Concept Note

ABSTRACT On 28 August 2017, Swaziland submitted a TB/HIV funding request for $93.8 million, tailored to material change. The focus on HIV prevention is significantly enhanced compared to Swaziland’s last application and current grant spending levels, accounting for more than a fifth of the total budget. The request also lays out transition plans for one of the country’s major TB funding partners, Médecins Sans Frontières. The outcome of the request is anticipated for mid-October.

ABSTRACT On 23 May 2017, Mozambique submitted a full review TB/HIV funding request for $513.1 million. The country is one of the Global Fund’s largest investment portfolios, with the fourth largest disease allocation and the third largest catalytic funding opportunity. The funding request proposes a significantly scaled-up key populations program, to be implemented by two new civil society principal recipients.

ABSTRACT Among Window 2 applicants, Kenya submitted a full review TB/HIV funding request to the Global Fund for $421.9 million. The funding request is strongly geared towards scaling up HIV prevention among sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs. It also prioritizes innovative TB case finding activities, especially at the community level.

ABSTRACT Aidspan has obtained draft HIV and TB funding requests from six African countries classified by the Global Fund as challenging operating environments (Eritrea, Liberia, Guinea, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Somalia). Civil wars, famines and post-Ebola realities require flexible approaches in these countries. A number of innovative and adaptive interventions are prioritized to respond to the diseases in such difficult circumstances.

ABSTRACT On 23 May 2017, Zambia submitted both TB/HIV and malaria funding requests, together worth just over $400 million. A core focus in both applications is a scale-up of Zambia’s health workforce, especially in rural areas and at community level. Both government and non-government service providers are prioritized for increased investment.

ABSTRACT South Africa is not a country that typically enters the conversation on Global Fund transitions, but a recent discussion paper says changes are happening. As the country gears up to write its new National Strategic Plan, sustainability is on the agenda for the world’s largest and fastest growing HIV epidemic.

ABSTRACT A differentiated approach is being introduced for funding requests from countries related to the 2017-2019 allocations. There will be three different types of funding requests. And the term “concept note” is being abolished.

ABSTRACT In July 2016, the Global Fund Board approved $388 million to extend shortened grants in five countries.

ABSTRACT Although The Global Fund has succeeded in raising awareness of community, rights and gender issues, and in getting these issue included in country dialogues and concept notes, there are still challenges in translating these achievements into impact in programs on the ground. This information was included in a report provided to the Board at its meeting in Abidjan on 26-27 April.

ABSTRACT In withholding some documents related to concept notes, and in releasing others late, the Global Fund is failing to live up to its commitment to transparency, David Garmaise says.