HIV treatment and prevention strategies are life-long endeavours, requiring not only comprehensive, high-quality, consistent and equitable medical services but also appropriate political and cultural milieus to be effective. Communities directly affected by HIV offer a unique expertise and understanding in developing services to meet the needs of people seeking out and utilizing HIV treatment, prevention and support services. Through their organizations and networks, and through partnerships with health systems, these communities provide leadership, services and advocacy to ensure the delivery of high-quality, comprehensive services to meet the needs of diverse populations affected by HIV. This article describes integrated approaches to service delivery in which affected communities play a key role in the development and implementation of HIV programmes. Further scale-up of these approaches to care can improve overall quality, reduce stigma and discrimination, increase demand for services and improve retention in care.