Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) is a powerful, rights-based approach that puts communities at the center of the HIV response. Through data collection, analysis, and advocacy, CLM helps ensure that services are people-centered, accountable, and responsive to the real needs of those most affected by HIV.
In the context of the HIV response, Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) is a systematic and ongoing process in which people living with HIV and key populations take the lead in generating evidence about the accessibility, quality, and inclusiveness of HIV services. Unlike traditional monitoring systems, CLM is owned and driven by communities themselves—from data collection and analysis to action planning, advocacy, and follow-up— ensuring that the lived realities of those most affected are at the center of decision-making.
Guided by the principles of community ownership, participation, transparency, and accountability, CLM combines both qualitative approaches—such as interviews, focus group discussions, community dialogues, direct observations, and virtual platforms—and quantitative tools, including surveys, scorecards, and digital dashboards.
Together, these methods allow communities to:
At its core, CLM is not just about data—it is about power and accountability. It enables communities to hold service providers, policymakers, and funders accountable for their commitments, while also fostering collaboration to co-create solutions. Over time, CLM contributes to stronger health systems, greater equity, and improved health outcomes, ensuring that no one is left behind in the HIV response.
In countries such as Papua New Guinea (PNG), CLM programs also include virtual components, such as hotline call centres and social media monitoring services. These platforms enable community members to share their experiences with monitors and access information about their health status and available services.
This added component positions CLM as an effective triage and referral system, helping connect community members to the services they need in a timely and responsive manner.
People-Centered: Rooted in the voices and priorities of the community.
Independent: Operated by civil society, not service providers or government bodies.
Action-Oriented: Designed to lead to improvements in services through advocacy and dialogue.
Inclusive: Engages diverse community members, including marginalized and criminalized populations.
Community-based data collection (e.g., surveys, focus groups, scorecards)
Regular engagement with service users
Dialogues with health providers and policymakers
Evidence-driven advocacy for change
The HIV epidemic in Asia and the Pacific remains a major public health challenge, with an estimated 6.9 million people living with HIV in 2024. While new infections have declined by 17% since 2010, the region still recorded nearly 300,000 new infections last year, with young people and key populations most affected.
AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 53% since 2010, yet approximately 150,000 people died in 2024. Progress toward the 95-95-95 targets remains uneven: around 79% of people living with HIV know their status, 69% are on treatment, and only 66% of those on treatment are virally suppressed.
Treatment coverage remains below 50% in several countries—including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, Indonesia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines—leaving significant gaps in prevention and care. Persistent stigma, discrimination, and punitive laws continue to drive vulnerabilities and restrict access to services, highlighting the urgent need for sustained investment and community-led action to accelerate progress.
Community-Led Monitoring matters because it helps make health systems more responsive, inclusive, and sustainable—ensuring that no one is left behind in the HIV response across Asia and the Pacific.
Community-Led Monitoring
