HIV GLOBAL FUND NEEDS ASSESSMENT

UNCLAS SAN JOSE 001436 SIPDIS WHA/CEN SIPDIS PLEASE PASS TO OGAC NEEN ARLUTZ E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SENV TBIO SUBJECT: HIV GLOBAL FUND NEEDS ASSESSMENT REF: STATE 24040 1.(U) Summary. The Embassy is not submitting additional Scopes of Work because all needs identified for GOCR can be covered by existing programs being funded by USAID. End Summary. 2.(U) Reftel requested posts to identify points of contact (POCs) within the Missions to provide oversight for technical assistance related to grants from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. The Office of Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) set a deadline of June 15, 2006, to submit Scopes of Work for technical assistance. 3.(U) The Embassy has identified the following personnel as POC: Environmental Assistant Cinthya Alfaro and Economic Assistant Maria Villanueva. 4.(U) Mission POCs received support from USAID Program for Strengthening the Central American Response to HIV/AIDS (PASCA) and from Dr. Gisselle Lucas, POC for Costa Rica's Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CMM). PASCA and the Humanist Institute for Cooperation with Developing Countries (HIVOS),the principle recipient, identified three priority areas for technical assistance: (1) monitoring and evaluation (M&E); (2) strengthening of implementing units; and (3) the Country Coordinating Mechanism. PASCA and the regional program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Global AIDS Program (CDC/GAP) can cover all needs identified. Therefore the Mission is not submitting additional Scopes of Work at this time. ¶5. (U) Cesar Nuez, PASCA, has provided the following information concerning technical assistance needed: (1) Monitoring and Evaluation: The Secretariat has requested that HIVOS update their M&E matrix for Phase II implementation. An evaluation plan should be developed to enable stakeholders to understand the impact made to reduce the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Costa Rica. Methodology and baseline data need to be identified. (2) Strengthening of Implementing Units: Training is required in the areas of report writing, program implementation, internal M&E, and accountability. (3) Country Coordinating Mechanism: The GOCR CCM lacks internal governing rules. This may impact negatively on key components of day-today work such as governance, conflict of interest and transparency. ¶6. (U) Comment: In response to Reftel 103678, post recommended continued funding at projected levels with funds to be managed by an NGO to improve timely disbursement of funds. Post is pleased that GOCR has presented a new structure for 2006, utilizing the new Principal Recipient, HIVOS. END COMMENT. LANGDALE