13th January Anti-NacGate Demonstrations No Link with Global Fund Mission

13^th January Anti-NacGate Demonstrations No Link with Global Fund Mission

Government says no link between the upcoming Global Fund Mission between January 13 and 20, 2015 and the January 13, 2015 demonstrations by Anti-NAC Gate Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

Nankhumwa: No link

Currently there are reports that Global Fund has suspended its aid to Malawi following information that National Aids Commission (NAC) without proper procedures funded first lady’s Beautify Malawi Trust (BEAM) and Mulhakho Wa Alhomwe institutions not directly linked to HIV/AIDS response. And now CSOs are holding demonstrations on same dates demanding the two institutions to refund the money.

In a statement Kondwani Nankhumwa Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture assured that there is ABSOLUTELY no connection between the two events as the purpose of the Global Fund Mission is to provide feedback and discuss the latest draft TB/HIV and Malaria concept notes and implementation arrangements.

“One of the critical aspects of the process is engagement of relevant stakeholders. This forms part of the assessment of the eligibility of any country’s concept notes. The Civil Society is particularly given prominence in as far as stakeholder involvement in the process is concerned.” Explained the minister

Ant NAC Gate CSOs: Demanding Mulhakho and BEAM to refund
the funds to NAC

He said the mission is routine and the last Global Fund Mission happened three months ago in September 2014 and this Mission too had engagements with CSO representatives as part of both TB/HIV and Malaria concept notes writing teams.

However, in the statement Government says does not completely rule out discussion on the recent developments during the Global Fund’s meeting with the CSOs as members of the Mission may still want to hear their side of the story.

The Minister also confirmed government position on this mission by quoting an email message from the Executive Secretary of the Malawi Global Fund Coordinating Committee to all stakeholders informing them about the Mission.

In the latter to all stakeholders Executive Secretary for Malawi Global Fund Coordinating Committee Secretariat, Victor Chayamba informed all stakeholders about the Mission exactly as government statement is indicating.

Reads the letter

Dear all,

I would like to report that there will be a Global Fund Country Team mission to Malawi from 13 to 20 January 2015. The aim of the mission is to discuss the latest drafts of the joint TB/HIV and malaria concept notes and implementation arrangements. This is in alignment with the change in the New Funding Model where the Global Fund plays an active role in concept note preparation. The delegation will include disease advisors for Tuberculosis and HIV and an HSS expert. Find attached the schedule of meetings for your preparation. Note that this will note derail our road map for finalizing the concept notes. You are kindly requested to plan to be available for these important meetings.

Warm regards,

Victor Chayamba,

Executive Secretary,

Malawi Global Fund Coordinating Committee Secretariat.