PartnersGF - 2004-11-17

GF: Is something 'really' different going to happen?
Elena Obieta, Argentina
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"I HOPE ARUSHA MAKES A DIFFERENCE. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH MALARIA, TB AND HIV DESERVE IT"

After reading recent postings, I think there's only one point missing: The criminal delay in fund disbursement has to do with national levels of corruption, all over the world - including CCMs [country coordinating mechanisms] and PR [principle recipients] who don't 'feel' they need to show what they have done with the money.

In other words, people living with malaria, TB and HIV don't know there's money/care/drugs for them, unless policy-makers, stakeholders, NGOs, let them know. Do they want to let them know? If they do, wouldn't the real beneficiaries ask for their rights?

As a Key Correspondent during the GF Partnership Forum in Bangkok in July this year, I was able to learn a lot about differences and similarities between countries and CCM/PR work. Criticisms and goals achieved were openly shared. The '10 billion dollar' question is, if after so many critics on CCM/governments/corruption/money not getting where it should...Is something 'really' different going to happen?

For instance, my country, Argentina, seems it will not get the money for the next round, mainly because transparency on funds management is far from ideal. It is possible that our politicians and ministers will say that our country is doing much better, from a 'macroeconomic' point of view, therefore, 'we don't need the GF money'.

Meanwhile, one person dies because of TB every 8 hours in my country, and little was done with GF money for prevention of HIV or improving PLWA's [people living with HIV/AIDS] quality of life. Maybe these are not macroeconomic goals.

I hope Arusha makes a difference. Thousands of people living with malaria, TB and HIV deserve it.

Elena Obieta, MD
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Email: elenaobieta@yahoo.com.ar