Euroleverage Workshop in Rwanda - "Towards a better understanding of European Funding Instruments"
In cooperation with the Rwanda Women's Network (RWN), DSW convened another of its widely-regarded workshops on EU funding mechanisms in June. 20 NGO representatives reviewed the reproductive health situation in Rwanda in view of identifying gaps and challenges in policy and resources. Participants took the opportunity to get acquainted with the European Community's external aid structure and created 4 consortia proposals aimed towards raising resources to face the challenges.
EAAM marks the end of a successful 3 years
As a member of the European Alliance against Malaria (EAAM), DSW co-organized the Alliance's final ‘Counting Malaria Out’ Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference evaluated the progress of EU member states and the EC in the fight against malaria, and identified what still must be done to meet the Global Malaria Action Plan objectives. The conference was attended by advocates against the disease from around the world, as well as relevant policy makers at the EU level with whom EAAM has been working with over the past 3 years. As this conference marked the end of EAAM’s work, the ultimate aim was to encourage the continuation of the Alliance's advocacy objectives in Europe.
DSW presentation on budget support and reproductive health
DSW made a presentation to Countdown 2015 Europe Coalition members at a recent capacity building session entitled 'Responding to Health Systems Strengthening for SRHR and RHS'. The presentation provides the latest consolidated information about how EU General Budget Support, Sectoral Budget Support and MDG contracting are affecting policies and funding for RH. The entire presentation is publically accessible here.
DSW and European foundations discuss how to strengthen health systems in poor countries
DSW helped organize and lead a lively discussion among European foundations and NGOs about the prospects for European philanthropic investment in micro-finance initiatives to strengthen health systems and combat HIV/AIDS. Just prior to the European Foundation Centre Annual General Assembly in Rome, the European HIV/AIDS Funders Group panel session on May 13 examined innovative approaches by the International Finance Corporation, GFATM, Fondation Merieux and community groups implementing private sector initiatives, microcredit programmes, voucher systems, and community-based health insurance. Karen Hoehn, Co-Chair of the European HIV/AIDS Funders Group facilitated the discussion, along with EFG Co-chair Kate Harrison, HIV Coordinator at Comic Relief.
DSW participates at Civil Society Forum of the Mid-Term Review of the Global Fund in Caceres, Spain.
Between 28-31 March, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) held its Mid-term Review of the 2nd Replenishment conference, part of a mechanism to maintain the predictability of donor contributions towards the organisation. At the Civil Society Forum of the MTR of the Global Fund, which preceded the 2nd Replenishment Conference, DSW co-organized a Café Networking session aimed at reinforcing the knowledge and collaborative bridge between advocates of the three diseases towards improved cooperation and joint advocacy within respective contexts and countries. Around 30 advocates from the North and the South brainstormed on the challenges and opportunities facing the diseases and the GFATM around the globe.
On behalf of EuroNGOs, DSW joined 14 other civil society leaders invited to provide official recommendations to the G8 at their 2nd 2009 Health Experts Meeting in Venice, Italy on 27 March. Karen Hoehn, DSW’s Vice Executive Director, urged the G8 to specify concrete actions and a timeline to implement its commitments in support of the health MDGs, especially MDG5. Ms. Hoehn emphasized the need for G8 and partner country governments to have a fully funded budget line for provision of SRH information, services and supplies in developing countries; for health system strengthening initiatives to build efficient and sustainable supply chains for procurement and distribution of RH supplies and to assure that the GFATM produces accountable results for integration of reproductive health with HIV/AIDS and malaria programming.
On the 19th of February DSW, as member of the European Alliance against Malaria, organized an interactive session on the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM), hosted by the Spanish Permanent Representation to the EU.
The Global Fund briefed about 30 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other stakeholders working in the field of health, on the results and the impact of its work as well as its need for sustainable funding.
Furthermore, the potential involvement of Brussels-based CSOs in the mobilization of additional resources from the EU was also examined alongside an update on central policies of the Global Fund such as the Gender Equity Strategy and the Instrument of Community Systems Strengthening. The participants were actively involved in the Q&A, which lead to a very stimulating open discussion among all the participants of the event.
Additionally to the Global Fund interactive session, there was a presentation on the ‘Fair Share Initiative’ by GlobalSIDA, member of the developed country NGO delegation of the Global Fund.
