China - Thomas Cai
ITPC-China did a public opinion survey on the new government policy to transfer care of PLHIV to district level. 84% of 7,000 responses expressed their concern over confidentiality and treatment quality and care at the district level. The staff recently held a meeting to present analysed data and discuss how to take the study forward and submit to UNAIDS China and MoH. At this meeting, ITPC china members also discussed about the Pioneer Award that was proposed by Levis Strauss, collaboration with MSF on issues of ARV quality assurance system, HCV treatment and advocacy for women’s health care.
Latin America - Alma de Leon
Past activities – capacity building and advocacy
Several cases of stock-outs were reported across Latin America (Costa Rica – AZT and 3TC, Guayana – Efavirenz and Kaletra, Mexico – Raltegravir and darunavir, Guatemala/Dominican republic – Abacavir). ITPC Regional Secretariat with local activists tried to mobilize regional support and restore supply of these ARVs. CIAT is now preparing for the workshop on pharmacovigilnance and supply chain management analysis.
“Health is not commerce but human rights” is a campaign that originated in this region to promote and improve awareness among NGOs in Latin America on issues of Intellectual Property and Free-Trade Agreement. Having been involved in this campaign since 2009, CIAT will continue to provide training on the issue at the pre-Implementation workshop in Argentina (August 28-30).
CIAT is also in partnership with The PAHO and UNICEF on a regional initiative for elimination of mother-to-child transmission and congenital syphilis in Latin America and the Caribbean. CIAT will lead, promote and implement campaigns in chosen countries.Being part of the Guatemala National M&E Committee, Alma has been supporting the development of country proposals to the GFATM helping to collect data on key populations and develop key indicators. Alma is also involved with the development of regional proposals to GFATM round 10 on supporting capacity development and increasing literacy for PLHIV.
Current and future activities:
Alma is currently attending an intensive training workshop organised by the IMLAS and University of San Diego that aims to bring into direct contact key populations and cutting-edge scientific researchers and healthcare workers to discuss issues of migration and HIV. Alma will also be preparing for Pre-Implementation workshop and develop M&E plan for the funding fifth cycle.
Several cases of stock-outs were reported across Latin America (Costa Rica – AZT and 3TC, Guayana – Efavirenz and Kaletra, Mexico – Raltegravir and darunavir, Guatemala/Dominican republic – Abacavir). ITPC Regional Secretariat with local activists tried to mobilize regional support and restore supply of these ARVs. CIAT is now preparing for the workshop on pharmacovigilnance and supply chain management analysis.
“Health is not commerce but human rights” is a campaign that originated in this region to promote and improve awareness among NGOs in Latin America on issues of Intellectual Property and Free-Trade Agreement. Having been involved in this campaign since 2009, CIAT will continue to provide training on the issue at the pre-Implementation workshop in Argentina (August 28-30).
CIAT is also in partnership with The PAHO and UNICEF on a regional initiative for elimination of mother-to-child transmission and congenital syphilis in Latin America and the Caribbean. CIAT will lead, promote and implement campaigns in chosen countries.Being part of the Guatemala National M&E Committee, Alma has been supporting the development of country proposals to the GFATM helping to collect data on key populations and develop key indicators. Alma is also involved with the development of regional proposals to GFATM round 10 on supporting capacity development and increasing literacy for PLHIV.
Current and future activities:
Alma is currently attending an intensive training workshop organised by the IMLAS and University of San Diego that aims to bring into direct contact key populations and cutting-edge scientific researchers and healthcare workers to discuss issues of migration and HIV. Alma will also be preparing for Pre-Implementation workshop and develop M&E plan for the funding fifth cycle.
Middle East and North Africa - Othoman Mellouk
Past activities
Othoman Mellouk started his position as the Regional Coordinator for MENA region as of June 2010. Since then, the priority area of focus has been the revision of the Global Fund eligibility criteria that excludes countries of MENA (especially North Africa). He and ITPCru were able to mobilize a broad range of alliances in the region and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. As part of the “I want to be eligible” campaign, Association de lutte contre le SIDA (ALCS), the host organisation, produced specific materials for the campaign and organised a protest at the IAC. In the GFATM session, Othoman raised critical questions regarding the criteria to Executive Director Michel Kazachkine. The campaign received huge media coverage.
Current and future activities
Main activities of the Regional Coordinator will be establishing an ITPC Regional Secretariat in sub-region North Africa (August), developing communication infrastructure such as websites, regional e-list HIV-North Africa (September-December) and workplans for 2011. From September the Secretariat will coordinate a study on access to treatment in six countries (Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, Libya, Tunisia and Egypt) using the Missing the Target model of TMAP. It will also try to raise funds to constitute Regional Advisory Committee for the MENA region (expected to be completed by July 2011) and run treatment literacy/advocacy programmes.
Eastern Europe and Central Asia - Gregory Vergus
Past activities - capacity building and advocacy:
ITPCru received Red Ribbon Award 2010. The Selecting Committee has nominated ITPCru for its activism in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The network mobilises and trains people living with HIV in Russia to advocate for their inclusion in local, regional and international decision-making mechanisms, and facilitates information exchange, distributing crucial information through its innovative web and media campaigns. ITPCru is one of 25 community-based organizations representing 17 countries across the globe who won the award for 2010.
The cross-regional campaign “I want to be eligible - Keep it global”, targets GFATM Board members, donors and international/national organizations working on HIV to address the problem of access to GFATM resources for countries with concentrated epidemics. Launched in June, the campaign is spearheaded by the Regional Coordinators of ITPCru and MENA region. It addresses the existing criteria of distribution of GFATM funds that give priority to countries with high disease burdens and low or lower middle-income country status that left many more countries ineligible for GFATM resources. The campaign involved a rally at the IAC 2010, media campaigns, sign-on petitions, surveys and material development around GFATM eligibility criteria.
On-line action alert on drugs stock-out ITPCru facilitates discussions around stock-outs of ARVs through an online forum at www.pereboi.ru It coordinates requests on stock-outs, bridging dialogue between healthcare providers, MoH and PLHIV affected by the problems. It also seeks an immediate solution to problems by mobilizing support from communities and pharmaceutical companies to provide requested ARV drugs on a temporary basis.
Current and future activities
ITPCru is currently exploring an opportunity to find resources to continue its grant-making programme. It has been playing an instrumental role in coordinating the civil society UNGASS report. There are several meetings already planned to discuss long-term solutions to the drug-stock-outs. The Regional Community Advisory Board is also underway with discussions with civil society organisations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia and pharmaceutical companies and both of the parties have been very supportive of having a Regional CAB to monitor, advocate and participate in pricing policy and R&D.
South East Asia - Rico Gustav
Past activities- capacity building and advocacy
Led by the Regional Coordinator, APN+ coordinated the regional proposal to be submitted to the Global Fund. The proposal includes eight countries in Asia (Bangladesh, Fiji, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines and Vietnam) and aims to maximize resources to fill the gap of treatment education & needs at the country level as well as strengthen the national PLHIV network. A Country Coordinating Mechanism of seven countries endorsed in this proposal recognize the added value of the proposed activities to the implementation of plans at the country level. In preparation for such a multi-country, large-scale funding proposal, APN+ analysed data on availability, accessibility of treatment, country-level funding for treatment programs and organizational absorption capacity. The proposal was submitted on August 20 and the analysis will be released publicly for further use for programmatic planning and advocacy follow up.
Current and future activities
It was agreed by ITPC and APN+ that the Regional Advisory Committee and Community Review Panel will be merged into one entity, Treatment Working Group. Therefore, the coordinator will work on the TORs for this new group and recruit members to the group as well as seek funding so the group can function. The group will also take over some responsibilities of the current RAC in providing directions to the CF grant mechanism. The Coordinator hopes to roll out the fifth round of the grant-making programme in December.
APN+ will also build on the MSF study on availability of medicine in Southeast Asia and further analyse data on access to treatment services. The aim of producing such a document is to serve as a tool to help activists in the region better understand treatment landscapes. The discussions around developing the advocacy tool on treatment access are underway with partners in the region and no reliable timeline has been set at the moment.
South Asia - Loon Gangte
Past activities – capacity building and advocacy
The Coordinator was involved in numerous activities which can be divided into 4 categories
A) Access to treatment of Hepatitis C – This involves active participation at the first South and Southeast Asian Community Consultation on HCV (June 22-23) in Bangkok and a presentation at the International AIDS Conference in Vienna where the Coordinator gave an overview of the problem from Asian perspective. Loon was a driving force behind discussions between NACO, UNAIDS, WHO and ITPC-India to push for the inclusion of HVC in the sentinel survey. In addition, HIVCF, for the first time, will allocate resources to projects focussed on women and HIV and possibly HCV.
B) EU-India Free Trade Agreement negotiation – The Coordinator worked in partnership with Indian CSOs to advocate for the ceasing of bilateral discussions between the EU and the Indian government in regards to strengthening FTA TRIP+ provisions that would significantly undermine domestic production of affordable generic medicines. Sign-ons, press releases, press conferences, rallies and international media interviews were held in India and at the IAC in Vienna.
C) Technical discussions with key stakeholders: The Coordinator submitted a training module on Living Positively: The Role of the Network of Positive People as requested by NACO for the ART doctors training curriculum. There was a half-day meeting on TB with stakeholders in India, a meeting organised by UNAIDS-India on Universal Access and face-to-face meeting with NACO reps on eligibility criteria for enrolment on second line ART.
D) Organisational development – ITPC-India: The Coordinator worked closely with ITPC-India and encouraged NACO to include ITPC-India members on its Technical Review Group on ART. He also led the site-visit of Steven Solnick from Ford Foundation and prepared brief update on progress, challenges and achievement of ITPC-India to date.
Current and future activities
HIVCF round 5 is being discussed with the programme manager and programme director and the Regional Secretariat aims to have a preparation meeting in Early October.
The Caribbean - Patricia Figuaroa
Past activities - Capacity building and advocacy:
Coordinated by PR Concra, the Pre-implementation workshop for 12 new grantees of the fifth funding cycle was intended to provide basic knowledge on M&E and introduce new grantees to the reporting format. Some basic theory of treatment literacy, network and advocacy and harm reduction at the workshop was also incorporated into the workshop which participants found very useful.
The Coordinator spent considerable time to update Caribbean Treatment Action Group (CTAG) membership through open applications and voting systems. The Regional Secretariat convened a meeting for membership selection and rotation and recruited three new members from Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic to serve on their governing Board.
In collaboration with Caribbean Vulnerable Community, CTAG was instrumental in planning the regional campaign “My Body = By Business”, which aims to support sex worker’s movement in Dominican Republic, Guyana and Jamaica, where the regional sex trade is driven by both local and tourist demands. The campaigns also target increase recourse of sex workers to law for protection, child sex work and substance use among this key population. Campaigns involve raising awareness of sex workers & HIV issues through the use of media and press conferences were held in Guyana, Trinidad and Jamaica.
Current and future activities
The Regional Secretariat is planning the upcoming Regional Advisory Committee meeting in Curacao in which members will discuss a new fundraising strategy, technical assistance and M&E workplan, and develop regional advocacy agenda. Patricia will also conduct site-visits to Suriname, Dominican Republic, Curacao and Guyana.
Coordinated by PR Concra, the Pre-implementation workshop for 12 new grantees of the fifth funding cycle was intended to provide basic knowledge on M&E and introduce new grantees to the reporting format. Some basic theory of treatment literacy, network and advocacy and harm reduction at the workshop was also incorporated into the workshop which participants found very useful.
The Coordinator spent considerable time to update Caribbean Treatment Action Group (CTAG) membership through open applications and voting systems. The Regional Secretariat convened a meeting for membership selection and rotation and recruited three new members from Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic to serve on their governing Board.
In collaboration with Caribbean Vulnerable Community, CTAG was instrumental in planning the regional campaign “My Body = By Business”, which aims to support sex worker’s movement in Dominican Republic, Guyana and Jamaica, where the regional sex trade is driven by both local and tourist demands. The campaigns also target increase recourse of sex workers to law for protection, child sex work and substance use among this key population. Campaigns involve raising awareness of sex workers & HIV issues through the use of media and press conferences were held in Guyana, Trinidad and Jamaica.
Current and future activities
The Regional Secretariat is planning the upcoming Regional Advisory Committee meeting in Curacao in which members will discuss a new fundraising strategy, technical assistance and M&E workplan, and develop regional advocacy agenda. Patricia will also conduct site-visits to Suriname, Dominican Republic, Curacao and Guyana.
Women and Family - Lilian Mworeko
Women and Family in Africa
Past activities- capacity building and advocacy
The Regional Coordinator and her assistant were actively involved in the CSO Pre- AU Summit 2010 Advocacy Committee Meeting spearheaded by several civil society organizations in Africa. In order to share information on emerging issues of financing for health, the group used mock debate and a concert, to “edutain” various community sectors and mobilize support from communities and the heads of states to remain committed, take ownership and fulfil the commitments. The mock debate session sought to present an emulated session of the African States Parliamentary Sessions debating realities, ideas, thoughts, perceptions and positions towards the two motions that were a call to African Governments to meet and exceed the 15% Abuja target for local budget allocation for health including HIV and AIDS and calling upon the global donor community to increase and honour their pledges to the Global Fund for Malaria, TB and HIV & AIDS.
The regional Secretariat organised the first Interim Advisory Committee meeting in Kampala (August 9-13) to develop TOR for its members and set funding priorities for the fifth grant cycle. Bernard Gift, Assistant to the Coordinator, also participated in a development of Ugandan CSOs Advocacy Strategy planning for 2010-2014.
Current and future activities
Lilian and Bernard are now preparing for the launch of fifth cycle of grantmaking programme and the organisation of the Interim Advisory Committee/ CRP meeting (October 28-30), a series of site visits for technical assistance provision.
Central Africa - James Kayo
Past activities- Capacity building and advocacy:
Regional civil society advocacy forum (3-5 May) in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania brought together more than 40 NGO representatives from ten African countries to discuss global and regional advocacy strategies to address the urgent need for resource mobilization for universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care, and for replenishment of the Global Fund in October 2010. The main output of this event was a memorandum entitled “Health is Wealth”. The Regional Coordinator was among the group of nine AIDS activists detained by Tanzanian authorities as they attempted to handover the memorandum to two prominent speakers (Yvonne Chaka Chaka, the popular South African musician and UN Goodwill Ambassador for Africa, and Christoph Benn, the Director of External Relations for the GF) at the World Economic Forum on Africa on May 5-7. The group was escorted under heavy security back to their hotel, where they were instructed to gather their luggage and proceed to the airport to wait through the night, under police supervision, until their flights departed from the country the following day.
Organised by GNP+ and WAC, Young People Living with HIV consultation (June 7-9) in Amsterdam was convened for approximately 30 to 35 young people living with HIV (aged between 16 and 30) to provide the space for YPLHIV from all over the world to explore their own needs, shape a strategy for addressing these needs themselves and develop consensus on how to move forward. A statement was made during the consultation and a peer-elected YPLHIV Advisory Group has been established. The Group was formed to support the development and implementation of the GNP+ YPLHIV programme and ensure that the priorities highlighted by the community of YPLHIV remain the priorities of the programme. The Executive Assistant attended the consultation on behalf of ITPC- CATAG.
Following the recommendations of the PIW workshop held on April 20-22 in Yaoundé,Cameroon, the Regional Coordinator carried out a field visit in DRC and Central Africa Republic during the period of July 6-16 for proposal redrafting and technical assistance to PRERA, NAC-RDC (DRC) and E So Benda (CAR). It was also an opportunity for a field visit to CPPSG (DRC) and presentations on the AIDS financial crisis in the four cities visited (Lubumbashi, Mbuji Mayi, Kinshasa and Bangui).
Current and future activities
James and his crew are now preparing for the RAC meeting In Douala, Cameroon (October 12-14) and a joint donor meeting for Central and West Africa (October 18-22). Regional fund raising strategy will be the priority area of discussions.
He will also participate and be part of the organisation of a national training workshop on Universal Access to be spearheaded by World Aids Campaign in Cameroon in September.
Regional civil society advocacy forum (3-5 May) in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania brought together more than 40 NGO representatives from ten African countries to discuss global and regional advocacy strategies to address the urgent need for resource mobilization for universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care, and for replenishment of the Global Fund in October 2010. The main output of this event was a memorandum entitled “Health is Wealth”. The Regional Coordinator was among the group of nine AIDS activists detained by Tanzanian authorities as they attempted to handover the memorandum to two prominent speakers (Yvonne Chaka Chaka, the popular South African musician and UN Goodwill Ambassador for Africa, and Christoph Benn, the Director of External Relations for the GF) at the World Economic Forum on Africa on May 5-7. The group was escorted under heavy security back to their hotel, where they were instructed to gather their luggage and proceed to the airport to wait through the night, under police supervision, until their flights departed from the country the following day.
Organised by GNP+ and WAC, Young People Living with HIV consultation (June 7-9) in Amsterdam was convened for approximately 30 to 35 young people living with HIV (aged between 16 and 30) to provide the space for YPLHIV from all over the world to explore their own needs, shape a strategy for addressing these needs themselves and develop consensus on how to move forward. A statement was made during the consultation and a peer-elected YPLHIV Advisory Group has been established. The Group was formed to support the development and implementation of the GNP+ YPLHIV programme and ensure that the priorities highlighted by the community of YPLHIV remain the priorities of the programme. The Executive Assistant attended the consultation on behalf of ITPC- CATAG.
Following the recommendations of the PIW workshop held on April 20-22 in Yaoundé,Cameroon, the Regional Coordinator carried out a field visit in DRC and Central Africa Republic during the period of July 6-16 for proposal redrafting and technical assistance to PRERA, NAC-RDC (DRC) and E So Benda (CAR). It was also an opportunity for a field visit to CPPSG (DRC) and presentations on the AIDS financial crisis in the four cities visited (Lubumbashi, Mbuji Mayi, Kinshasa and Bangui).
Current and future activities
James and his crew are now preparing for the RAC meeting In Douala, Cameroon (October 12-14) and a joint donor meeting for Central and West Africa (October 18-22). Regional fund raising strategy will be the priority area of discussions.
He will also participate and be part of the organisation of a national training workshop on Universal Access to be spearheaded by World Aids Campaign in Cameroon in September.
West Africa- Sylvere Bukiki
Past activities- Capacity building and advocacy:
Workshop on Treatment Literacy and Advocacy for Universal Access (7-10 June 2010) – The Training of trainers workshop was the outcome of a newly emerging partnership between WATAG-ITPC, UNAIDS, WHO, WAC and Alliance/IPC intended to develop capacity of HIVCF grantees in 15 countries in advocating for Universal Access. In a session on treatment literacy, the participants criticized the fact that the new WHO guidelines (early treatment when the CD4 count < 350 cells/mm3 regardless of the symptoms of OIs) are not well communicated to communities of PLHIV, while in the advocacy session, poor leadership, human right violations, weak health system and lack of understanding of universal access were identified as major obstacles to achieving goals. The testimony evening on Universal Access in West Africa saw participants, local activists and UN representatives listen to how the issues of drug stock-outs, reduction of international funding,and unaffordable prices of essential medicines affect individuals and communities .
Past activity- Communication:
WATAG recently launched a new bilingual (French-English) website (http://www.watag.org/) to provide information related to WATAC activities. Three discussion groups were created to facilitate the communication and information sharing among key community actors on issues of universal access to treatment.
Current and future activities
Thanks to the overwhelmingly positive response to Treatment Literacy & Advocacy workshop organised by WATAG-ITPC, Sylvere is now in consultation with WHO regional office about conducting a similar kind of workshop at the national level. The discussions are underway to bring the workshop to Gambia and Ghana (October-November 2010).
Sylvere will co-organise with James Kayo (RCs for Central Africa) the donor meeting (October 18-20) and facilitate regional and national advocacy planning at the next Regional Advisory Board meeting (October 5-8).
Sylvere also has started coordinating data collection on drug stock-outs at the regional level and looking for possibilities of co-hosting a regional workshop on AIDS criminalization law early next year.
Workshop on Treatment Literacy and Advocacy for Universal Access (7-10 June 2010) – The Training of trainers workshop was the outcome of a newly emerging partnership between WATAG-ITPC, UNAIDS, WHO, WAC and Alliance/IPC intended to develop capacity of HIVCF grantees in 15 countries in advocating for Universal Access. In a session on treatment literacy, the participants criticized the fact that the new WHO guidelines (early treatment when the CD4 count < 350 cells/mm3 regardless of the symptoms of OIs) are not well communicated to communities of PLHIV, while in the advocacy session, poor leadership, human right violations, weak health system and lack of understanding of universal access were identified as major obstacles to achieving goals. The testimony evening on Universal Access in West Africa saw participants, local activists and UN representatives listen to how the issues of drug stock-outs, reduction of international funding,and unaffordable prices of essential medicines affect individuals and communities .
Past activity- Communication:
WATAG recently launched a new bilingual (French-English) website (http://www.watag.org/) to provide information related to WATAC activities. Three discussion groups were created to facilitate the communication and information sharing among key community actors on issues of universal access to treatment.
Current and future activities
Thanks to the overwhelmingly positive response to Treatment Literacy & Advocacy workshop organised by WATAG-ITPC, Sylvere is now in consultation with WHO regional office about conducting a similar kind of workshop at the national level. The discussions are underway to bring the workshop to Gambia and Ghana (October-November 2010).
Sylvere will co-organise with James Kayo (RCs for Central Africa) the donor meeting (October 18-20) and facilitate regional and national advocacy planning at the next Regional Advisory Board meeting (October 5-8).
Sylvere also has started coordinating data collection on drug stock-outs at the regional level and looking for possibilities of co-hosting a regional workshop on AIDS criminalization law early next year.
Treatment Monitoring & Advocacy Project (TMAP)
TMAP: Launched in June, the campaign Four 4 women was built on the success of Missing the Target 7 country teams who undertook advocacy at national and global levels. The website www.four4women.org administered by TMAP staff aims to be a resource for advocates working on this issue, bringing together current policy and scientific documents, serving as a tool for E-campaigning, and providing a forum to coordinate actions across countries and partner organizations. It seeks action from ITPC members, particularly Regional Coordinators, to participate in its first campaign action called “If I was in charge…” to share ideas of how to improve PMTCT programmes. Please go to the website and share your message with the world.
The Global Secretariat
The Global Secretariat has prepared the first internal newsletter that informs all of us what each of us doing, and we hope it will result in not only information exchange but also meaningful collaboration. We thank all of you for taking the time to share your news.
Congratulations to ITPCru on receiving the Red Ribbon Award, which honors and celerates community based organizations for their outstanding initiatives that show leadership in reducing the spread and impact of AIDS. PAZDRAVLYAEM to Gregory and his team!! In Vienna, ITPC also witnessed a very successful reception of TMAP’s findings for MTT8. The one page information sheet was requested and printed several hundred times.
The Secretariat is planning the next governance meeting the transitional steering group at the end of September in New York, and this board will be discussing the selection of new members for 2011. The Secretariat is also serving as member of the working group for the WHO five-year strategic plan. In addition, we have been in discussion with NAM (www.aidsmap.org) on the use and adaptation of their treatment materials for greater community uptake. Nikos Dedes, coordinator for the World CAB, will be starting on 1st September, and launching some very exciting initiatives for the end of the year.
We hope that you will enjoy learning about how busy each of you are, and that you will continue to provide us with information that we can share with each other.
Congratulations to ITPCru on receiving the Red Ribbon Award, which honors and celerates community based organizations for their outstanding initiatives that show leadership in reducing the spread and impact of AIDS. PAZDRAVLYAEM to Gregory and his team!! In Vienna, ITPC also witnessed a very successful reception of TMAP’s findings for MTT8. The one page information sheet was requested and printed several hundred times.
The Secretariat is planning the next governance meeting the transitional steering group at the end of September in New York, and this board will be discussing the selection of new members for 2011. The Secretariat is also serving as member of the working group for the WHO five-year strategic plan. In addition, we have been in discussion with NAM (www.aidsmap.org) on the use and adaptation of their treatment materials for greater community uptake. Nikos Dedes, coordinator for the World CAB, will be starting on 1st September, and launching some very exciting initiatives for the end of the year.
We hope that you will enjoy learning about how busy each of you are, and that you will continue to provide us with information that we can share with each other.
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