Contributor :
Blue Diamond Society
Nepal
Provide key populations in each country with specific guidelines for the preparation of inputs into community-led programmes for the C19RM
The Global Fund established the COVID-19 response mechanism (C19RM) in 2020 to support countries to respond to COVID-19, and funds the following areas:
- COVID-19 response;
- COVID-19 related adaptation of programs to fight HIV, tuberculosis and malaria; and
- Strengthening health and community systems.
In the funding request development, there needs to be effective and meaningful key population engagement.
BDS has kindly shared their experience on the C19RM.
Update on the COVID-19 situation in Nepal, and the needs of key populations
Up until11 August 2021, Nepal has reported 723,296 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 10,180 deaths, to WHO. [MOU1]
Up until 15 September 2021, Nepal has reported 1,180 new daily confirmed cases, accumulated 780,824 confirmed cases and 10,991 coronavirus-related deaths according to Reuters
As of 5 August 2021, a total of 6,611,076 vaccine doses have been administered which means that around 8 percent of the population are fully vaccinated, and 16 per cent partially. Currently, it is widely believed that the third delta surge is in its initial phase with all government hospitals prioritising treatment of COVID-19 patients. In Kathmandu, hospitals have already run out of beds and medical oxygen. Many fellow members of BDS contracted to COVID-19, with some of them even succumbing to the virus. With the present steep rise in cases, isolation centres with medical oxygen, are among the primary needs of this key population.
C19RM processes and how key populations were involved?
During the COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM) process, BDS was entrusted to develop input to inform the C19RM process to Nepal Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM). BDS prepared the input based on provincial consultations among its constituent members. These consultations, led and facilitated by key members of BDS, effectively captured the voices, needs and concerns of fellow members.
What was the outcome of the C19RM request?
BDS and its entire constituency were content with the outcome of the C19RM request, as it resulted in a number of recommendations and documented the impact of COVID-19 on delivery of HIV services, Gender Based Violence and human rights; the community response to COVID-19; and mental health and livelihoods.
However, the country C19RM request to the Global Fund did not incorporate the input from BDS. BDS then raised the omission. CCM Nepal subsequently organised a meeting with BDS to discuss priority and next steps.
What went well, and what could be improved?
We are delighted that the participatory approach by BDS effectively allowed the input to encompass a wide range of concerns of our entire constituency. Had guidelines for the preparation of input been provided, it would have been easier for us, not only to facilitate the consultation in a structured manner, but also to formulate input and recommendations in an effective way.
Any message to the Global Fund on the C19RM?
Provide key populations in each country with specific guidelines for the preparation of inputs into community-led programmes for the C19RM.
Read the Nepal Community Consultation Here
Interested to hear more about C19RM experience in other countries?
- Bangladesh: Bandhu
- Indonesia: GWL-INA
- Mongolia: Youth for Health
