Measures to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the significant additional strain the new pandemic has placed on health systems have disrupted HIV services. In many countries, however, the challenges of COVID-19 have also led to a positive acceleration of differentiated service delivery, including community-based and community-led services. It is critical to maintain this momentum, and to prioritize the removal of societal barriers to services and the empowerment of communities in greatest need of services. Depending on the place and context, these populations include women and girls, gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers, people who use drugs, prisoners, migrants, refugees and other displaced persons. A common resource gap across nearly all regions is funding for HIV prevention among key populations at higher risk of HIV infection.
