This is an update of the latest discussions that focused on the theme of "Partnerships". By clicking on the links below you will find the summary of recommendations and ideas that members have posted regarding the different discussion topics:

Þ      Week 1: How could the Global Fund better ensure that countries receive the capacity development support they need for the preparation of proposals and the implementation of programs?

Þ      Week 2: How can the Global Fund and partners help countries better use the broad support available from the Global Fund to strengthen health systems at the national and community level?

Þ      Week 3: What should be the requirements for organizations beyond donor governments that contribute financial and other resources to the Global Fund?

Þ      Week 4:What mechanisms could the Global Fund put in place to enhance collaboration, communication and coordination at the regional level?

The e-Forum 2008 is now entering its last weeks of discussions!

Last April, the first theme was introduced and it focused on "gender". At the time, the Global Fund was preparing to develop a Gender Strategy and, in a linked process, a Strategy on Sexual Minorities, that would guide how the Global Fund addresses gender inequalities in country programming and in the technical review of proposals. The comments made by e-Forum participants have provided valuable input into this strategy process. Other consultations have taken place between April and now, involving a broad range of stakeholders at the country and global levels. As a result, a first draft of the "Gender Equity Strategy" will be available shortly. It will be reviewed by the Policy and Strategy Committee of the Global Fund Board in September, and discussed by the Board itself in November.

We will also be sharing soon a draft of this strategy with e-Forum participants, who were among the first group of stakeholders to contribute to its development. We will be asking for your comments before finalizing the document for submission to the Global Fund decision-making bodies. Meanwhile, we would like to ask you to contribute to this week's question that stems from comments heard at the recent International AIDS Conference in Mexico City.

The question for this week is (click on the question to participate):

With the majority of people on antiretroviral treatment being women (56% at the end of 2007), should the Global Fund's gender strategy focus more on men rather than concentrating on women and girls?

Join us and participate! Visit: www.myglobalfund.org/eforum

MyGlobalFund.org Facilitation Team
Alastair Green: English; Español
Marcela Rojo: Español, English
Yauheni Yushkevich: Russian, Français
Olivier Cœur de Roy: Français, English