About

The RESPOND initiative provides a framework for data driven decision making. RESPOND combines advanced data mapping with community collaboration to identify priority areas, guide local decision-making, and strengthen national HIV responses.

Generating Evidence

Developing low-cost, high-resolution mapping methods to pinpoint facilities and communities most in need
Integrating epidemiological data with local insights to uncover patterns that standard analyses often miss
Creating scalable models that help health systems visualize disparities and guide investments

Putting Evidence into Practice

Partnering with national programs and communities to co-design tailored, sustainable interventions
Translating mapping results into accessible toolkits for health workers and policymakers in any program
Supporting countries to replicate and adapt the RESPOND approach across different epidemics

Why Malawi?

Located in southeastern Africa, Malawi has been the initial focus of our research.

Malawi is a low-income country–one of the very poorest countries in the world–with features similar to neighboring southern African nations.
Malawi’s HIV epidemic is reaching epidemic control, while Ministry of Health resources for sustained programming are limited, making it essential for precise and tailored programs for the few who need additional support.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Communities are engaged throughout the RESPOND approach, with community perspectives at the center of all RESPOND steps and decisions.

The RESPOND approach shows promise for application to other emerging public health needs beyond HIV. Plans are in place to adapt and develop RESPOND to other diseases over the next 2 years.

Organizational Partners

RESPOND is made possible through partnerships among Malawi Ministry of Health and implementing partners, research institutions, and community organizations working together to strengthen data-driven, locally informed HIV responses. RESPOND partners include:

Partners in Hope, Malawi

Partners in Hope (PIH) is a leader in HIV care and health system strengthening in Malawi, offering high-quality, whole-person care in a caring, Christ-centered environment. Operating since 2004, we provide care to nearly 6,000 People Living with HIV (PLHIV) at our Moyo Center of Excellence while building capacity across 123 health facilities in nine districts across Malawi supporting over 200,000 PLHIV with long term live saving antiretroviral drugs. Through partnerships with the Ministry of Health, UCLA, USG State Department, and other global organizations, we are not just treating patients—we are training the next generation of Malawian healthcare providers and generating evidence that shapes national HIV policy and practice. For more information, go to www.aidsmalawi.org.mw

The Malawi Ministry of Health Directorate of HIV, STIs and Viral Hepatitis

For more information, go to hiv.health.gov.mw

The Malawi National AIDS Commission

For more information, go to www.aidsmalawi.org.mw

U.S. Partners

University of California, Los Angeles
Harvard University
Henry Spatial Analysis

Team

The RESPOND team includes scientists, clinicians, data analysts, and community leaders united by a shared goal to turn evidence into action. Drawing on diverse disciplines and lived experience, the team works collaboratively to design tools, generate insights, and support countries in building more responsive health systems.

Principal Investigators

Kate Dovel, PhD, MPH
Kelvin Balakasi, MSc
Sam Phiri, PhD

Co-Investigators

Jeff Imai-Eaton, PhD
Nathaniel Henry, PhD
Thomas Coates, PhD
Augustine Choko, PhD

Staff

Isabella Robson, MS – Project Coordinator
Misheck Mphande, MA – Implementation
Khumbo Phiri, MPH – Implementation
Tara Kerin, PhD – Epidemiology

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.