SHARP: strategic HIV response

Epidemic control is not achieved by more activity, but by smarter delivery: targeted case finding, rapid linkage to treatment, strong retention, and services designed around the realities of communities and key populations. That was the logic of SHARP, the Strategic HIV and AIDS Response Program.

SHARP was a USAID-funded effort to strengthen HIV prevention, care and treatment through targeted testing, adherence support, viral load suppression, HIV and TB laboratory strengthening, and capacity building for state and local systems, with specialised services for key populations.

SHARP task orders ran across many states, including Nasarawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, Kwara, Kebbi, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Borno and Adamawa, with HIV and TB services in Bayelsa, Edo and Lagos.

What ORHI delivered

As an implementing partner, ORHI turned SHARP’s goals into consistent, high-quality community services:

• Targeted testing: strategies that find undiagnosed people efficiently and speed up linkage from first contact to treatment.
• Linkage and retention: immediate linkage, adherence counselling, client navigation and follow-up that keep clients in care until their viral load is suppressed.
• Key-population services: confidential, stigma-free approaches so men who have sex with men, sex workers and people who inject drugs could use services without fear.
• TB integration: integrated HIV and TB screening and referral, and a stronger laboratory cascade.
• Data and accountability: routine data verification and quality improvement, so gaps were found early and fixed fast.
• Sustainability: mentorship, joint planning and supportive supervision that strengthen coordination beyond donor cycles.