The International HIV/AIDS Alliance (Alliance) and the International Council of AIDS Services Organizations (ICASO) are conducting an online consultation for civil society to input into the draft framework that has been developed to outline community systems strengthening (CSS for short). The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has developed the CSS Framework in collaboration with other stakeholders to make it clearer the range of community strengthening activities the Global Fund is mandated to support.

They want [the] views [of communities] on this framework, which will play an important role for anyone working at a community level.

Filling the gaps

The CSS framework has been developed in recognition that there are gaps in funding for many aspects of community action on HIV, TB, malaria, reproductive health and other health-related issues. It has been developed specifically to support the CSS component of Global Fund grants, but is applicable to all community based activities aimed at improving health though community based action.

By feeding back on the draft framework, you will help further develop what will become a key document which can:

• Help civil society actors articulate and scale up their activities, and access Global Fund funding
• Equip governments to better understand the vital roles of community actors particularly when building stronger health systems
• Enable the Global Fund to make informed decisions about awarding grants to proposals strong in CSS.

How to have your say

1. Read the Draft CSS framework and/or the summary - Go to: http://www.aidsalliance.org/Pagedetails.aspx?Id=405.  Don’t have time to read the full version? Read the summary - We’ve read it for you – and condensed the vital information.
2. Have your say on the eForum. Join the online focused discussion that will open a space for dialogue on the framework. Send an email NOW to: join-cssframeworkconsult@eforums.healthdev.org
3. Take the online survey, available from 16 February at: http://www.aidsalliance.org/Pagedetails.aspx?Id=405
4. Get your friends to have their say. Use the ‘send to a friend link’ below, or use the social networking icons to spread the word.
5. Watch [SEA-AIDS] for more details on how to participate over the next few weeks.

It is in all our interests to make sure that the CSS framework is as strong as possible so please – participate!

For further information email Taline Haytayan the International HIV/AIDS Alliance [email in SEA-AIDS posting].

[Editor's note: no-cost membership is required to access the Health & Development Networks eForums, including SEA-AIDS.]