How does participation in CCMs work for members of civil society, the private sector and people affected by disease, and what are the valuable contributions do they make to the CCM?
§ 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.
§ 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.
§ 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.
§ 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.
§ 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
§ 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.
§ 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.
§ 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.
Contributions by:
English: Nejatunlu, Antonio Ramos, thamer kadum, Samuel Asiedu, Okonta Emeka Okelum
French: KOUASSI
Spanish: Lilly Marquez, Santiago Jaramillo