michaelalbert:

Dear CCM Forum The CCM of Namibia is in the process of looking for the establishment of Secretariat of the CCM. The question whether the Secretariat must be independent from the current PR is what we nee to determine. Do you have a list of countries where the secretariat is dependent from the PR and those that are attached to the PR ? How does one interpret the issue of Conflict of interest with regard to the function on the secretariat ? Is it possible to have some best practices and challenges of other countries ? Thanks

The Country Coordinating Mechanisms (CCM) – are the public-private partnerships at the country level, central to the Global Fund's commitment to local ownership and participatory decision-making. In this regard, the CCM secretariat is crucial to ensure an effective and efficient exchange of information between all stakeholders.  To achieve these goals the CCM secretariat must be competent, professional with the government, civil society, religious organizations, educational system and those affected by diseases. As the CCM is created by the government, the secretariat should be established under the government because the public sector is widely represented in the CCM. The nature of the participation of its representatives is determined by their professional responsibilities rather than personal commitment. I believe that the secretariat should be properly equipped with advanced information systems, office equipment, be able to hold online meetings with the CCM members (absent at the meeting), exchange information between CCM representatives from the government, civil society, religious organizations, educational system and people affected by diseases.

To maintain an impartial attitude is one of the best allies when working at a technical secretariat. The secretariat’s relationship with different sectors should always focus on the good functioning of the CCM. A cordial relationship with everyone is the best ally to develop the work needed. In Latin America there’s a lot of accumulated experience in the work of the secretariats but there are no meetings of these members to share and capitalize on those experiences. Many times we are investing our time and money in actions that other people have already developed. I am very glad that this forum is interested in this subject because I am part of the CCM of El Salvador and I have already brought up this inquiry about this type of exchange.

Marta Alicia Magaña, CCM El Salvador.