KELIN Participates in the PEPFAR Country Operational Plan 2016 Review Process

KELIN was among eight civil society organisations invited to participate in the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Interagency Technical Teams (ITTs) and stakeholder retreat at the Great Rift Valley Lodge in Naivasha. The retreat, which was held from 16 to 17 February 2016, gave an opportunity to civil society organizations to deliberate with different ITT members to identify gaps in the HIV and AIDS programming, and give recommendations for interventions that will appear in the country operational plan 2016.

The retreat comes at a back drop of the PEPFAR Country Operational Plan (COP) 2016 guidelines acknowledging that the full participation of civil society in every stage of programming and planning – from their advocacy to service delivery – as being critical to the success and sustainability of PEPFAR. Some of the groups and topics for discussion led by the chairs of the ITT were; Prevention, Health Systems Strengthening (HSS), Community Systems Strengthening (CSS), and Maternal, New Born and Child Health (MNCH).

During the meeting, the PEPFAR Kenya Country Coordinator, Ms. Catherine Perry, encouraged CSOs to critique and give their views as the different ITT chairs made presentations. She stated, “I would like you to fully participate in the process. Do not be afraid to critic and give comments since this process belongs to you; your input is highly appreciated and will be taken into consideration”.

The COP documents the US government’s annual investments and anticipated results in the global fight against HIV and AIDS. It is the basis for approval of annual US government bilateral HIV and AIDS funding in partner countries.

During the meeting, issues of human rights and gender were identified as important parts of the country’s operational plan 2016. The Kenya PEPFAR team will at the end of the month share the final draft for validation by stakeholders. Representatives of civil society were pleased with the outcome of the meeting.

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For more information contact:

Ted Wandera

Program Associate Key Populations

Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV & AIDS (KELIN)
4^th Floor, Somak Building, Mombasa Road
PO Box 112-00200, KNH
Email: twandera@kelinkenya.org
Mobile No: +254 710261408