CCIH Monthly Bulletin

March 2006

1. CCIH AND MEMBER NEWS

CCIH TO HOLD ITS ANNUAL CONFERENCE MAY 27-29 IN MARYLAND

CCIH will hold its 2006 Annual Conference from May 27 until May 29 at the Bishop Claggett Center in Buckeystown, Maryland. The theme of the conference is Excellence, Innovation and Influence: Pathways to Health and Wholeness. Through plenary sessions, Bible studies, workshops and small group discussions we aim to discover what it means to promote "wholeness" in the context of International Health. We will learn about best practices as we search for ways to integrate wholeness into our ministries. And we will strive to understand how our faith can add an extra dimension to this discussion and to the methods we employ to meet the complex needs of those we serve. Through study of the Scriptures, prayer and reflection we will spend some time listening to what God wants to say to us about our professional (both collective and individual) and our personal lives. Among the topics to be covered during the conference are:

• Health and Wholeness in practice;
• Christian Perspectives in Reproductive Health and Family Planning;
• Health Systems Co-management by FBOs;
• An overview of the PACANet Conference held in December in Nigeria; and
• The ABC Approach to HIV Prevention.

The venue for the conference, the Bishop Claggett Center (http://www.claggett.ang-md.org) is located in Frederick County, Maryland, about an hour from downtown Washington DC. It sits on a bluff overlooking Sugarloaf Mountain and the scenic Monocacy River Valley and provides a tranquil setting in an atmosphere of Christian hospitality. It will provide a wonderful setting for the sharing, learning, networking and reflecting that are integral to our annual conferences. For more information on the CCIH conference click here. The conference schedule may be viewed at http://www.ccih.org/conferences/may2006/ccih_2006_schedule.html. To register for the conference, go to http://www.ccih.org/conferences/may2006/ccih_2006_registration.html.

CCIH FACILITATES REGISTRATION FOR THE GLOBAL HEALTH COUNCIL CONFERENCE

The Global Health Council is holding its annual conference May 30-June 2 (see #21 under Conferences and Events.) CCIH encourages its members to attend the GHC Conference and so, as a service to its members, we are facilitating registration for the GHC conference through two special rates: the Caucus Discount and the Student Group Discount. To take advantage of the caucus rate of $150 (a $200 savings) one must be a member of the GHC and of the GHC Faith and Global Health Caucus. The discount will only be valid if 30 or more members apply for it. The student group rate of $110 is valid for a group of 25 or more full-time students. Students do not have to be CCIH or GHC members to join the student group. Both of these discounts offer a significant savings over the regular registration rates for the GHC conference. To learn how to take advantage of these discounts, please contact Sharon Franzén at sfranzen@ccih.org. Registration should be done through CCIH, not through the GHC.

CCIH BOARD MEETING MARCH 21 – 22 AT CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES IN BALTIMORE

The CCIH board, which meets thrice a year, will be gathering next week for a day and a half. Please pray for the board as they consider future directions for CCIH and its service to all its members. The board would appreciate hearing about your suggestions and concerns. Email them to any board member, or Executive Director Ray Martin at martinrs@aol.com or phone to 703-556-0123.

Issues on the agenda include:

• formation and management of working groups
• expanding outreach to students
• fundraising and strengthening staffing to meet the rising demand on CCIH services
• preparing the agenda and an election slate for the CCIH annual business meeting May 29

CCIH SURVEYING MEMBERS ABOUT INTEREST IN SPECIAL INTEREST WORKING GROUPS

On March 13, CCIH emailed to all its members a message entitled, “ Are you interested in CCIH working groups?  Please respond,” inviting members to indicate areas where they would be interested in working together with other people sharing similar interests. If you haven’t responded yet, we invite you to do so. CCIH sees working groups as a mechanism to:

• increase opportunities for networking,
• improve lateral learning,
• enhance resource and information sharing, and
• advance Christian focused international health agendas that would benefit from collaborative thinking and action.

Send your responses or questions to Sharon at sfranzen@ccih.org

KING COLLEGE CENTER FOR GLOBAL HEALTH CARE OFFERS VARIETY OF WORKSHOPS

CCIH member King College Center for Global Health Care and the Peeke School of Christian Mission offers an interdisciplinary graduate training program in health care and health development from a Christian perspective that results in the practice and promotion of an integrated vision of health in a global context. The objectives of the program are:

• To provide continuing education for healthcare professionals;
• To help people improve their own health;
• To restore health and wholeness to those who are ill;
• To train competent health workers on all levels;
• To make health care accessible to people, regardless of social, religious, economic or political factors.

The Center sponsors workshops at King College and other locations around the world. Workshops on offer in the next few months include Health, Agriculture, Culture and Community (April 3-7); How to Care for the Whole Person (April 27-29); How to Organize a Health Program (May 8-17); Curriculum Development for Training Health Workers (May 31-June3) and HIV/AIDS, Nutrition and Agriculture (Dec 4-8). For more information about King College Center for Global Health Care and the Peeke School of Christian Mission, visit their website at http://www.king.edu/academics/Schools/PSCM/cghc/index.asp.

SERVANTS IN FAITH AND TECHNOLOGY SHARES GOD'S LOVE IN PRACTICAL WAYS

Since its founding in 1979 Servants in Faith and Technology (SIFAT), a CCIH member, has trained community leaders from 76 countries around the world. Acknowledging Christ's concern for the spiritual as well as the physical aspects of His children, SIFAT responds to the Great Commission by sharing God's love in practical ways. Faith and technology are merged for the purpose of enabling the poor to develop holistically in Jesus Christ. Located in Lineville, Alabama on 175 wooded acres, SIFAT offers a wide variety of training programs in appropriate technology and Christian Community Development on its own campus and in partnership with training centers abroad. In our February bulletin, CCIH focused on a Focometry workshop held at SIFAT. This month SIFAT is holding a workshop conducted by another CCIH member, Science with a Mission, Inc. on Low Cost Diagnostics (see #12 under Conferences and Events.) SIFAT also offers summer training programs for children, youth and adults including cross-cultural training in its own global village; short-term mission trips to Ecuador and Bolivia; and supports on-going development projects in Bolivia, Ecuador and the Philippines. To learn more about SIFAT, go to http://www.sifat.org or contact Kathy Bryson at brysonk@sifat.org.

AFRICAN FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS JOIN FORCES TO ADDRESS CRITICAL SHORTAGES IN HEALTH WORKFORCE

At a signature meeting in Nairobi in February, initiated by CCIH member Interchurch Medical Assistance (I.M.A.), representatives from ten African countries joined together in forming the Christian Health Associations’ Technical Working Group for Human Resources for Health. Sponsored jointly by I.M.A., the USAID-funded Capacity Project (http://www.capacityproject.org) and the Dutch Catholic Organisation for Relief and Development AID (Cordaid – http://www.cordaid.nl), the meeting was organized as part of an emerging movement to bring faith-based health organizations together to tackle some of the most serious health care issues facing the global health community today. The goal of the Nairobi meeting was to address workforce issues pertaining to the health professions in African countries, where poor pay drives health professionals to seek employment in other countries and where early death of health workers due to HIV/AIDS is a crisis of unprecedented proportions. I.M.A will facilitate quarterly meetings of the working group to which each organization has appointed a representative. For more information on I.M.A. go to http://www.interchurch.org. For a more detailed report on the Nairobi meeting go to http://www.interchurch.org/news/article.php?articleid=62.

CCIH MEMBER WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES PROPOSES A "FRAMEWORK OF ENGAGEMENT" BETWEEN THE CHURCH AND PLWHA

The World Council of Churches (WCC) promotes greater participation of PLWHA (Persons living with HIV and AIDS) in the life of the church. Such participation empowers the church to deal with issues in HIV/AIDS in a more holistic and inclusive manner. Although much progress has been made in this area, much more needs to be done. WCC, in co-operation with the Global Network of People living with HIV/AIDS (GNP+), African Network of Religious Leaders living with or personally affected by HIV and AIDS (ANERELA+) and The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), has developed three documents, The Framework for Engagement, which can assist churches and other organizations in developing policies to engage PLWHA. These documents are

• Towards a Policy on HIV/AIDS in the Workplace –Working Document (http://wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/mission/workplace-policy-e.pdf);
• Guidelines on Partnerships between Churches and People Living with HIV/AIDS Organisations (http://wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/mission/guidelines-e.pdf);
• Working with People Living with HIV/AIDS Organisations – Background Document (http://wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/mission/background-e.pdf).

Also available from WCC is a study document that it commissioned, along with the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, called "AIDS-RELATED STIGMA - Thinking Outside the Box: The Theological Challenge". This study explores the beliefs that lead to HIV/AIDS related stigma and is a great tool for faith based communities to get to the root of the issue and to break free from stigma and discrimination. The study can be found at http://wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/mission/stigma-small.pdf.

YOUTH PEER EDUCATION TOOLKIT: TRAINING OF TRAINERS MANUAL

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE CCIH COMMUNITY

Click here to view the March 2006 Prayer Calendar.

2. CONFERENCES AND EVENTS

USAID APS: INTER-AGENCY EMERGENCY PLAN – ANNUAL PROGRAM STATEMENT – USG MISSION TO SOUTH AFRICA

Funding Opportunity Number: 674-06-002

Estimated Total Program Funding: $20,000,000

Funding Instrument type: Cooperative Agreement

Closing Date for Submittal of Concept Papers: Mar 31, 2006 

The purpose of this Annual Program Statement (APS) is to solicit applications for funding from prospective new partners to support implementation of the United States Government’s President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in South Africa. Applicants should consider programs that if successful can be increased in size by replication or by expansion of the program to additional geographic regions. It is expected that organizations will be invited to submit full proposals at the end of April or early May, and that full proposals will be due in the second week of June. This APS is a limited competition open only to those not currently receiving Emergency Plan country funds directly through the United States Government (USG)/ South Africa. Sub-partners of existing USG prime partners are eligible to apply under this APS. Current Emergency Plan partners receiving South Africa country funding through direct agreements with Pact, Inc. are not eligible to apply under this APS.

For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/search/synopsis.do.

USAID RFA: POST-EARTHQUAKE HEALTH RECOVERY PROGRAM

Funding Opportunity Number: USAID-PAKISTAN-391-06-011-RFA

Estimated Total Program Funding:$28,500,000

Funding Instrument type: Cooperative Agreement

Closing Date for Submittal of Concept Papers: April 3, 2006

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking applications for a four year Cooperative Agreement to address the strengthening and reviving of primary healthcare services and systems in selected areas affected by the October 8, 2005 earthquake in Northern Pakistan [North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)]. In health, USAID aims to construct fully equipped turn-key facilities as well as strengthen the primary healthcare system. Physical construction for all sectors will be implemented through a separate contract, thus physical construction, furnishing and equipping health facilities is not included in this RFA. Project objectives will improve the functions of the primary healthcare system by 1) developing and using human and financial resources more effectively and efficiently; 2) maintaining high quality and accessible services; and 3) increasing communities’ demand for quality health services.

For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=8008.

USAID SENEGAL APS: HEALTH ANNUAL PROGRAM STATEMENT

Funding Opportunity Number: USAID-SENEGAL-06-005-APS

Estimated Total Program Funding: $56,000,000

Funding Instrument type: Cooperative Agreement

Closing Date for Applications: April 17, 2006

USAID/Senegal has issued an Annual Program Statement (APS) in support of USAID/Senegal’s Strategic Objective No. 12 (SO 12). USAID/Senegal expects to award one or more five year Cooperative Agreements to support four essential projects in Senegal beginning in FY 2006 which are: (1) decentralization policy and health care financing; (2) maternal and child health and family planning; (3) STI/HIV/AIDS and TB prevention and control; (4) and community health. USAID/Senegal is seeking to balance technical superiority with management efficiency. Organizations are encouraged to submit applications for all APS components in which they can clearly demonstrate technical competence. Partnerships among international and local organizations are also encouraged to enhance management efficiency and ensure intended geographic coverage of each program area.

For more information, go to: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=7700.

USAID RFA: INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING PROGRAMS (IYFP)

Funding Opportunity Number: M-OAA-GH-HSR-06-292

Estimated Total Program Funding: $46,000,000

Funding Instrument type: Cooperative Agreement

Closing Date for Applications: April 20, 2006

The successful applicant will work within the strategic frameworks of the USAID Missions and Bureaus to improve the nutritional and health status of infants and children in fragile, transformational and strategic states. The agreement will support two of USAID’s Intermediate Results: Support Global Technical Leadership in IYCF and Strengthen and Expand IYCF Program Implementation. In developing this RFA, USAID reaffirms its commitment to continue joint agency (UNICEF/WHO) initiatives to improve IYCF. The proposed program is designed to reflect the latest scientific and epidemiological evidence on the fundamental factors, biological and socio-cultural, affecting feeding practices for infants and young children. An integral part of this initiative is a clear appreciation of the diverse and critical roles that the public/private/donor sectors all need to play in order to accomplish these goals.

For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=2933.

USAID RFA: CONTROL OF NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASE

Funding Opportunity Number: M-OAA-GH-06-845

Estimated Total Program Funding: $100,000,000

Funding Instrument type: Cooperative Agreement

Closing Date for Applications: April 21, 2006

The purpose of this cooperative agreement is to provide USAID and the Bureau of Global Health with assistance to decrease the burden of 13 diseases recognized as the ‘Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The special focus of this cooperative agreement will be five NTDs – lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), onchocerciasis (river blindness), shistosomiasis (snail fever), soil transmitted helminthes (intestinal worms) and trachoma – that can be prevented and/or cured in an integrated fashion using cost-effective strategies with highly effective drugs that major pharmaceutical companies are contributing free or at a very low cost. USAI wishes to partner with an organization that has proven capability in working with neglected tropical diseases, grant-making capability and a history of attracting other donor funding.

For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=8507.

NIH/NIDA PA: INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH COLLABORATION ON DRUG ADDICTION (ROI)

Funding Opportunity Number: PA-06-050

Funding Instrument type: Grant

Closing Date for Applications: Multiple dates, see full announcement

This program announcement is part of The National Institute of Drug Addiction’s effort to encourage rigorous collaborative international research and will provide funding for projects conducted in whole or in part outside the U.S. The International Program extends the Institute mission internationally through programs that: 1) take advantage of unique opportunities to advance scientific knowledge through research, 2) address the global impact of addiction on public health through activities that build research capacity internationally, and 3) effectively disseminate and share the knowledge gained through NIDA-supported research to scientists, treatment providers, and policy makers around the world.

The research must be conducted by U.S. investigators in collaboration with non-U.S.-based investigators.  This is a broad call for innovative research and applications are encouraged in all areas of science addressing drug addiction including but not limited to prevention, basic science, epidemiology, treatment and health services.  While the priorities will change from year to year, in FY06 priority areas include: linkages between HIV/AIDS and drug abuse, methamphetamine abuse, inhalant abuse, smoking during pregnancy, and drugs and driving.

For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=3186.

NIH PA: RECENT HIV INFECTION: NEW PREVENTION CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Funding Opportunity Number: PA-05-164

Funding Instrument type: Grant

Closing Date for Applications: Multiple dates, see full announcement

This PA solicits innovative basic or applied research applications that will advance prevention opportunities to reduce transmission risk or minimize neuro-cognitive impairment in persons with recent HIV infection (i.e., 0 – 6 months post-exposure). Principal Investigators are urged to develop new research that extends knowledge of the basic biological processes of acute and early HIV disease to address the specific prevention needs of highly infectious, newly infected persons who may account for a disproportionate share of secondary HIV transmissions. This PA is intended to support basic and applied HIV prevention science research. Examples of possible research topics are research on the identification of, and referral for treatment and prevention services for, persons with recent HIV infection; studies to tailor brief, efficacious HIV risk reduction counseling to persons with acute IV infection, particularly those from severely affected communities or subgroups; and studies to interrupt mother to child transmission (MTCT) in persons with recent HIV infection.

For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=3181.

NIH PA: RESEARCH ON PATHWAYS LINKING ENVIRONMENTS, BEHAVIORS AND HIV/AIDS (R01)

Funding Opportunity Number: PA-06-114

Funding Instrument type: NIH Research Project Grant (R01)

Closing Date for Applications: September 1, 2006,2007, 2008 ( see full announcement)

This announcement invites research on the interrelationships among, and pathways linking, social, economic, cultural, and institutional environments; prevalence and patterning of individual behaviors related to HIV risk and prevention; and the prevalence, patterning, and spread of HIV infection in a population.  This announcement seeks to stimulate innovative approaches to understanding the complex mechanisms involved in the spread of HIV and its consequences in a variety of populations across the globe. This includes the search for, production of and testing of improved models to account for changes in both behavior and biology under different levels of disease prevalence. Applicants may wish to consider a range of potential approaches, including observational studies, experimental designs, and simulation modeling.

Examples of research questions include: How do changes in or disruptions of family structures and functioning contribute to increases in HIV-risk behaviors? How do changes in or disruptions of family structures and functioning contribute to increases in HIV-risk behaviors? How does death and disability caused by the spread of HIV in a population affect living arrangements, family composition, relationships and partnerships, relationships across generations and the ability of the family or social unit to provide for itself and/or its children? How has HIV/AIDS changed the role of older people in families and communities?

For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=7466. For additional information, go to the CDC National Prevention Information Network’s website at http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/locates/LocateFund.asp?SearchType=Simple and use the funding search engine.

USAID RFA: IMPLEMENTING THE EXPANSION OF THE ROLE OF NETWORKS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS (PHAs) IN UGANDA

Funding Opportunity Number: 617-06-004

Estimated Total Program Funding: $3,000,000

Funding Instrument type: Cooperative Agreement

Closing Date for Applications: To be announced

This is a pre-solicitation announcement of this grant. There will be only one recipient of this three year grant, who will facilitate the provision of technical assistance and funding to mobilize and strengthening of the capacity of PHA networks at the national and district levels, and of PHA groups at the sub-district and community level for effective coordination and improved access to prevention, care and treatment services for HIV/AIDS. The recipient will also facilitate access for PHAs and their families to orphan support and other ‘wrap around’ services such as nutritional programs and income generating initiatives by partnering with PEPFAR and non-PEPFAR activities.

For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=7383.

FFE GRANT: McGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM

Funding Opportunity Number: FFE-2007

Estimated Total Program Funding: $100,000,000

Funding Instrument type: Grant

Closing Date for Applications: August 25, 2006

This is not a cash grant program. The grants awarded under this program are in the form of agricultural commodities such as wheat, rice or other foodstuffs. Grants are only awarded under this program for projects carried out in foreign countries. The key objectives of the FFE program are to reduce hunger and improve literacy and primary education, especially for girls. By providing school meals, teacher training and related support, FFE projects will help boost school enrollment and academic performance. At the same time, nutrition programs will be offered for pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants and pre-school children to sustain and improve the health and learning capacity of children before they enter school.

For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=7911.

HHS/NIH PA: RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS AND HIV

Funding Opportunity Number: PA-04-115

Funding Instrument type: Grant

Closing Date for Applications: September 1, 2006

This PA calls for studies to examine the extent and nature of religious organizations' involvement in HIV-related activities, the factors that influence such involvement and its effectiveness. The focus is on religious organizations or congregations such as churches, synagogues or mosques. Faith-based organizations -- i.e., those supported by or tied to religious organizations, but not directly providing religious services -- may be involved in the research, but are not the focus of the research.

For more information see http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=3085. For additional information, go to the CDC National Prevention Information Network’s website at http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/locates/LocateFund.asp?SearchType=Simple and use the funding search engine.

NIH PA: RESEARCH ON PATHWAYS LINKING ENVIRONMENTS, BEHAVIORS AND HIV/AIDS (R01)

Funding Opportunity Number: PA-06-114

Funding Instrument type: NIH Research Project Grant (R01)

Closing Date for Applications: September 1, 2006,2007, 2008 ( see full announcement)

This announcement invites research on the interrelationships among, and pathways linking, social, economic, cultural, and institutional environments; prevalence and patterning of individual behaviors related to HIV risk and prevention; and the prevalence, patterning, and spread of HIV infection in a population.  This announcement seeks to stimulate innovative approaches to understanding the complex mechanisms involved in the spread of HIV and its consequences in a variety of populations across the globe. This includes the search for, production of and testing of improved models to account for changes in both behavior and biology under different levels of disease prevalence. Applicants may wish to consider a range of potential approaches, including observational studies, experimental designs, and simulation modeling.

Examples of research questions include: How do changes in or disruptions of family structures and functioning contribute to increases in HIV-risk behaviors? How do changes in or disruptions of family structures and functioning contribute to increases in HIV-risk behaviors? How does death and disability caused by the spread of HIV in a population affect living arrangements, family composition, relationships and partnerships, relationships across generations and the ability of the family or social unit to provide for itself and/or its children? How has HIV/AIDS changed the role of older people in families and communities?

For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=7466. For additional information, go to the CDC National Prevention Information Network’s website at http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/locates/LocateFund.asp?SearchType=Simple and use the funding search engine.

HHS/NIH PA: GLOBAL INFECTIOUS DISEASE RESEARCH TRAINING PROGRAM AWARD

Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-05-128

Estimated Total Program Funding: $600,000 with an award ceiling of $207,000

Funding Instrument type: Grant

Closing Date for Applications: September 13, 2006; September 13, 2007

The purpose of this announcement is to invite applications for U.S. and developing country institutions for programs to provide non-HIV/AIDS infectious disease research training to scientists and health professionals in order to build sustainable research capacity at institutions in low- and middle-income endemic countries.

HHS/NIH PAR: DISSEMINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION RESEARCH IN HEALTH

Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-06-039, PAR-06-071, PAR-06-072

Funding Instrument Type: Grant

Closing Date for Applications: There are multiple deadlines, the next deadline is September 22, 2006

These program announcements (PAR) encourage investigators to submit research grant applications that will identify, develop, and refine effective and efficient methods, structures, and strategies that test models to disseminate and implement research-tested health behavior change interventions and evidence-based prevention, early detection, diagnostic, treatment, and quality of life improvement services into public health and clinical practice settings.

For more information see http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=3305, http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=3317 and http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=3318.

HHS PAR: DISSEMINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION RESEARCH IN HEALTH

Funding Opportunity Number: PAR-06-039

Estimated Total Program Funding:

Funding Instrument type: Grant

Closing Date for Applications: the next deadline is September 22, 2006

This program announcement (PAR) encourages investigators to submit research grant applications that will identify, develop, and refine effective and efficient methods, structures, and strategies that test models to disseminate and implement research-tested health behavior change interventions and evidence-based prevention, early detection, diagnostic, treatment, and quality of life improvement services into public health and clinical practice settings. Programs should support innovative approaches to overcoming barriers to the adoption of evidence-based interventions that previous efficacy or effectiveness research has shown to be effective, but where adoption to date has been limited or significantly delayed.

For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=3305. For additional information, go to the CDC National Prevention Information Network’s website at http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/locates/LocateFund.asp?SearchType=Simple and use the funding search engine.

USAID RFA: ANNUAL PROGRAM STATEMENT PUBLIC PRIVATE ALLIANCES

Funding Opportunity Number: M-OAA-GRO-EGAS-06-07

Funding Instrument type: Cooperative Agreement, Grant or other

Closing Date for Applications: September 30, 2006 (see below)

The Global Development Alliance Secretariat of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) invites interest from prospective partner organizations to form public-private alliances to carry out activities in support of USAID's international development objectives. Alliance partners are expected to bring significant new resources, ideas, technologies, and/or partners to address development problems in countries where USAID is currently working. The deadline is September 30, 2006 however applications received later than December 16, 2005 despite deserving support, may not be able to obtain funds simply because available funds may already have been earmarked for deserving proposals that were received on or before December 16, 2005. However, such proposals if received before September 30, 2006 may be considered for funding in FY2007. Please review the RFA for more information.

USAID has issued a pre-solicitation announcement for this AIDSTAR program. Under this PEPFAR-funded program USAID would competitively award up to 14 Indefinite Quantity Contracts (IQC) to provide state-of-the-art technical assistance and implementation support for the expansion of high-quality HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment services, and to build in-country technical and management capacity to sustain these services. The two separate sectors envisaged are: Sector (1) Prevention, Care and Treatment (up to eight awards); and Sector (2) Institutional Capacity Building (up to six awards.)

Awards under Sector 1 will provide technical expertise and implementation support for the expansion of HIV/AIDS services across the continuum of prevention, care, and treatment. Partnering with indigenous institutions is a key element of sector 1.  Awards under Sector 2 will support broader institutional development for long-term sustainability of in-country partners, for example, strengthening management and financial accountability systems of local organizations and government agencies.

The announcement specifically notes that “ FBOs with expertise in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment, and any combination of the above, are invited to submit proposals for Sector 1.” USAID encourages new and non-traditional partners that can add value to the U.S. Government’s HIV/AIDS assistance to participate either as primes or as partners within consortia. Several CCIH members have expressed interest in exploring the idea of collaboration for AIDSTAR. For more information, contact Ray Martin.

HHS PA: PARENTING CAPACITIES AND HEALTH OUTCOMES IN YOUTHS AND ADOLESCENTS (R01)

Funding Opportunity Number: PA-06-097

Estimated Total Program Funding: varies

Funding Instrument type: Cooperative Agreement

Closing Date for Applications: Next due date is June 1, 2006

This program announcement solicits research aimed at increasing parenting capacities while simultaneously focusing on the reduction, elimination or prevention of one or more high-risk health behaviors or poor health habits in youth and adolescent children. Investigators responding to this announcement are required to target two or more ineffective parenting practices or behaviors  (e.g., lack of appropriate parental monitoring, supervision, and communication, high family conflict and disorganization, parental stress and depression, lack of parent-child bonding and negative discipline methods), and two or more youth/adolescent high-risk behaviors (e.g., unhealthy dietary behaviors, inadequate physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, sexual behaviors, and unintentional (accidents) and intentional behaviors (firearm related injuries).  These behaviors are frequently established during childhood and adolescent years and continue on to the adult years. These behaviors are potentially amenable to a variety of health promotion and prevention efforts.

For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=7366. For additional information, go to the CDC National Prevention Information Network’s website at http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/locates/LocateFund.asp?SearchType=Simple and use the funding search engine.

HHS/NIH PAR: PLANNING GRANTS FOR INTERNATIONAL MALARIA CLINICAL, OPERATIONAL AND HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH TRAINING PROGRAMS (D71)

Funding Opportunity Number: RFA No.: PAR-06-070

Estimated Total Program Funding: $150,000 with an award ceiling of $23,000

Funding Instrument type: Planning Grant Application

Closing Date for Applications: the next deadline is January 12, 2007

Planning grant applications for malaria research training programs in clinical, operational and public health services for clinical, public health and social scientists and health care professionals in the countries targeted by the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) are invited. The Fogarty International Center expects to provide a total of $75,000 to $150,000 total costs (direct and F & A) per year to fund three to six new planning grant awards each year FY06-FY08.

For more information, go to http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=3316

JOHN M. LLOYD FOUNDATION

Funding Opportunity Number: CDC 2108

Fund category: HIV/AIDS

Maximum Funding Available: $20,000

Closing Date for Applications: July 15, 2006

The Foundation supports enlightened public policy programs that advocate for improved access to HIV/AIDS care and services, relevant research efforts, effective prevention programs, and successful education initiatives worldwide. The Foundation also funds pioneering programs that promote education, awareness, and compassion about HIV/AIDS worldwide; novel HIV prevention efforts aimed at men, women, and children worldwide; and medical research that focuses on the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Recognizing however that resources are limited compared to the scope of research efforts in HIV/AIDS, the Foundation gives preference to seed grants and small workshops that stimulate new directions for research.

For additional information, go to the CDC National Prevention Information Network’s website at http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/locates/LocateFund.asp?SearchType=Simple and use the funding search engine or go to http://www.johnmlloyd.org.

ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION

Funding Opportunity Number: CDC 2252

Fund category: HIV/AIDS

Closing Date for Applications: There is no deadline

The mission of the Elton John AIDS Foundation is to provide funding for educational programs targeted at HIV/AIDS prevention and/or the elimination of prejudice and discrimination against HIV/AIDS-affected individuals, and for programs that provide services to people living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS. The Foundation funds nonprofit organizations providing direct care for persons with HIV/AIDS or prevention education programs directed towards persons practicing high risk behavior.

For additional information, go to the CDC National Prevention Information Network’s website at http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/locates/LocateFund.asp?SearchType=Simple and use the funding search engine or go to http://www.ejaf.org/.

W.K. KELLOGG FOUNDATION

Funding Opportunity Number: CDC 2924

Fund Category: Other health-related

Closing Date for Applications: There is no deadline

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to apply knowledge to solve the problems of people. Its founder W.K. Kellogg, the cereal industry pioneer, established the Foundation in 1930. Since its beginning the Foundation has continuously focused on building the capacity of individuals, communities, and institutions to solve their own problems. Grants are made in the four areas of: Health, Food Systems and Rural Development, Youth and Education, and Philanthropy and Volunteerism. Most grants are awarded in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean, and seven southern Africa countries including Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe.

For more information, go to http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/display/FundDisplay.asp?FundNbr=2924 or http://www.wkkf.org/Grants/.

MAC AIDS FUND: GLOBAL FOUNDATION GRANTS

Funding Opportunity Number: CDC 2228

Fund category: HIV/AIDS

Closing Date for Applications: Application dates are open ended; see below

The MAC AIDS Fund encourages charitable, non-profit organizations to submit applications now for funding in a number of HIV/AIDS related program areas. Typically the Fund supports organizations that provide basic needs, direct services, education, awareness and prevention programs to men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS. Proposals need to be received at least three weeks prior to quarterly board meetings, usually held in March, June, September, and December.

For additional information, go to the CDC National Prevention Information Network’s website at http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/locates/LocateFund.asp?SearchType=Simple and use the funding search engine or go to http://www.macaidsfund.org/.

MILAGRO FOUNDATION

Funding Opportunity Number: CDC 2739

Fund Category: Other health-related

Estimated Total Program Funding: $2500 - $5000

Closing Date for Applications: There is no deadline; see below

Milagro is a charitable foundation that supports children and youth in three areas: helping them to live healthy lives through education and prevention of disease; helping them live literate lives through learning; and helping them live culturally enriched lives through arts education. Grants are awarded to community-based, grass-roots organizations that work with children and youth, especially those at risk and disadvantaged due to factors as poor health, illiteracy or insufficient educational and cultural opportunities. There is no application deadline. The Board makes decisions on grants in February, June and October. Grant deadlines are usually at least two months prior to meetings so the next opportunity would be in June.

For additional information, go to the CDC National Prevention Information Network’s website at http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/locates/LocateFund.asp?SearchType=Simple and use the funding search engine or go to http://www.milagrofoundation.org.

4. OTHER NEWS AND RESOURCES

PRESIDENT BUSH ADDRESSES NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FAITH-BASED AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

The White House Office of Faith –based and Community Initiatives (FBCI) sponsored a National Conference in Washington DC on March 9. In addition to taking the opportunity to thank faith and community based organizations for their work and compassion, the FBCI Office held the conference to discuss the issue of fundraising, highlighting the important role corporations and foundations play in funding social services. Although the focus of the conference was on domestic programs, international organizations were also represented. CCIH sent Program Associate Sharon Franzén and CCIH member Serving in Mission (SIM) was represented by Bob Blees (who is also a CCIH Board member), Joe and Kay Harding, and Ramel Dixon. Issue forums provided opportunities to examine commonalities which bring the FBO/CBO community together with corporations and foundations. Workshops provided information and discussions concerning the practical aspects of obtaining funds for charitable programs. The workshops were led by professionals on both sides of the funding equation and provided excellent tips for seeking grants. The White House is planning to make many of the presentations available online. CCIH will forward that information to its members when it is available.

Some important tips gleaned from the day’s sessions are:

• Foundations and Corporations often prefer to deal with organizations in the community in which they are located. Be familiar with those who offer grant money in your community.
• Build a relationship with the funding organizations. They are more likely to fund an organization they know and trust. Understand how your organization adds value to the foundation or corporation you are courting. This takes time and patience. Good relationships may have a domino effect: a funder who cannot fund you may be able to recommend you to someone else or keep an eye out for opportunities for you.
• Take a good look at your organization and be intentional about being the best you can be:
• determine exactly what your goals and mission are;
• be clear about your capacity to fulfill grant obligations and seek assistance in areas where you fall short (outside contracting, good financial advisors, etc); seek excellent staff – even if they are unpaid staff;
• be organized - know exactly what your outcome should be, create a real budget, meet deadlines, read the fine print, make inquiries to clarify your obligations, send in reports;
• be professional and exercise restraint and manners;
• be grateful (saying thank you is still considered proper!) but don’t grovel or beg, this is demeaning to you and the funder and often what you get will be “spare change” not a solid grant;
• be true to your mission and values to maintain your integrity and the trust of the funding community;
• be accountable;
• show that your organization is stable and your programs are sustainable– transparency, audits, invite visits;
• spend time and energy to conduct proper evaluations;
• spend time and energy to learn how to write a good proposal, including knowing how to tailor it to your needs and the concerns of the funder; be clear, precise and active in your language; many good organizations do not get funding for good programs because of poor proposals.

President George Bush addressed the conference, praising the FBO/CBO community for their successes and dedication and the funding community for their generosity. And he praised all present for their compassion saying that the reason for holding such a conference and for supporting a White House Office on FCBI was twofold: to make sure that FBOs and CBOs get the encouragement they deserve and to make sure they have the tools to succeed, including funds, both public and private. President Bush referred to a recent survey of Grants to Faith-based Organizations which showed that FBOs do not get the share of funding that they should get from state and local governments or from corporations and foundations. He affirmed the idea that organizations should not be discriminated against because they are faith-based. For a review of the survey go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/final_report_2005.pdf. To read President Bush's remarks go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/03/20060309-5.html. Although much of the President's speech referred to domestic FBO programs, he did mention and affirm the importance of USAID's grants to FBOs. For a synopsis of the President's speech by USAID,including information on grants to FBOs by USAID, go to http://www.usaid.gov/press/releases/2006/pr060310.html.

THE PROMOTION OF Rx FOR SURVIVAL CONTINUES

On November 1-3, 2005 the PBS series Rx for Survival aired across the nation, bringing global health issues into the living rooms of Americans coast to coast. CCIH highlighted the series, and the many activities surrounding it, in its October ( http://www.ccih.org/bulletin/1005.htm#29) and November (http://www.ccih.org/bulletin/1105.htm#32) bulletins. Last month's bulletin announced the sale of Rx for Survival DVDs (http://www.ccih.org/bulletin/0206.htm#59). A special two-hour version of the series will be broadcast on April 12, highlighting the work of global health heroes. Meanwhile the Rx for Child Survival grassroots education and mobilization campaign continues. As part of its Policy Series, the Global Health Council is holding a meeting with campaign participants to discuss efforts to increase awareness of global health issues in our communities. The meeting will be held at the GHC office at 1111 19th St NW, Suite 1120, Washington, DC on March 23 from 10-11:30 am. You can join the meeting in person (rsvp to rsvp@globalhealth.org ) or by call-in (call 202-833-5900 for information.) For more information on the Rx for Child Survival campaign and how you can become involved, go to http://www.globalhealth.org/rx_for_child_survival/.

FUNDING POSSIBILITIES FOR FBOs FROM THE NEW PARTNERS FUND

A good number of CCIH organizational members, and groups they support, should be eligible for AIDS grants under the New Partners Initiative (NPI) announced by President Bush on December 1, 2005, World AIDS Day.

Four Outreach Workshops have been organized to inform possible new partners about NPI. The first two were held in Philadelphia (February 22) and Atlanta (March 8). The remaining workshops, which are still open for registration, will be held in Denver (March 22, see #13 above) and in Los Angeles (April 5, see #16 above). Included here is some relevant information about this new resource provided at the Philadelphia workshop. Thanks to the following CCIH members who attended and reported to CCIH: Jacqui Patterson, CCIH board member, and Craig Hafner and Jennifer Tymon of the Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa (FHSSA).

Specific goals of the New Partners Initiative are:

• Increase the Emergency Plan’s ability to reach people with needed services
• Identify potential new Emergency Plan partner organizations
• Increase their capacity to provide prevention and care services
• Build capacity in host nations—Develop indigenous capacity to address HIV/SAIDS to promote the sustainability of host nations’ efforts.

NPI commits $200 million through fiscal year 2008 in the 15 PEPFAR focus countries. NPI will be led by the State Department Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) and supported by an interagency team, which includes representation from CDC, USAID, HRSA, and others listed on the NPI website.

All NPI money will be competed for centrally out of Washington, not through the country missions.  However, any plan approved by NPI must fit into the individual country plan in the country where organizations are seeking to work. Multi-country proposals will also be entertained and input will be sought from each country mission and incorporated into a centrally determined conclusion.

Nuts and Bolts— Eligibility, Programmatic Foci, Structure, etc.

The key eligibility criteria is not having received ‘significant US funding’, defined as no more than $5 million in the past five years, with the exception of funds received as a subcontractor to another prime, or funds received for disaster work.

The programmatic focus of NPI is on Care and Prevention, specifically OVC, prevention and a significant focus on palliative and home based care. The funds cannot be used to support Treatment.

NPI will soon issue an Annual Program Statement (as opposed to an RFP), probably by early May. This will be posted at http://www.grants.gov. The first awards are expected by September 30, 2006.

Medical Service Corporation International (http://www.mscionline.com) has been contracted to provide technical and capacity-building assistance for all eligible NPI grant-seekers. They will provide 2-3 day trainings on proposals/grants and offer "pre-competition assistance".  No dates have been set for these trainings, but they are tentatively slated for Washington DC and Denver, Colorado, hopefully by late April.

Discussions are still occurring with Country Teams to determine how the assistance will be provided to ‘indigenous organizations’, but the vision is that they will also provide assistance, free of charge to the local/national NGOs, CBOs, FBOs, etc.

More information about NPI can be found online at http://www.pepfarnpi.gov or by contacting Mr. Rami Koskinen at MSCI, tel. 1888-PEPFAR1, email info@pepfarnpi.gov.

PETER PIOT OBSERVES THE 10th BIRTHDAY OF UNAIDS, AND 25th ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST DESCRIPTION OF AIDS

CCIH attended two events in Washington, DC during last week’s visit of Dr. Peter Piot, Executive Director of UNAIDS, honoring his leadership since the 1996 establishment of this agency coordinating the global U.N. response to AIDS. He noted that it was a quarter of a century ago since a mysterious immunodeficiency in a group of gay men was first described in CDC’s weekly Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Both of Piot’s speeches were webcast and can be found at http://www.unaids.org/en/. Find the links on the homepage under “Executive Speeches.” The titles are: Getting Ahead of AIDS: the Long-Term Agenda, and Diverse Voices, Common Ground: Uniting the World Against AIDS.

Piot, recounting that the AIDS toll to date is 25 million dead (8000 dying daily) and 40 million currently infected, argued that AIDS needs to be regarded in the same league of major global challenges as terrorism, global warming, and extreme poverty. He praised President Bush’s PEPFAR initiative, announced in his January 2002 State of the Union address, as a defining moment, when the global investment in addressing AIDS was scaled up from millions of dollars to billions.

He declared that AIDS must be seen as a transnational social movement, going far beyond the concern of just medical and health AIDS professionals, whom he described as the “AIDS ghetto.” There must be new technological tools discovered and sustained, broad-based leadership seeing AIDS not as an “emergency” problem, but a long-term challenge. Piot recognized that the engagement of new actors with varying ideological orientations will create new tensions, but argued for a common minimum core response with shared values and a focus on results. He emphasized that no “only” response will work, no “abstinence only” or “condoms only.” He decried that the ideological extremes of both the left and right are holding hostage a sensible approach on the ABC approach to HIV prevention.

Piot suggested these seven critical actions for a long-term response to get ahead of AIDS:

1. addressing the fundamental drivers of the pandemic, which he said were stigma, the inferior status of women, and homophobia, needing to change social norms and behaviors;
2. sustaining leadership at the political, religious, and business level, and forming new, broad-based alliances;
3. increasing and sustaining financing;
4. putting prevention on an equal footing with treatment;
5. financing innovation and technological development;
6. strengthening service delivery systems, both public and private; thinking outside the box, devising community-based delivery systems where medical professionals may be responsible for management and quality assurance, but would not be required for routine service delivery;
7. for severely affected countries, such as those in Southern Africa which he characterized as “undeveloping”, addressing the societal impact, or shocks, to agriculture, education, orphans, etc.

He said that U.S. leadership is key for this moment in the history of AIDS to be described eventually as the beginning of the end of the pandemic.

In the discussion period, Kent Hill, head of health at USAID, questioned Piot about stating that the main “drivers” of the epidemic were stigma, gender inequity, and homophobia. Hill felt that more direct causes, such as those entailed in “ABC”, should be considered. Piot acknowledged that South Africa’s big condom promotion campaign has had little impact, suggesting that there needed to be a fundamental change in the status of women.

Piot said he was surprised when someone asked whether there was a role for the faith community. To him, it was evident that FBOs were major players. He said he saw the “worst and the best” in the FBO response to AIDS.

WORLD TB DAY IS MARCH 24

FAITH AND GLOBAL HEALTH CAUCUS SATELLITE SERIES

At the 2005 Global Health Council Annual Conference, the Faith and Global Health Caucus was launched in order to serve as a forum for multi-faith learning and understanding about global health issues.

On May 30, at this year’s Global Health Council Conference (see #21 above or go to http://www.globalhealth.org), the Faith and Global Health Caucus is planning an exciting afternoon of events. The keynote speaker will be David Beckmann, President of Bread for the World (http://www.bread.org), who will address the theme of “Mobilizing People of Faith in Support of Global Health and Poverty Alleviation”. Also as part of the program, a panel will present on the subject of “Faith, Sexuality, and Health”, including presentations by Bishop Kevin Dowling of South Africa, and Jacob Kahamele, formerly with the Christian Council of Tanzania. Bishop Dowling will discuss his work in AIDS prevention, treatment and advocacy, and Mr. Kahamele will highlight his efforts, through Family Health International, to engage Christian and Muslim congregations in AIDS prevention in Tanzania.

The program will conclude with a series of concurrent roundtables that will provide an opportunity for a wide variety of presentations on faith and global health issues. CCIH members are encouraged to take part in the Caucus meeting and consider submitting proposals for the roundtables. Anyone wishing to do so may contact Ed Scholl (escholl@fhi.org) or Henry Mosley (hmosley@jhsph.edu).

DOCUMENTING THE CONTRIBUTION OF CHRISTIAN AGENCIES TO IMPROVING CHILD HEALTH

A 1999 CCIH study entitled The Contribution of Religious Institutions to 20th Century Progress in International Health found that Christian missions and churches played an enormous role in the evolution of global concepts such as “health for all” and the community-based primary health care approach. Ray Martin presented this topic at the 2005 pre-Global Health Council conference themed, "Faith-Based Organizations as Pioneers and Partners in Health Systems Development," May 31, 2005, at Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC. Click here to see the notes on his presentation.

Now, a WHO-supported research project is seeking to ascertain the effectiveness of this approach to improving child health. The following appeal for documentation comes from the Working Group on Community-Based Primary Health Care (CBPHC) of the International Section (http://www.apha-ih.org) of the American Public Health Association (http://www.apha.org). If you are involved in, or know about, community-based primary health care projects involving child health, please contribute as described below. Coincidentally, the three researchers cited below, Drs. Taylor, Perry, and Freeman, are all CCIH members.

Articles and Documents Needed for a Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Community-Based Primary Health Care in Improving Child Health

The Working Group on Community-Based Primary Health Care (CBPHC) of the International Health Section of the American Public Health Association is now beginning a systematic review of the evidence supporting the effectiveness of community-based primary health care in improving the health of children in developing countries. The Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development of the World Health Organization is supporting this effort.

We are looking for published articles as well as unpublished articles and project documents which have formally assessed the effectiveness of CBPHC in improving child health. Our main emphasis is on documentation of changes in mortality rates or changes in serious morbidity, but we will also include changes in key determinants of child health, such as nutrition, immunization coverage, and access to or correct administration of critical medical therapies (such as antibiotic treatment of pneumonia or malaria).

Documentation that evaluates the positive contribution that community participation does or does not have in improving child health is also especially sought. We are looking for evaluations containing qualitative data as well as quantitative data. We are looking for negative evidence as well -- articles and documents describing community-based programs and interventions which did not document an improvement in child health.

An Expert Review Panel is now being assembled by Dr. Carl Taylor, Professor Emeritus at The Johns Hopkins University. This Panel will review the findings of the review and their implications. Dr. Henry Perry of Future Generations and Dr. Paul Freeman, independent international public health consultant, are the Co-Chairs of the Task Force carrying out the review.

If you know of any articles or documents that are not widely known or not easily available which might contribute to our review, please contact one of us:

Paul Freeman (freeman.p.a@worldnet.att.net)

Henry Perry (henry@future.org)

We are planning to widely disseminate the findings of the review, and we hope that this project will help to create a greater appreciation of the role of community-based approaches in improving the health of children living in impoverished populations.

MALARIA ROUNDTABLE MEETING RECEIVES UPDATE ON PRESIDENT'S MALARIA INITIATIVE (PMI)

CCIH attended a meeting of the Malaria Roundtable on March 7 at The Global Health Council with others from the PVO/NGO, corporate, and international communities. Dr. Richard Green, Director of the Office of Health, Infectious Diseases and Nutrition from USAID, gave an overview and update of the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) which was announced on June 30, 2005, (for information on the launching of the program, go to http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/global_health/id/malaria/news/malaria_fs1.html; or http://www.usaid.gov/about_usaid/acvfa/pres_malaria_init.pdf ). The goal of the initiative is to reduce malaria-related deaths by 50 percent in 15 countries by achieving 85 percent coverage for vulnerable groups in the population – children under 5, pregnant women and AIDS patients. By 2010 the government will have spent $1.265 billion to fight malaria through the PMI. Meanwhile, USAID will continue its bilateral non-PMI programs, will continue to support vaccine research and will continue to support and contribute to international malaria funds and initiatives, such as the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria (http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/).

The group discussed advocacy strategies in support of increased funding for malaria programs, particularly the Global Fund. Currently, $1.3 billion has been committed by the Fund, with 90 grants in 60 countries with $560 million disbursed. Round 5 grants were approved in September 2005. Round 6 was slated to be launched in April, but there are currently no funds available. Click here to view the Roundtable's "Talking Points" on malaria and here for a malaria fact sheet produced by Friends of the Global Fight (http://www.theglobalfight.org). The Roll Back Malaria Partnership (RBM - http://www.rbm.who.int/) has convened an advocacy task force to develop a global advocacy plan. To see a draft of this plan go to http://www.globalhealth.org/malaria_roundtable/attachments/global_advocacy_framework.pdf. Also discussed at the meeting were events to be planned for African Malaria Day, April 25, including a congressional briefing with comprehensive perspectives on malaria, hosted by the Global Health Council and Friends of the Global Fight. More information on this event will be available soon.

Anyone wishing to receive occasional updates on Malaria-related news, to join the Malaria Roundtable and/or to become involved in advocacy on malaria and other issues should contact Nicole Bates at the Global Health Council at nbates@globalhealth.org. For the latest news regarding the US Government’s plans to fight malaria, go to http://www.usaid.gov/policy/malaria_122305.html.

SECOND ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS OF THE PRESIDENT'S EMERGENCY PLAN FOR AIDS RELIEF (PEPFAR)

On February 8 the US Government released its Annual PEPFAR report, entitled Action Today, A Foundation for Tomorrow. The 166 page report (and the 7 page Executive Summary) can be accessed through the homepage of the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator at http://www.state.gov/s/gac. According to the report, in Fiscal year 2005 PEPFAR provided approximately $2.8 billion to the global AIDS fight and in Fiscal year 2006 the commitment is over $3.2 billion. The budget request for fiscal year 2007 is over $4 billion. In FY 2005 28% of funds supported prevention programs, 46% supported treatment programs, and 26% supported programs of care. The report says that since the Emergency Plan's beginning in 2003, it has succeeded because it has invested in partnerships with host-country locally-led prevention, care and treatment strategies. Aid through PEPFAR went through bilateral agreements to 15 focus countries and 108 other countries and through multilateral agreements with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis, UNAIDS, WHO and others.

In an interview on February 24 with NPR's Ed Gordon, the deputy US AIDS Coordinator, Dr. Mark Dybul, related the successes of the PEPFAR program. Dr. Dybul said that PEPFAR is an "extraordinary" program in that the U.S. is "supporting the people of Africa in their efforts to fight HIV/AIDS," and the program is "bringing hope" to Africa. He also said that where you live shouldn't determine whether you live or die from HIV/AIDS. The interview with Dr. Dybul was reported by the Kaiser Network at http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=35638.

THE HEALTH MANPOWER CRISIS AND THE RICH POACHING HEALTH PROFESSIONALS FROM THE POOR

One of the plenary sessions being planned for the May 27-29 CCIH conference discusses, from an African perspective, innovative ways to deal with problems in training and keeping health professionals. The possibility of treatment programs of AIDS patients has brought into prominence the extreme shortage of health professionals in developing countries, exacerbated in part by the migration (sometimes termed “poaching”) of doctors and nurses to wealthier countries.

A CCIH sister agency in the U.K., Christian Medical Fellowship (http://www.cmf.org.uk/), has focused on this issue and published some resources. Do a search of their website under the terms “brain drain” and “resource allocation.” You will find titles such as:

Poaching health professionals - A growing injustice needing urgent solutions

Role models, training and best practice approaches are the key to stemming medical brain drain from developing world

The brain drain - A multilateral problem requiring a global response

Globalisation and Health

Medical unemployment and the brain drain

African Healthcare Exodus

The Changing Face of Health Care

The Bible and Medical Ethics

Christian Medical Fellowship is holding a conference entitled “Viability of Christian Hospitals in Mission” on May 11 in London (see #18 above under Conferences and Events). For more information about the conference or the topic, go to http://www.healthserve.org/events/#61, or contact Steve Fouch (steve.fouch@cmf.org.uk), Allied Professions Secretary at HealthServe (http://www.healthserve.org/), a ministry of Christian Medical Fellowship.

MILLIONS SAVED: PROVEN SUCCESSES IN GLOBAL HEALTH

The book by this title, published by The Center for Global Development, was written to demonstrate that appropriate policies and investments can yield enormous successes in improving health and saving lives. The 17 inspiring case studies, carefully researched and documented, affirm the commitment and efforts of international health workers. A second edition is planned which will update the original description and add some new ones for use as an undergraduate health textbook.

The original volume includes no projects of faith-based organizations. The authors told CCIH that it wasn’t because they didn’t think there were any outstanding FBO successes, but that they didn’t find any sufficiently well documented to meet the rigorous criteria for inclusion. If you know of a well documented global health success, please contact Jessica Gottlieb at jgottlieb@cgdev.org.