Table 2 Summary of lessons learned of the first round of the Bio-Behavioral Surveillance Surveys among Key and Priority Populations in Mozambique, 2011–2014

Coordination & Collaboration

• Government stewardship of survey implementation has affirmed alignment with national strategic priorities

• Multisectoral collaboration enhanced ownership of survey results

• Collaboration with multilateral, bilateral and research entities ensured alignment with global guidance and the use of the innovative methodological approaches

• Experience of multisectoral collaboration was leveraged for policy development

Workforce Development and Institutional Capacity Building

• Twining model and mentorship gradually increased local capacity for survey implementation

• Health informatics integrated into surveillance team to improve database development, mobile data collection tools, data visualization and survey implementation monitoring

• Formalized data management practices and structures to ensure data access and use

Data use and Dissemination

• Increased participation in national and international conferences

• Data used for global reporting and national strategic planning

• Use of data by studies to for academic research (bachelor, master and PhD)

• Creation of Scientific Manuscript Advisory Panel to ensure scientific integrity

Advocacy and Policy Impact

• Strategic information produced to monitor the HIV response

• Development of Strategic Guidelines and Policy Documents.

Financial Sustainability

• Need to diversify funding sources to address high dependence on international donor organizations

• Flexible procurement and hiring mechanisms are required to implement surveys through government system

Community Impact

• Enhanced visibility of KP

• KP ownership of the data for advocacy purposes

• Essential role of KP organizations as collaborators in the HIV response

• Capacity building of KP organizations has provided opportunities for additional funding opportunities and technical collaborations