The HIV Prevention among Vulnerable Populations Initiative (HPVPI) was drafted in 2003, launched in 2004 and was the first comprehensive initiative aimed to address HIV prevention needs of vulnerable populations in Serbia and Montenegro. In the past 2 years of activities the project has significantly contributed to the development of an evidence based HIV/AIDS policy that has informed both countries' operational response. The Serbian Ministry of Health has developed a policy that supports evidence-based interventions, and is engaged in the implementation of this policy though a new institution, the National HIV/AIDS Office (NHO). Focusing the support on building its capacity appears both a logical and effective way to assist the government's effort to implement its HIV/AIDS strategy. HPVPI has been involved in the development of this new structure and enjoys good collaboration with its staff. Additionally, best practices developed through HPVPI conceived as "demonstration" practices need now to be consolidated and institutionalized, funded and rolled out in other regions. Consequently there is scope for bringing input at a critical moment to support the government achieving the 3X1 and the NHO in implementing the strategy (at a time when GFATM will not be available). The objectives of the revised concept note for the project include (1) NHO to be supported in the further development of a coordinated, integrated national HIV strategy (notably for the prevention, treatment and care of vulnerable populations); (2) Capacity building of the NHO and National Institute of Public Health (IPH) to improve their management and technical skills; (3) Support to the NHO in the dissemination of best practices and expertise to national and regional stakeholders and (4) Support for National IPH and NHO in developing effective surveillance and monitoring and evaluation capacities. Considering the lack of absorption capacity in Montenegro and the prominent role that the GFATM w