The project brought together civil society organizations, community networks, and global partners to influence policies, improve health financing, and ensure that the needs of communities most affected by HIV remained central to decision-making. At its core, COMPASS 3.0 aimed to shift HIV responses from donor dependency toward sustainable, domestically driven systems. This included advancing domestic resource mobilization, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and promoting the integration of community-led approaches into national health policies and service delivery models.

The project placed strong emphasis on evidence-based advocacy, using community-led monitoring data, rapid assessments, and budget analysis to inform policy dialogue and influence government and global health stakeholders. It worked to ensure that health systems remained responsive and equitable, particularly for key populations, adolescent girls and young women, and people living with HIV. Implemented during a period of significant global health funding uncertainty, COMPASS 3.0 also supported civil society to adapt to emerging challenges, including funding cuts and shifting donor priorities. Through coordinated advocacy, technical support, and coalition-building, the project strengthened the role of civil society in shaping resilient, inclusive, and sustainable HIV and health systems.