High-Resolution Mapping for Responsive Programming

Developed in response to the HIV epidemic in Malawi, the RESPOND initiative revolutionizes how HIV programs identify and reach underserved communities by providing practical tools to help countries design tailored, responsive programs.

By integrating high-resolution mapping with community insight, the RESPOND initiative translates evidence into action by supporting national programs to identify priority areas, co-design local solutions, and strengthen health systems from the ground up.

Why RESPOND?

Our approach combines scientific data with invaluable local partnerships.

The HIV epidemic is not homogeneous across or within countries. HIV prevalence and antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage vary by region and district, meaning there cannot be a one-size fits all approach for a national program. 

To promote both program sustainability and epidemic control, countries in eastern and southern Africa need strategies to facilitate targeted and tailored services and quality improvement strategies in areas that need it most. This is a replicable model that can be used in any country.

For Ministries of Health

  • Stop guessing where to invest limited resources
  • Demonstrate to end-users and policy makers where interventions are working- and where they’re not
  • Achieve epidemic control by targeting services to the top % contributing most

For Implementing Partners

  • Move beyond cookie-cutter programs to interventions co-designed by the communities you serve
  • Demonstrate impact to funders with before-and-after data at multiple levels

Steps for Responsive Programming

  • Estimate maps of population-level viremia and other indicators by district and facility catchment area

    Teams: HIV Modelling Team
  • Combine estimate maps with contextual factors and routine program data to inform prioritization decisions

    Teams: District
  • Participatory mapping to identify priority communities and interventions

    Teams: Facility + Community Stakeholders
  • Implement co-created programming with rapid evaluation and adaptation

    Teams: Facility + Community

    • See RESPOND in Action

    Watch our 2-minute video to hear from community members, healthcare workers, and program leaders.

    Mapping Malawi’s HIV Epidemic

    Interactive geospatial visualizations translate complex HIV data into clear insights.

    Built from national survey and routine health data, interactive maps highlight local variations in HIV prevalence, treatment coverage, and viremia across Malawi.

    By revealing where gaps and strengths exist, they are one part of a toolkit to help guide targeted action and more equitable and effective resource allocation.

    Explore maps

    Get Involved

    Join us in strengthening RESPOND. Whether you are a researcher, policymaker, or community leader, your collaboration can help bring tailored, sustainable HIV services to the people and places that need them most.

    Contact us