MTN is structured to allow for active representation and participation by community and civil society stakeholders in every stage of protocol development and implementation. In addition to including a community representative on its executive committee, MTN has established a Community Working Group (CWG), comprising one Community Advisory Board member and one community educator from each site. The CWG aims to ensure the successful conduct of studies through community and researcher partnerships and to build capacity within local communities for providing input into the planning and conduct of MTN trials.

As part of its effort to be more responsive to the needs and perspectives of local communities, the MTN also has adopted the Regional Physician Model, a successful component of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded Partners in Prevention. The regional physician is MTN’s local ambassador in Africa, and provides support to clinical sites, helps address their concerns, and educates local providers and community groups about microbicide research, MTN-specific trials and safety measures designed to protect all trial participants.