Dzinamarira, TafadzwaMoyo, Enos2024-07-262024-07-262024-09Dzinamarira, T.& Moyo, E. 2024, 'Expanding technical assistance: a call for a more nuanced approach for sustainable HIV programs in Sub-Saharan Africa', International Journal of Infectious Diseases, vol. 146, art. 107135, pp. 1-3, doi : 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107135.1201-9712 (print)1878-3511 (online)10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107135http://hdl.handle.net/2263/97260An anticipated decline in external funding in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) necessitates a re-evaluation of HIV response sustainability strategies. While institutional capacity building (ICB) has yielded positive outcomes, including strengthened technical expertise and institutional frameworks, it faces challenges. These include overemphasis on technical expertise neglecting resource mobilization, and a limited focus on policy advocacy. To achieve long-term sustainability, ICB efforts must equip local institutions with skills for tailored donor engagement, data-driven advocacy, and collaborative policy influence. This multi-pronged approach, coupled with efforts to diversify funding and integrate HIV responses, is crucial to empower local ownership and ensure the long-term viability of effective HIV responses in SSA.en© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of International Society for Infectious Diseases. This is an open access article under the CC BY license.External fundingSub-Saharan Africa (SSA)Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)Institutional capacity building (ICB)Capacity buildingTechnical assistanceSustainabilitySDG-17: Partnerships for the goalsArticle