The natural resource governance sector is under-researched and programs in it are under-evaluated. 3ie supported seven impact evaluations to fill critical knowledge gaps on what works to improve governance in the extractives sector in low- and middle-income countries.

To gain a better understanding of whether providing HIV self-tests to people would increase HIV testing rates, and who might benefit most from availability of tests, 3ie funded seven pilot interventions and their impact evaluations in Kenya, Uganda and Zambia. The evaluations measure the use of oral HIV self-tests to increase testing rates generally and/or increase the frequency of testing among targeted populations. The results provide robust and actionable evidence on how to safely and effectively promote oral HIV self-testing as an additional testing option.

It is widely recognized that preventive measures are crucial in tackling the HIV epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. Three randomized controlled trials and numerous observational studies have shown that male circumcision reduces HIV acquisition by approximately 60 per cent for men, suggesting that efforts to increase male circumcision can play a significant role in HIV prevention. While several programs have focused on increasing the prevalence of male circumcision programs and healthcare facilities to provide these services, progress in this area has been modest.