PartnersGF - 2004-05-20

Member viewpoint: CCMs - engaging media
Junaid M Seedat, South Africa
*****************************

“THIS PARTNERSHIP WOULD ENSURE PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY IN TIMES OF 'UNEXPECTED' DELAYS IN THE ROLL-OUT OF PROGRAMMES RECEIVING GFATM FUNDS”

The levels of participation of the media within the CCM process in Africa have been extremely low, if non-existent. Is there a role that the CCM's see media playing in both ensuring unbiased monitoring of progress at project level, while at the same time, ensuring that awareness levels within societies are raised on issues of AIDS, TB and Malaria?

Development activists, and CCM's alike, must begin a process of engaging the media as partners in the fight against these diseases. With their eyes and ears closer to the ground than most CCM members, the media has a key role in identifying 'gaps' and shortcomings within national strategies aimed at ATM. Their role in mobilising society has been well-documented throughout history. The battle against these diseases is no different.

The inclusion of media as a sector within the CCM process must be seen as an essential first step in ensuring that two-way communication channels are opened between the recipients of development assistance and development policy decision makers.

This partnership would ensure public accountability and transparency in times of 'unexpected' delays in the roll-out of programmes receiving GFATM funds.

Junaid M Seedat
Email: junaid@javajava.co.za

---------