Peru: Lessons Learned from the Collaboration with the Global Fund for AIDS-Related Projects in Peru

Global HIV/AIDS Initiatives Network (GHIN) has presented its phase 1 findings from the study: Lessons Learned from the Collaboration with the Global Fund for AIDS-Related Projects in Peru. Effects on the Public Sector, Civil Society and Affected Communities.

The study aims are:

(1) To identify the effects that the country’s participation in the processes generated by the GF has had on (1) institutional entities involved in work on HIV/AIDS in Peru and (2) the interactions between those entities in the decision‐making processes in relation to HIV/AIDS.

(2) To explore the potential effects of national interaction with the Global Fund on the structure and functioning of the Ministry of Health (MoH) divisions involved in work on HIV/AIDS, as well as on other divisions and actors in the health sector.

(3) To understand the impact of access to these funds upon the sources and policies of financing of the national response to the AIDS epidemic

(4) To explore the impact of GF- funded activities in Perú on equity in access to project benefits and the situation of stigma and discrimination affecting PLWHA and vulnerable groups

Some of the findings are:

         The multi sector nature of the HIV response is just in its infant stages. Some vulnerable groups and important sectors (tourism, production, and economy) are absent from it.

         Both interior and exterior CCM accountability mechanisms need to be established. And, there is still the need for a specific strategy for activities monitoring and evaluation.

         Country proposals are centrally focused and produced in a rush plus lack widespread consultation, consensus, sufficient validation, and involvement from affected populations.

         GF projects have mobilized plenty of resources and demanded an enormous response from the public sector to partner up on many activities. Unfortunately, this exceeded their human resource capacity.

         MoH should carry on GF project initiated activities, yet necessary public funds might not have been allocated for such a purpose.

         Because ARV’s are being provided, PLWHA have lowered their medication expenses. Likewise, having HIV has not negatively affected their productivity in the job market. If a PLWHA loses a job because of the virus, he or she has been able to find a new position.

The paper does not merely provide us with certain findings, but also encourages us to measure GF initiative impacts on local and regional dynamics. Moreover, this study needs to be carried out in other countries as a way of assessing the path that has been taken and of making evidence based decisions on the best strategies to follow in responding to HIV/ AIDS.

To access the entire paper (only available in Spanish), please go to:

http://www.observatoriolatino.org/upload_arch/Lecciones_Aprendidas_FM_Peru.pdf

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