INDONESIA 2008 MINI COUNTRY OPERATIONAL PLAN FOR

UNCLAS JAKARTA 002816 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE FROM AMBASSADOR HUME TO AMBASSADOR DYBUL AIDAC FOR USAID/GH/OHA E.O. 12598: N/A TAGS: TBIO AMED CASC EAGR AMGT PGOV ID OGAC SUBJECT: INDONESIA 2008 MINI COUNTRY OPERATIONAL PLAN FOR HIV/AIDS ¶1. (SBU) On behalf of the Mission Team on HIV/AIDS, I am pleased to present the Indonesia 2008 Mini Country Operational Plan (COP) in support of the PresidentQs Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This submission represents the combined efforts of the United States Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development and the Department of Defense Q a truly collaborative process of which we are proud. -------------- HIV Landscape in Indonesia -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The HIV landscape in Indonesia is undergoing fundamental transitions. First, 2007 marks the beginning of a new and integrated national strategy. It is reliant on collaboration between the donor community and the Government of Indonesia (GOI). A shift in approach or commitment on the part of any one partner will have an impact on the entire plan. ¶3. (SBU) Second, recent data clearly demonstrate the growth of a generalized epidemic specific to the province of Papua that is very different from the concentrated epidemic within Most-At-Risk-Populations (MARP) occurring across the rest of the county. Third, The Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) is in the process of addressing irregularities which have resulted in a six month restriction period and about which the Global Fund secretariat still has outstanding queries. This problem has SIPDIS resulted in significant program implementation delays over the last six months and may affect the future landscape of HIV/AIDS programming in Indonesia. -------------- FY08 Mini-COP -------------- ¶4. (SBU) The USG is committed to the GOIQs HIV/AIDS planning and funding process which includes both an integrated national program strategy and a costed action plan. The USG Q through PEPFAR Q is an engaged and vital partner with the GOI, as well as with AusAid, the Global Fund, DFID, KfW and the UN Agencies. With our resources, we have developed a program that leverages other donor assistance to best complement and fill existing gaps. ¶5. (SBU) Embassy Jakarta has structured its FY08 Mini-COP to remain responsive to the GOI national strategic plan and to make best use of our resources to fill program gaps. There is far more we could and would like to do in Indonesia to address the HIV epidemic, including scaling-up services among MARPs, and overall systems- strengthening to facilitate better service delivery in prevention, care and treatment services - especially in Papua. However, we are constrained by the reduction of our PEPFAR resources since FY06 from $10 million to $8 million. ¶6. (SBU) In addition to your review of our submission, I urge O/GAC to enter into discussions with our in-country HIV/AIDS team to explore restoring funding levels to $10 million or more, thus enabling increased programming in Papua. ¶7. (SBU) We look forward to receiving your comments and your approval of the Mini-COP. HEFFERN