On 23 September 2025, the Youth for Health Center (YFHC) proudly hosted the SKPA Graduation and Dissemination Event in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The event marked the successful completion of six transformative years of the Sustainability of HIV Services for Key Populations in Asia (SKPA-2) program. It was not just a ceremony to close a chapter, but a celebration of progress, resilience, and the collective efforts that shaped Mongolia’s HIV response into a more inclusive, community-driven, and sustainable system.
Over 100 participants joined the event, representing the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Finance (MoF), National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD), Health Insurance General Office (HIGO), Mongolian Medicines Regulatory Authority (MMRA), Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), Project Coordination Unit (PCU), academic institutions, private clinics, community-based organizations (CBOs), and key population (KP) networks. The diverse participation reflected how SKPA’s multisectoral approach has successfully bridged government, civil society, and communities in working together toward ending HIV transmission.
From Grassroots to Policy Reform
Throughout the SKPA journey, YFHC has been more than an implementing partner – it has been a catalyst for policy dialogue, advocacy, and systemic change. The organization has consistently pushed boundaries to ensure that key populations – such as men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers, and people who use drugs – are not left behind in Mongolia’s healthcare system.
YFHC’s work extended far beyond direct service delivery. It helped shape policy reforms, training curricula, and health system structures to create lasting change. Under SKPA, YFHC engaged decision-makers and health authorities to address barriers that previously limited key populations’ access to essential health services. This included advocating for inclusive healthcare policies, integrating HIV and stigma-reduction content into medical and public health university curricula, and developing national Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to strengthen clinical and community service delivery.
Through these combined efforts, YFHC transformed from a service provider into a recognized national advocate for health equity and human rights, demonstrating the power of community leadership in shaping national health agendas.
Milestones that Mark a Turning Point
The event showcased several major milestones that stand as SKPA’s legacy in Mongolia:
- The Launch of the Rainbow Clinic
One of the most groundbreaking achievements has been the establishment of the Rainbow Clinic. This is the first community-based clinic operated by an NGO to serve key populations directly. This initiative redefined what is possible within Mongolia’s health system, setting a precedent for non-governmental and community organizations to provide HIV and sexual health services in partnership with the public sector. The Rainbow Clinic has become a symbol of accessibility, inclusivity, and innovation in community-led healthcare. - Transition of Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) Ownership
The transition of the Community-Led Monitoring mechanism to YFHC marked another major step forward. By taking full ownership of CLM, YFHC and local key population networks can continue to collect, analyze, and use data to improve healthcare quality and accountability. This ensures that the voices of communities remain central to service improvement and policy dialogue. - PrEP Registration and Access
The registration of PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) by the Mongolian authorities in 2025 represented a historic milestone. For the first time, PrEP can now be procured and accessed in both the public and private sectors, opening the door to broader HIV prevention for people at higher risk. This achievement is the result of years of advocacy, technical collaboration, and persistence by YFHC, NCCD, and partners under SKPA.
Sustaining the Momentum Beyond SKPA
Although SKPA has now officially concluded, its results and spirit continue to live on. The program’s legacy is being carried forward through the Global Fund’s Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) with additional support from the Debt 2 Health (D2H) initiative. Together these efforts ensure continuity of essential HIV programs and help embed key interventions such as CLM, PrEP rollout, and community engagement into national systems while strengthening domestic resource mobilization.
As YFHC’s Executive Director shared during the event:
‘Six years may not be enough to create a perfect model, but SKPA has laid the foundation for a system that listens, learns, and evolves. The journey does not end here – it transforms.’
The event closed on a note of optimism and gratitude, recognizing the contributions of all stakeholders, from government leaders and donors to community members and healthcare providers. Each has played a vital role in advancing the vision of universal access to HIV services and zero discrimination.
Looking Ahead
Mongolia’s SKPA journey serves as a testament to how collaboration, innovation, and community leadership can redefine public health responses. The path ahead remains challenging, but with strong partnerships and continued political will, the country is well on its way toward a more sustainable and inclusive HIV response.
YFHC’s success under SKPA is not just the story of one organization. It is the story of a movement that turned challenges into opportunities, barriers into breakthroughs, and hope into action. As the country crosses this finish line, it also steps forward into a new beginning – stronger, wiser, and more united in its commitment to health equity for all.