PEPFAR PROJECT IN GHANA
PEPFAR Project in Ghana: Strengthening HIV/AIDS Relief through Community-Led Monitoring
Introduction
Defining PEPFAR: Exploring the President's Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS Relief
Guiding Our Path
Embracing the Country Operational Plan (COP) 20 Call for Community-Led Monitoring Platforms
The Country Operational Plan (COP) 20 guidance required us to develop, support, and fund a community-led monitoring system in all PEPFAR programs in close collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs), independent of current implementing mechanisms and host country governments.
A New Chapter Begins
Integration with GSAM Award
Beginning FY2021, we incorporated Community-led Monitoring activities into the Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) and Ghana Strengthening Accountability Mechanism (GSAM) awards for implementation through September 30, 2021. The project was funded by USAID, and through CARE International, we got selected to be part of the CSOs implementing the meeting.
Collaborative Engagement
Stakeholders in Action
Our GSAM/PEPFAR collaboration was implemented in the Asunafo South District, focusing on the Sankore Health Centre (ART Center) and Kukuom District Hospital (Kukuom ART Centre). We worked with stakeholders such as health centre committees, district health management teams, persons living with HIV/AIDS, female sex workers, and community members to ensure effective implementation of the project.
Building Foundations
First Quarter Progress
We embarked on an entry visit to the districts, organized cross-learning forums, facilitated the formation of Health Centre Committees and Communities (HCCCs), and conducted capacity building for HCCC members. The capacity-building workshop covered topics related to service quality standards, human rights violations, health commodity monitoring, and PEPFAR minimum requirements.
Monitoring and Advocacy
Second Quarter Action
In the second quarter, our focus shifted to supporting citizens in monitoring HIV/AIDS service provision using the community scorecard. Together with HCCC members, we conducted monthly monitoring and collected data using the KOBO data collection tool. We organized Interface meetings with PLHIV and healthcare providers to discuss feedback and improve service delivery. The Community scorecards we used during the monthly monitoring helped us identify issues addressed in stakeholder dialogue meetings advocating for improved HIV service delivery and policy.
Sustaining Momentum
Continued Collaboration
Monthly review meetings with CSOs and HCCC members provided us with opportunities for progress discussions, identification of challenges, and knowledge sharing. Quarterly follow-ups ensured that we implemented corrective actions as agreed upon during our dialogue meetings.
Strengthening Service Delivery
Our Role in Community-Led Monitoring
Through our incorporation of community-led monitoring, the GSAM/PEPFAR project aimed to enhance transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in HIV/AIDS service delivery, contributing to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Ghana.
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