CCM REPRESENTATION 

By Samuel Asiedu, Subrecipient- Ghana
While CCM representation has indeed been a challenge for many CCMs, Ghana's CCM has begun to address this issue by clearly defining in its constitution on how constituents should be elected and represented. Elections should be "free and fair" which raises questions of how this can be achieved through the tools at the CCM's disposal. See complete text in English

By Lotusblanc, CCM Tunisia
It's important to keep the same representation in the CCM throughout all stages of program implementation in order to assure civil society effectiveness. Transparency in CCM management should be the primary objective in order to achieve the expected results of projects. See complete text in French

By HAMA BALKISSA MODIBO, CCM Niger
Members of Niger's CCM truly represent their constituencies. These members are appointed after free and transparent elections in the presence of a bailiff in their groups. With regards to international organizations, scope is given to the leader who, based on the areas of expertise of each one, gathers the views of these agencies. See complete text in French 

By Lilly Marquez, CCM Ecuator
The CCM of Ecuador is in a constant process of consolidation. Civil Society is a key player in the CCM structure and the initiation of the CCM allowed for a better awareness of the organizations that are part of the civil society sector. The start of the CCM also obliged for a better internal organization of the sector since they needed to fulfill with the requirements to be part of the CCM. Participation in the CCM is mostly determined by personal commitment. There has also been a high rotation within the representatives of the CCM. The CCM of Ecuador is planning its internal rules & procedures. See complete text in Spanish.

AWARENESS ON GLOBAL FUND CCM POLICIES

By Nejatunlu, CCM and Sub-recipient, Turkey
After efforts from the Ministry of Health and UNAIDS, Turkey has a CCM, but it is formed by mostly governmental or semi-governmental seats (like universities) and NGOs. Knowing the roles and responsibilities of those within the CCM would have made a big difference to Turkey's result in Round 5. The main challenge is the fundamental difference in approach from the different stakeholders. The MoH sees its work as a job, whereas as NGOs see it as an opportunity to improve the lives of those in their communities. With such different perspectives, transparency, sharing experiences and information, and having successful CCM role models to follow, is extremely important. See complete text in English

By Yahya Kane, CCM and Principal Recipient, Mauritana
The CCM in Mauritania works quite well and the communication between its members is done through either snail mail or email. Members have an important role to play and participate actively in decision-making. However, the role of the CMM could be improved by putting an actual strategy for communication with the various stakeholders. Strong involvement by the private sector would play an important role in disseminating information on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria and, ultimately, the visibility of program nationwide. The CCM should also work towards strengthening the skills of its members by sharing information and experiences with CCMs in other countries. This would be a way to measure our CCM's level of performance in relation to others. See complete text in French

By ABDULLA YULDASHEV, No affiliation with The Global Fund, Uzbekistan
It's no secret that the CCMs have been created for the Global Fund, to receive money from the Fund. CCMs only come together to obtain signatures in order to make changes to programs. A CCM does not play any role in resolving specific problems in the three sectors. See complete text in Russian

CCM PARTICIPATION OF CIVIL SOCIETY AND PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE DISEASES

By Nejatunlu, CCM and Sub-recipient, Turkey
Civil Society participation is crucial to the successful implementation of Global Fund grants. Those living with HIV should be especially represented. Although civil society representatives may be present in CCM meetings, there is not always active participation from these groups. Civil society has a lot to offer to the strong synergy that exists within public-private partnerships, and represents a force to combat the stigma of disease still present in many communities today. By creating forums and giving civil society added responsibilities, active participation by these groups could be encouraged, as well as forging linkages between the three diseases. See complete text in English

By Antonio Ramos, CCM Cape Verde
Civil society is a vital to democratic societies as they carry weight in decision-making processes that affect everyone. They are also near the people, particularly those living with disease. Civil society involvement in the CCM and grant implementation is therefore crucial. In Cape Verde, it is the civil society that implements most of the programs that fight against the three diseases, and it manages its resources well. See complete text in English

By thamer kadum, CCM Iraq
In Iraq, NGOs are just beginning to form, with a few having existed beforehand dedicated to tuberculosis and chest disease. Despite the increasing number of entities, there is a lack of organization in the work carried out by civil society and the private sector. Civil society is beginning to organize itself, but this requires community engagement. An example is the work being done towards a TB mobile clinic, which will help the local community to look for and share information on suspected cases and preventive action. See complete text in English

By KOUASSI, CCM Ivory Coast
Civil society representatives in the Ivory Coast's CCM are very active and their opinions are predominant in decision-making. Members participate in technical committees that have been formed for specific issues. See complete text in French

By Lilly Marquez, CCM Ecuator
Civil Society, NGO's, CBO's and PLWS have been key in the consolidation process of the Ecuadorian CCM. They have played an important role in the decision making and have been central in the creation of the AIDS National Program, which has achieved an unprecedented development. Several groups of civil society are in process of internal organization and in search of leadership. An issue that needs improvements is coordination with Civil Society. The CCM of Ecuador relayed in Civil Society in times of political instability and this situation has been sustained. With private sector, however, it has not been possible to achieve the desired level of participation and representation. Representation of the religious sector is another big challenge, even if there are communication channels already established with that sector.

Abbreviations
NGO: Non-governmental Organization
CBO: Community Based Organization
PLWH: People living with HIV/AIDS
See complete text in Spanish

By Santiago Jaramillo, CCM and Sub-recipient Ecuator
Civil society has played a very important role in the CCM. However, the rules for participation should be clearer in terms of how long the representations last and regarding the selection of representatives. It is necessary to be able to choose the representatives in a democratic way in order for civil society to feel legitimately represented. See complete text in Spanish

COMMUNICATION (internal)

By Samuel Asiedu, Subrecipient- Ghana
In Ghana, the primary channel for communication inside the CCM is through the use of the internet, which is faster and cheaper. Text messages through mobile phones are periodically sent to members too, to remind them of pending meetings. Considering these key elements to successful information sharing, it's important to discuss the options available to improve communication among members. One is to create a user-friendly database to include names, representing constituency, phone numbers, emails and addresses. Since timely feedback is essential, it's important to consider the cost of this option, as well as members' access to such. See complete text in English

COMMUNICATION (external)

By Samuel Asiedu, Subrecipient- Ghana
It is important to build a good public image demonstrating professionalism, efficiency and effectiveness, but the CCM should collaborate and work closely with the media in performing its core functions and to demonstrate transparency. The media plays a crucial role in the overseeing CCM activities with regards to general accountability. They are not only partners in information dissemination and gathering, but are also good whistle blowers. Bridging the gap between these two facets would be the best. See complete text in English
CIVIL SOCIETY

By Samuel Asiedu, Subrecipient- Ghana
The role of CSOs cannot be over emphasized in both developed and developing countries. CSOs can get to the hard-to-reach communities and have greater output than other sectors unwilling or unable to do the work and raise the necessary resources. There is the need for stronger CSOs in sub-Saharan Africa, where active participation, and sub-structure organization and development is essential. The problem is that CSOs participate, but do not lead - they must be seen, heard and influence agendas and decisions made. They need to play major roles and not just complement them. The CSO platform needs to be raised higher, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, in order for it to become a stronger watchdog and participate fully in bringing the work of GF into reality. See complete text in English

By Okonta Emeka Okelum, No affiliation with The Global Fund, Nigeria
It is not the CSO, but the individual behind the organization that is important. That is where the heart of an organization lies. There is a need for people to take up the mantle, those who are committed to making a difference. If everyone plays their part, history will be made. See complete text in English


THE CCM FORUM IS OPEN

By Sagyn, CCM Kazakhstan
The CCM that has been set up in Kazakhstan, like in other countries, can not solve problems. In fact, it worsens the situation because it was created for the implementation of Global Fund projects and not to stop the spread of the epidemic at national level or for cross-sector coordination. This is why the presidency of the CCM must be guaranteed at government level, and not at the level of the Ministry of Health. See complete text in Russian