People in many countries, especially African countries affected by the HIV/AIDS and TB diseases feel shy or reluctant to come out openly to share their views or offer meaningful contribution to educative and other programs that can help prevent or alleviate the suffering of those affected by the diseases. This is unfortunate and needs to be checked. Stigmatization is the main problem.

However, it is essential that representatives of those affected by the diseases are found in the CCMs. In doing so, their feelings, opinions and sufferings will be better known, better sorted out, better analyzed and better solutions found to them.

Again, in many countries, especially African countries such as Ghana, the laws do not permit people to become homosexuals, prostitutes or inject illegal drugs. As an Assistant Superintendent of Police in Ghana, I wouldn’t entertain or encourage homosexuals and prostitutes to come out and promote their “profession”, trade or beliefs in any way. No. Not at all. Some Islamic countries such as Sudan have the Islamic Laws (Sharia Law) in place. In view of this, hardly can someone involved in this practice but affected by the disease come out openly for him/her to be condemned or arrested by law enforcement officers. Such people cannot be selected as members of the Country Coordinating Mechanisms (CCMs) because of the criminality involved.

I must admit that in Ghana, for example, some few courageous but affected people do participate in preventive and educative programs to help reduce the stigmatization and also educate people about the preventive steps people should take to avoid the diseases. It is a credit to them. They are not prostitutes or homosexuals. Some of these people can be selected or nominated to be part of the CCMs. They will be in a better position to contribute positively towards the objectives of the Global Fund. If they or their colleagues are not getting the drugs or the needed aid, they will be bold to say it because their health, life and future are at stake.

I must surely add that to serve as motivation, if some of the affected persons come out to participate in the CCMs and their programs continually, they must be motivated or encouraged in the form of reward such as per diem or allowance.

JOSEPH B. POKOO-AIKINS/ASP – GHANA POLICE COLLEGE.

NOW UNAMID PEACEKEEPER, DARFUR – SUDAN.

Country Coordinating Mechanisms (CCMs) are country-level private-public partnerships central to the Global Fund's commitment to local ownership and participatory decision-making. Representation in the CCM is therefore critical to efficient grant implementation and effective communication with all parties involved. Involving people affected by the diseases brings a whole new set of rules and points of view to program planning and implementation. With this in mind:

Are people from affected populations* members of your CCM?

Suggestion: your answer could include: what has the CCM done to reach out to key affected populations and to include them; challenges faced when reaching out and obtaining participation; the contribution that this group can make to the activities of the CCM. 

* Men who have sex with men, drug users, sex workers, transgender, women, girls, people affected by the three diseases, to name a few.