Investing in Communities to Achieve Results: A Summary of the Findings from the Evaluation of the Community Response to HIV and AIDS

Abstract

From 2009 to 2011, the World Bank, DFID and the UK Consortium on AIDS and International Development spearheaded a ground-breaking evaluation of the community response to HIV and AIDS. The evaluation was formed around a compelling hypothesis: a strong community response contributes to a stronger national HIV and AIDS response, and hence improves HIV and AIDS-related outcomes. A total of 11 studies were carried out in eight countries (Burkina Faso, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Lesotho, Senegal, South Africa and Zimbabwe), selected for their diversity of epidemic status (generalized vs. concentrated), HIV prevalence (from high to low) and regional location. Overall, the evaluation results strongly indicate that community engagement produces positive results in most instances. This summary document presents a synopsis of the approach, key findings and implications of the evaluation. The summary states that the overall evaluation provides robust, relevant and actionable findings that can be utilized by nearly all stakeholders engaged in improving national responses