Neftaly: Advocating for Sustainable State Funding of HIV Care for Key Populations
Evidence-Based, Needs-Driven, Locally-Owned
As international donor support for HIV programming begins to plateau or decline in many regions, the need for sustainable, country-owned financing has become more urgent than ever. In particular, key populations—including sex workers, men who have sex with men, people who use drugs, transgender people, and incarcerated populations—remain underserved, despite facing the highest burden of HIV.
Neftaly is leading a bold advocacy initiative across five countries in the region to ensure a strategic and sustainable transition to state funding for the full continuum of HIV care, grounded in evidence and the needs of key populations.
Our Vision
A region where national governments take ownership of the HIV response—investing in inclusive, equitable, and resilient systems that protect the rights and health of all people, especially the most vulnerable.
What We Advocate For
1. Increased Domestic Financing for HIV Services
We call for national budgets that allocate sufficient and consistent funds to cover the full HIV care continuum—from prevention and testing to treatment, care, and support—specifically addressing the needs of key populations.
2. Data-Driven Resource Allocation
Neftaly promotes the use of disaggregated data and cost-effectiveness evidence to guide health financing decisions, ensuring that resources are directed where they are needed most.
3. Inclusion of Key Populations in Planning and Budgeting
We advocate for meaningful participation of key population-led organizations in national health financing mechanisms, planning processes, and monitoring frameworks.
4. Integration into Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Our work supports the integration of HIV services—particularly for key populations—into national health insurance schemes and UHC packages, securing long-term sustainability and access.
5. Accountability and Transparency in HIV Spending
We work with civil society to monitor national HIV budgets, track expenditures, and advocate for greater financial accountability to improve impact and efficiency.
Approach Across Five Participating Countries
- Policy Dialogue and Technical Support: Facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues between ministries of health, finance, civil society, and communities to align priorities and foster political will.
- Capacity Building: Equipping key population networks with the skills and tools to engage in public budgeting, policy advocacy, and accountability mechanisms.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with regional economic communities, donors, and global health institutions to promote co-financing models and policy alignment.
- Research and Evidence Generation: Supporting national studies and costing analyses to inform strategic investment decisions.
Why It Matters
Sustainable public financing is critical to maintain progress and end AIDS by 2030.
Key populations account for over 60% of new HIV infections in many countries—yet remain the least funded.
Donor transitions are accelerating, putting essential services at risk.