It is not too late for Faith Based Organization to participate: in country Strategic Retreats are scheduled for January 28 –February 1, 2019
The PEPFAR Fiscal Year 2019 Country Operational Plan Guidance (COP19) was released on January 16th, 2019.
There is some great news: One of two new/revised sections in COP Guidance for 2019 calls for ‘Overcoming Barriers to Epidemic Control and Transitioning HIV Services to Local Partners’ by increased engagement (including accountability) of local partners, including faith-based organizations, within all PEPFAR programs.
COP19 is emphasizing increased engagement of faith communities and faith-based organizations, and also clarifies expectations for expanding and accounting for local partner engagement throughout the COP19 planning and budget allocation process.
All Stakeholders are supposed to be invited to participate throughout the in-country COP preparation process, as well as the COP19 Meetings in Johannesburg, Bangkok, and Washington, DC.
It is not too late for Faith Based Organization to participate: in country Strategic Retreats are scheduled for January 28 –February 1, 2019. Even after Retreats have occurred, be sure to introduce your organizations to local PEPFAR Teams.
We need to ask the question: are faith-based organizations and the entire faith community adequately represented? Call the Local PEPFAR Coordinators Office at the United States Embassy in your country and request a meeting!
Your Local PEPFAR teams must work with and engage multilateral organizations at all stages to identify in-country representatives to attend the COP19 Meetings in Johannesburg.
The Local COP retreats in your countries will submit tools and receive feedback on targets, budgets, and programmatic activities. Make sure you are included!
COP19 Meetings in Johannesburg
The COP19 Meetings will focus on reviewing policies, key activities and progress to reach epidemic control.
According to the COP19 guidance and recognizing “Greater Involvement of People living with HIV/AIDS” (GIPA) principles, CSO, FBO and all community stakeholders must engage all individuals reflecting the HIV disease burden and the full range of populations with particular emphasis on the sociocultural and religious gatekeepers within the community who directly influence issues in our communities.
Additionally, Health Systems Strengthening will include capacity and network building of non-governmental (NGO), faith-based (FBO) and other community-based organizations (CBO). DREAMS funding must ensure that primary prevention programs are considered for both adolescent girls and boys by leveraging OVC platforms, faith-based organizations and traditional authorities.
It has also been strongly encouraged that primary Distribution channels should include faith-based and other community-based organizations, especially to promote HIV testing and treatment services among men!
What are you waiting for?
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