozambique – Drawing from best practices in Kenya and Zimbabwe, Mozambique established a national technical support unit, strengthening prevention coordination and impact.‍
• Republic of Congo – With sustained SSLN guidance, the country launched its first national prevention technical working group, securing a foundation for long-term, country-led leadership in HIV prevention.

"Without the SSLN, we would have faced inefficiencies, wasted resources, and mistakes. We have now redesigned our PWID program based on learnings from the network."— Uganda Country Champion, Kenya Learning Visit Report

These aren’t just isolated successes, they are proof of SSLN’s catalytic role in driving meaningful, sustainable change. By enhancing collaboration, unlocking funding, and scaling proven strategies, the SSLN is turning knowledge into action—and action into impact. These aren’t just stories—they’re proof that strategic collaboration ignites measurable change. The SSLN is bridging gaps, accelerating progress, and turning learning into action where it’s needed most.

Looking ahead: SSLN and the future of HIV prevention

New prevention technologies. Evolving strategies. A shifting landscape. Africa’s HIV prevention movement is at a turning point—and SSLN is ensuring no country falls behind. We are driving impact: connecting leaders, igniting innovation, and unlocking the resources needed to accelerate progress toward the 2030 prevention targets.

The future won’t wait. Bold, country-led, and data-driven action is the way forward. SSLN is ready. Are you? Join the movement today—explore our insights, engage with our work, and stay ahead of the game!

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