Home Notable Project Independent Verification of the SAMRC Imagine Social Outcomes-Based Contract Project Details Client: South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Country: South Africa Period: 2023–2025 Role: Independent Verification Agent Project Overview CESAR was appointed by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) as the Independent Verification Agent for the Imagine Social Outcomes-Based Contract. The Imagine Programme, implemented by NACOSA, aimed to reduce HIV incidence and unwanted pregnancies among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in schools in KwaZulu-Natal and Northwest provinces. Scope of Work CESAR conducted quarterly and annual independent verification of programme outputs and outcomes. This included reviewing programme data, conducting confirmatory statistical analyses, and collecting primary data from beneficiaries to verify reported achievements. The verification process assessed indicators such as PrEP uptake, ART coverage, contraceptive use, antenatal care attendance and access to youth health services. Impact CESAR provided independent assurance of programme performance and data quality under a results-based financing model. Our work strengthened transparency, improved data accuracy, and supported accountability between implementers, investors and government. The verification findings also helped improve data management systems and programme implementation over the three-year period.

Home Notable Project National Bio-Behavioural Surveillance Study Among HIV Key Populations (BBS-Lite) Project Details Client: South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Country: South Africa Period: 2024–2025 Role: Lead Research Implementing Partner Project Overview CESAR implemented South Africa’s first Bio-Behavioural Survey-Lite (BBS-Lite) among four HIV key populations: female sex workers, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, and transgender women. The study was conducted across seven districts nationwide to generate critical epidemiological and behavioural data to inform HIV programming and monitoring. Scope of Work CESAR worked closely with national stakeholders to adapt the BBS-Lite methodology and survey tools. We recruited and managed a fieldwork team of 90 personnel and successfully collected interview data and biological samples from 6,182 participants across the seven districts. CESAR conducted data management, statistical analysis, interpretation of findings and produced a comprehensive infographic-based report to communicate results clearly to policymakers and partners. Impact In South Africa, bio-behavioural surveys (BBS) among key populations (KPs) have largely focused on metropolitan municipalities, limiting understanding of HIV and related epidemics in non-metropolitan districts. The BBS-Lite generated critical data on HIV prevalence, risk behaviours and access to services among key populations, addressing major evidence gaps in the country’s HIV response. The findings are being used to improve service targeting, resource allocation and programme monitoring at the district and national levels.