Frontline AIDS launches Transition Initiative to secure the future of HIV services

In the wake of unprecedented cuts to global HIV and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) funding, Frontline AIDS has launched the Transition Initiative to ensure the long-term survival and sustainability of vital services across five countries in Africa.

A DEVASTATING IMPACT ON COMMUNITIES 

In recent months, the funding landscape for HIV and SRHR services has shifted dramatically, with an unprecedented reduction in financial support. In particular, the decisions made by the U.S. government to cut foreign aid has left millions of people without access to life-saving HIV and sexual reproductive health services.  

For Frontline AIDS and its partners, the funding cuts have had an immediate and devastating impact. Nearly half of our partners have been forced to cease operations, resulting in 1.6 million people losing access to life-saving HIV and SRHR services.  

The new Transition Initiative aims to respond to the urgent need for action by focusing on: 

• Strengthening the role of civil society and communities in shaping decision making around how to transition HIV services into government systems 

• Minimising disruptions and ensuring the continuation of HIV prevention services for the most marginalised  

• Advancing sustainable financing for national HIV responses 

A FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY 

Launching in May 2025, the Transition Initiative will focus on five countries heavily impacted by the funding cuts: Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda. These countries have seen a sharp decline in HIV funding, particularly for prevention services targeting key populations. The Transition Initiative will leverage existing coalitions, such as those established under our United for Prevention (U4P) programme, with the goal of transitioning critical HIV and SRHR services from donor support to sustainable, government-led programmes.

Executive Director of Frontline AIDS, John Plastow, says:

Our coalition partners have already successfully influenced changes to domestic funding allocations for HIV. By supporting our partners through the Transition Initiative, communities and civil society can continue working in collaboration with governments to ensure that no one is left behind and accelerate our efforts to end AIDS for everyone, everywhere

The Transition Initiative focuses on advocating for long-term solutions, including the integration of HIV and SRHR services into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) frameworks and the development of social contracting mechanisms that ensure continued community-led service delivery. 

Aligning with ongoing global efforts, the Transition Initiative will collaborate with global stakeholders, including the Global Fund and UNAIDS, to advocate for long-term financing and policy change. 

A COMMITMENT TO THE MOST MARGINALISED 

In this new funding environment, countries are moving quickly to transition services to government-led systems, carrying risks that some HIV and SRHR services may be deprioritised, especially those led by and working with key and vulnerable populations.  To address those risks and ensure true sustainability, we must ensure that community and civil society voices are heard.  

At the heart of the Transition Initiative is a commitment to protecting and strengthening HIV and SRHR services for the most marginalised communities including key populations, young women and girls, and survivors of gender-based violence.  

By empowering local organisations and governments to take ownership of HIV and SRHR service delivery, the Transition Initiative aims to build a future where communities are at the heart of service provision, and where governments are accountable partners in ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all. 

The Transition Initiative is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and will run until the end of 2025. 

Click here more information about the Transition Initiative. 

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