A guide to monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) for community-led monitoring programmes

Community-led monitoring (CLM) is an accountability mechanism that has emerged as a powerful strategy to identify and resolve gaps in access to quality, inclusive HIV health services. Led by communities best placed to identify cracks in healthcare systems, CLM is a routine intervention powered by evidence gathering, analysis, and collaborative engagement with health service providers and decision makers to identify and implement solutions. To support CLM implementers in tracking progress towards outcomes and impact, IAS - the International AIDS Society undertook a three-phase design and consultation process with over 100 CLM implementers from 32 countries to develop a monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) guidebook for CLM for HIV. This guide is a practical tool for CLM implementers working on every aspect of a CLM programme, from data collection to advocacy. It is also a resource for CLM funders and other stakeholders seeking to support CLM programmes with simple, robust MEAL approaches.