PartnersGF - 2005-01-13
A message from Mick Matthews, Civil Society Liaison at the Global Fund
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[Moderators Note: the following is an introductory letter from Mick Matthews, Civil Society Liaison at the Global Fund. We encourage all members to take advantage of the opportunity presented by Mr. Matthews opening the lines of communication for renewed engagement of civil society with the Global Fund as we focus on advocating for more meaningful participation of affected communities at all levels.]
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Dear All
Happy New Year. My name is Mick Matthews and I am the Civil Society Liaison at the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria, based in Geneva. This is just a brief introductory letter to let you know the Civil Society position is now operational again and to begin the process of Civil Societys ongoing and increasing engagement and influence within the Global Fund.
My contact details are:
Tel: + 41 22 791 15991
Email: mick.matthews@theglobalfund.org
Most of you will be aware of how important 2005 is in terms of the worlds response to poverty, disease and all the other development issues. It is especially important for the Global Fund not least because of the Replenishment Mechanism, with meetings in Sweden in March 14 - 16 and the United Kingdom early in September of this year, prior to the 11th Board Meeting.
Obviously the Replenishment Mechanism is a major priority but it is important that we work together on other areas to strengthen the role of Civil Society within the Fund. Some of these areas will include:
Communication I will try to keep you up to date with news and information but it is also important that I am informed by you and that you tell me what kind of information you want?
Country Coordinating Mechanisms I can provide support where appropriate and I can explore ways of facilitating learning and skills building, including on the Governmental side that also need to understand how to work better with Civil Society and maximize the opportunities Civil Society involvement offers.
Partnership Forum
Facilitating linkages between the three constituencies of AIDS, TB & Malaria and ensuring that people living with the three diseases are visible, heard and effective within the Fund, at the Board Meetings and through the CCMs.
We have already had a significant impact on the Global Fund and it is a better organization because of that. But I think we need to continue to build on what we have achieved through keeping pressure on Donors to support the Fund, making sure we promote the positive impact the Fund is having while working consistently to improve the areas that do not work so well.
Please contact me and let me know what you need from me? I will not promise to address everything but I will do my best to be as open and available as possible.
If you could circulate this letter through your own networks of contacts that would be really useful. Thank you.
Best wishes
Mick Matthews
Civil Society Liaison