So a focus on results starts with using existing evidence on the national HIV/AIDS situation to answer two broad questions: (a) What is the status of the epidemic? And (b) What results have been achieved by the national response strategy – how well has the country contained and managed the epidemic?  The answers to these questions provide the underpinnings for:

1. identifying results/outcomes,
2. selecting the programs and population groups, and
3. shaping the results-based monitoring, evaluation and research elements of the strategy, including resource tracking and analysis. 

The phases of the Results Cycle are iterative, not strictly sequential. Applying the Results Cycle supports the planning process and production of the actual strategy document. Each phase of the Results Cycle relates to a section of the national HIV/AIDS strategy document. Implicit in the Results Cycle is the need for an enabling environment for policy and strategy formulation. This would include: compliance with the “Three Ones” principles, stakeholder consultation, a multisectoral approach, donor coordination, and systems strengthening (See UNAIDS CHAT developed to assess the level of partnerships in HIV/AIDS at the country level. Some countries conduct a CHAT assessment as part of national response reviews). During the planning process, specific actions would be identified around these themes to be integrated in the national response.

The planning process takes place within a policy context, as does implementation of the strategy.  The policy actions that are essential to promote HIV prevention include (see Practical Guidelines for Intensifying HIV Prevention: Towards Universal Access, 2007, p.23.):

1. Ensure that human rights are promoted, protected and respected and that measures are taken to eliminate discrimination and combat stigma.
2. Build and maintain leadership from all sections of society, including governments, affected communities, non-government organizations, faith-based organizations, the education sector, media, the private sector and trade unions.
3. Involve people living with HIV in the design, implementation and evaluation of prevention strategies, addressing their distinct prevention needs.
4. Address cultural norms and beliefs, recognizing both the key role they may play in supporting prevention efforts and the potential they have to fuel HIV transmission.
5. Promote gender equality and address gender norms and relations to reduce the vulnerability of women and girls, involving men and boys in this effort.
6. Promote widespread knowledge and awareness of how HIV is transmitted and how infection can be avoided.
7. Promote the links between HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health.
8. Support mobilization of community-based responses throughout the continuum of prevention, care and treatment.
9. Promote programmes targeted at HIV prevention needs of key affected groups and populations.
10. Mobilize and strengthen financial, and human and institutional capacity across all sectors, particularly in health and education.
11. Review and reform legal frameworks to remove barriers to effective, evidence- based HIV prevention, combat stigma and discrimination and protect the rights of people living with HIV and people who are vulnerable or at risk of HIV.
12. Ensure that sufficient investments are made in research and development of, and advocacy for, new prevention technologies.

Here are key actions in the strategy planning process [link]. These actions can be expanded and adapted to real situations. The list can be used as a check-list to help the planning process and to specify the products expected at each phase of the planning cycle, as well as specifying the responsible entities and deadlines (See also the ASAP Strategy Planning Road Map).