The Global Action Plan on HIV drug resistance 2017–2021 provided a comprehensive framework for global and country action and outlined a package of interventions and resources to guide the collective response to HIV drug resistance. The conclusion of this Global Action Plan on HIV drug resistance at the end of 2021 offered an opportunity for WHO to analyse the achievements realised over the preceding five years and identify barriers to the plan’s implementation. The plan’s successes, impact and shortfalls were assessed using indicators established in Global Action Plan on HIV drug resistance 2017–2021 and qualitative interviews of key stakeholders at all levels. This report summarizes the findings of the assessment.