Background Effective processes produce quality outcomes. For key populations (KPs) intervention, quality data that enjoys the buy-in and ownership of community members and other stakeholders is critical for optimal program outcome. In Nigeria, some previous efforts at mapping KPs have not enjoyed the full buy-in of key stakeholders with the credibility of study data and associated findings being challenged by stakeholders, especially the KP community. This situation adversely affected HIV epidemic management in the country. A multi-layer monitoring system was initiated across national and sub-national field operations in order to ensure protocol compliance, quality data, community ownership and general stakeholder buy-in.

Methods A national technical team (NTT) was constituted comprising of representatives from all critical actors, especially from the key population community with a mandate to ensure efficient study delivery. At the sub-national level, a similar body was put in place across all the 10 study states. The lead technical partner, the University of Manitoba, and the study administrator, the Society for Family Health, also had monitors and study coordinators who were deployed to coordinate and monitor the field operations across all 10 study states. The National Agency for the Control of AIDs (NACA) acting as the principal investigator provided leadership and guidance. Programmatic mapping approach involved a 2-step hotspot listing and validation phases known as Level 1 and Level 2. At both phases, stakeholders were involved in routine field monitoring activities.

Results Sub-national level report disseminations were conducted across all the participating study states with all stakeholders, including representatives from the 3 nationally recognized KP groups – FSW, MSM & PWIDs, accepting that the data reflected findings at the spots.

Conclusion It is imperative to involve critical stakeholders from planning to monitoring of study processes as it engenders community ownership- a positive leverage for the efficient delivery of community impact interventions for KPs.

Disclosure No significant relationships.