Leadership, communication, and science: three pillars essential to public health emergency response and closing the gap in the HIV response among key populations

Globally, there have been multiple public health emergencies in recent decades. High rates of morbidity, occasionally mortality, and economic instability are usually associated with pandemics. One of the epidemics that has significantly increased morbidity and mortality worldwide is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic. HIV has a disproportionately negative impact on key populations. Strong leadership, effective communication, and sound science are necessary for public health emergency (PHE) responses to be successful. These three PHE response pillars are also essential for bridging the HIV response gap among key populations in the setting of restrictive laws. In this review, we explored the importance of these three pillars of successful PHEs responses, and how they are essential to closing the gap in the HIV response among key populations. Leaders must make decisions and instil a sense of authority in the populace during PHEs to foster trust and confidence. Leaders should base their choices on scientific evidence. Effective communication during PHEs should be proactive, polite, imaginative, innovative, and constructive. To address gaps in the HIV response among key populations, leaders must create a supportive environment for effective communication and scientific research, communication should be used to raise awareness of HIV and to dispel stigma and discrimination, while science should provide evidence of efficacy and effectiveness of interventions among key populations.