Problem with 'country driven' proposals re: India-CCM and Global Fund calls for proposals for Round Eight of Funding

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

As is indicated below, the Indian CCM has decided on the priorities for its

Round 8 proposal.

Re: /message/8574

Yet, there is no mention whatsoever of access to anti-retroviral treatment, or

medications for Opportunistic Infections. It is well known, that 2nd line

medications are available only in a few centers around the country and that the

National AIDS program (NACO) is continually referring to the problem of

guaranteeing sustainability of 2nd line treatment, as one of the reasons for not

initiating it.

Yet the CCM, in its wisdom is not addressing this issue in the proposal for

Round 8, which presumably covers the period

from 2008 to 2012.

Why not? Is the problem of access resolved? For all those people who will be

needing treatment in the next five years? For all those who need 2nd line now

and will be needing it in the future?

Those issues which are prioritized in the call for proposals are very

important, but the omission of issues related to access to treatment is

perplexing.

The Global Fund is 'country driven' and the proposal will be submitted by the

CCM and will not be modified by the Fund to reflect the needs of those who are

dying without treatment and continue to do so.

In the meantime, it would be interesting to hear from the CCM as to their

perception regarding these issues and to understand why they will (apparently)

not be including a component regarding ARV access in their 8th round proposal.

Stern

e-mail: <rastern@...>