How can we best sustain HIV services in resource-constrained settings? This was the simple question behind the Phoenix Open Call.

What followed went far beyond answers — it revealed lived experience, practical innovation, and community-driven vision from across the globe.

We received 422 submissions from 34 countries, each reflecting the realities of young people and community leaders working tirelessly to keep HIV services running, often amid shrinking resources, fragile health systems, and shifting donor priorities. Together, these submissions demonstrated both the scale of the challenge and the ingenuity already present within communities

The Phoenix Open Call was designed to surface and amplify solutions that protect existing HIV services, minimize disruptions, and strengthen community and local leadership. The ideas we received affirmed the importance of investing in people closest to the problem, and the solution.

Meet the Top 20 Winners

After a rigorous review process, we are pleased to announce the Top 20 Winners of the Phoenix Open Call. Submissions were evaluated based on their relevance to the challenge, clarity and conciseness, innovation and practicality, feasibility and scalability, and their commitment to equity and meaningful community engagement. Special emphasis was placed on solutions grounded in real-world experience, lessons learned, and evidence-informed approaches that can be adapted across diverse settings.

Common Themes

Across regions and contexts, several shared themes emerged. Many finalists proposed locally grounded models that reduce reliance on external funding, including community-driven revenue generation and cost-sharing approaches. Others emphasized peer-led distribution and support networks that lower patient costs and improve continuity of care. Several submissions also highlighted innovative incentive structures to retain health workers when formal systems struggle.

Collectively, these ideas reflect a shift toward resilience, adaptability, and community ownership.

What’s Next

The Top Four Winners will be recognized at the PATC³H-IN Conference in Lagos, Nigeria, where they will present their ideas during a panel session and engage with policymakers, funders, and collaborators. These finalists will receive full conference sponsorship, including airfare, accommodation, and visa costs.

All 20 finalists will receive cash awards ranging from $400 to $1000. Additionally, all eligible participants will receive certificates of participation in recognition of their contributions.

The Phoenix team is also working on a manuscript based on the analysis of data generated through this global crowdsourcing open call. This manuscript will examine cross-cutting insights, implementation strategies, and emerging patterns from submissions across regions, with the aim of contributing to the evidence base on sustaining HIV services in resource-constrained settings.

Thank you

We extend our sincere appreciation to the individuals and teams whose submissions did not make the final 20. The review process involved difficult decisions, and every submission contributed meaningfully to our collective understanding of what sustainable HIV service delivery can look like across diverse settings.

We are deeply grateful to the Phoenix Open Call steering committee, organizing team, judges, and our partner organizations—INSPIRE, SESH, LIGHT, AVAC, 4Youth By Youth, NIMR, and PATC³H-IN, whose collective effort made this initiative possible.