WHO HIVResNet is governed by a Steering Group and organized into 5 thematic working groups. 

The WHO HIVResNet Steering Group is a core group of approximately 20 members of WHO HIVResNet. It is the principal advisory body to WHO on HIV drug resistance. The Steering Group:

• advises WHO on strategies to tackle HIV drug resistance that are consistent with WHO’s mandate;
• steers implementation of the strategic objectives of the Integrated drug resistance framwork (2026–2030);
• supports WHO in reporting progress on implementation of the framework; and
• supports WHO in content development for its annual HIVResNet meeting, which leverages the expertise and experience of people contributing to the prevention, control and surveillance of HIV drug resistance.

The WHO HIVResNet Steering Group members and co-chairs are selected and appointed for 3 years by WHO, on the basis of their technical expertise and public health experience, balanced by geographical representation. The Steering Group includes the chairs of the 5 working groups and represents a range of disciplines, including those relevant to public policy development, surveillance epidemiology, implementation science, HIV virology/basic laboratory science, research and development, and public health and programme implementation. The Steering Group has no executive or regulatory functions. WHO convenes HIVResNet annually to review and discuss priority areas across all working groups. 

WHO HIVResNet Working Groups: 

These working groups now operate within the structure of the Integrated drug resistance action framework (2026 to 2030):

1. Prevention and response:  Supports strategic actions to implement high-impact interventions that prevent and respond to HIV drug resistance.
2. Monitoring and surveillance:  Supports generation of high-quality HIV drug resistance data through surveys and routine testing and helps monitor programme performance to prevent HIV drug resistance.
3. Research and innovation:  Promotes relevant, innovative research to minimise HIV drug resistance and address key knowledge gaps, including for newer antiretroviral drugs and service delivery approaches.
4. Laboratory capacity: Supports efforts to strengthen laboratory systems and expand access to quality-assured viral load monitoring and HIV drug resistance testing in low- and middle-income countries.
5. Governance and enabling mechanisms: Supports advocacy, coordinated action, country ownership and sustainable financing to ensure that systems are in place to prevent, monitor and respond to HIV drug resistance.