CCIH CELEBRATES TIME GLOBAL HEROES LEON KINTAUDI AND PETER OKAALET

During the TIME Global Summit on November 1-3 in New York City, about 15 heroes of global health will be honored for global health initiatives they have led that can serve as models for others. Amongst these heroes are Dr. Ngoma Miezi (Leon) Kintaudi, Director of the Medical Office of the Protestant Church of Congo (ECC-DOM). Dr. Kintaudi is the Director of the USAID-funded SANRU Project, a joint project of ECC and CCIH organizational member Interchurch Medical Assistance (I.M.A.), which currently assists in providing basic health care for more than 10 million people throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo.

 

Also to be honored as a Global Hero is Dr. Peter Okaalet, Senior Africa Director of CCIH organizational member MAP International. Dr. Okaalet has worked tirelessly to bring health and religious leaders together to tackle HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. He has broken through many of the barriers that have kept doctors and clergy apart with an innovative AIDS curriculum that is being taught in seminaries and Bible colleges throughout Eastern Africa.

 

For more information about Drs. Kintaudi and Okaalet, click here. I.M.A. has released additional information about Dr. Kintaudi, including links to magazine and newspaper articles and radio interviews. For the TIME Magazine article on Dr. Okaalet, click here.

To see the entire TIME special treatment of Global health, go to http://www.time.com/time/magazine/current.

 

 

CCIH MEMBER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ANNOUNCES NEW COMMUNITY BASED MALARIA PREVENTION PROGRAM

 

On November 1, the opening day of the Rx for Survival-related TIME Global Health Summit in New York City, a web-cast entitled "Press Conference on American Faith Communities Fighting for Global Health" featured an announcement by CCIH member The United Methodist Church of a new initiative known as "The United Methodist Community Based Malaria Prevention Program."

Rev. R. Randy Day, General Secretary, General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church, announced a new health ministry aimed at helping to control malaria. Dr. Cherian Thomas will be in charge of this initiative, which is entitled “The United Methodist Community Based Malaria Prevention Program.” It will be launched initially in Sierra Leone and will be extended from there. The community based initiative will use medical and technical personnel at United Methodist-related health facilities to train community volunteers, who will then work with churches, civic associations, and local government in implementing malaria control efforts. “Community mobilization is a key component in the fight against malaria,” according to Dr. Thomas, who has played key roles in setting up other community based health programs. Community action is needed to clean up the breeding grounds of the malaria-bearing mosquitoes, assure that mosquito netting is used and that persons take medicines for prevention and treatment. “The community must own, manage and be responsible for the project if it is to succeed,” said Dr. Thomas.

“We are acting in faith in this program,” said the Rev. Day. “We believe United Methodists will rally to this cause as they learn about the increasing ravages of the mosquito-borne parasites that cause malaria and ways the disease can be prevented and treated. Malaria control is a form of Christian ministry.” The new initiative is part of an emphasis on “Health and Wholeness” in which all general agencies of the denomination are taking part. A church bulletin insert on the malaria initiative can be downloaded from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) under the "resource" link. Additional details and links can be found at http://gbgm-umc.org/global_news/full_article.cfm?articleid=3615.

 

 

CCIH KEY PARTICIPANT IN SEARCH FOR COMMON GROUND ON CONTROVERSIAL AIDS ISSUES

Ray Martin, CCIH executive director, is a member of the Advisory Committee formed by Search for Common Ground (www.sfcg.org), to guide a process of dialogue and discussion on controversial issues in AIDS in an effort to identify areas of common interest where cooperation can be fostered. The purpose of the initial meeting of the full group, which includes participants from the left, middle, and right of the political and ideological spectrum, was to give participants an opportunity to get to know each other, to define the parameters of a common ground process, including an agreement on ground rules, and to design a work plan based on the importance and potential for common ground of the issues on the table. The group agreed that a common ground process would be valuable for both core issues that are deeply dividing the HIV/AIDS community and issues where general common ground exists but where subset issues may warrant further discussion. The group could not however come to an agreement on which issue to start with and the Advisory Committee was accordingly tasked with issuing a proposal on that to the rest of the group for the next meeting. It was emphasized that the right balance of organizations needed to be present at the table and further efforts will be made to ensure that balance at all times.

The CCIH board authorized Martin to sign the common ground statement, entitled “ The time has come for common ground on preventing sexual transmission of HIV,” which was published in The Lancet in November 2004.

 

CCIH CO-SPONSORS BRIEFING AT GLOBAL HEALTH COUNCIL 

On Tuesday, October 18 CCIH and the Global Health Council held a briefing on the Role of Religious Groups in the Rx For Survival Campaign. Over forty people registered for the event. The rich mix of participants represented private individuals, students, and members of various private, governmental and international agencies. They were treated to an overview of the campaign's many aspects and even saw a short clip about the PBS series Rx For Survival. A discussion led by CCIH's Ray Martin and Pauline Muchina of the GHC centered around the various avenues of action open to people of faith, both as individuals and as members of groups, to address global child health. Linda Bales of the United Methodist Church offered example of what UMC is doing to support the campaign. Concerns were expressed by participants that the campaign should go beyond highlighting the diseases and their cures to the reasons there are so many people, particularly children, at risk in the world. While this is acknowledged, the hope is that the studies, sermons, written material, etc that are generated by the campaign will tackle these more sensitive issues.

 

 

CCIH MEMBERS RESPOND IMMEDIATELY TO NEEDS OF OCTOBER 8 EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

 

The earthquake which struck the Southern Asian Sub-continent on October 8 left over 3 million people homeless, mostly in Pakistan, with over 80,000 dead. While searching for news of the relief efforts on the internet, it was pleasing to see the names of several CCIH member organizations among those noted for their immediate response and long-term commitment to helping those affected by the earthquake. Among these organizations are:

World Vision- World Vision was able to ship almost immediately 300 tons of emergency supplies including medical supplies, tents water and burial clothes. A medical team from Korea was sent. Child Friendly Spaces are being developed to provide a safe place for children as well as a venue for teaching hygiene and safety messages that can reach the whole family.

Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) - CRWRC is working through partner agencies it identified after the 2001 earthquake in the same area. Medicines, food, water and shelter were sent immediately and long-term plans include a building program.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) - CRS shipped supplies to benefit 50,000 people within a few days. Four new offices were opened in the area to ensure "effective, rapid and culturally sound relief efforts" as well as long-term recovery efforts.

Adventist Relief and Development Agency (ADRA) - In addition to on-going relief supplies, ADRA sent $85,000 worth of medical supplies, with another $1 million scheduled, and it solicited $500 worth of medicines from Pakistan International Airlines. Medical teams have been sent out, each treating 1000 people for 3 months. Local religious leaders praised the teams for treating the patients with dignity.

 

3. GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

 

 

USAID RFA FOR PROMOTING POPULATION AND FAMILY HEALTH IN BENIN

 

USAID is seeking applications from organizations for a cooperative agreement to fund a program entitled “Promoting Population and Family Health in Benin.” Please refer to the Program Description for a complete statement of goals and expected results. The deadline is Nov 9.

For more information, go to http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/AID/OM/BEN/680-05-027/listing.html.

 

FUND FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ON HIV/AIDS, MALARIA AND TB

Fund Number:   2914
Fund Title: Research and Development to Fight Three Major Communicable Diseases: HIV/AIDS, Malaria and TB

Estimated Total Award: $67,000,000.00
The European Commission is calling for proposals for clinical research projects to address the three diseases; HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and TB. Their focus is on developing new effective interventions against three diseases from early discovery through pre-clinical testing and up to early human trials. Development of new Malaria vaccine candidates and establishment of networks for HIVAIDS vaccines/ microbicides and therapeutic clinical trials are the main topics in this call. Additionally, cross-cutting topics focus on host/vector-pathogen interaction and undesirable consequences of drugs and vaccines poverty-related diseases. The deadline is Nov 9.

For more information, go to http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/display/FundDisplay.asp?FundNbr=2914.

 

HRSA RFA FOR INTERNATIONAL AIDS EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTER

The purpose of the International AIDS Education and Training Center is to assist countries in Africa, Asia Latin America and the Caribbean LAC, heavily affected by HIV/AIDS with developing systems of care to increase capacity for sustainable high quality comprehensive HIV primary care, and support service delivery to people living with HIVAIDS. The IAETC will enhance skills and training capacity in the areas of prevention care and treatment of HIV disease, including the prevention of perinatal transmission of the disease, treatment of opportunistic infections, appropriate use of antiretroviral therapy and implementation of community home based care. The deadline is Nov 14.

For more information, go to http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/HHS/HRSA/GAC/HRSA-06-070/listing.html.

 

USAID RFA PROMOTING ABSTINENCE, FAITHFULNESS AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY NORMS AND BEHAVIORS IN MOZAMBIQUE

USAID intends to award two or three Cooperative Agreements not extending beyond September 30, 2008 and provide a total of approximately US $1,810,000.00 in USAID funding for the first year of award. Specifically, this project aims to strengthen primary prevention efforts in Mozambique and calls for proposals to expand activities that support abstinence until marriage, delayed age of sexual debut, faithfulness, and avoidance of unhealthy sexual behaviors among and affecting youth. The deadline is Nov 21.

For more information, go to http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/AID/OM/MOZ/656-06-003/listing.html

 

USAID RFA FOR FY 2006 CHILD SURVIVAL AND HEALTH GRANTS PROGRAM (CSHGP)

USAID's Global Health Bureau, Office of Health, Infections Disease and Nutrition(GH/HIDN) is seeking applications from U.S. Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs)and U.S. Non-Profit, Non-Governmental Organizations, engaged in international health and development, to implement activities under the Child Survival and Health Grants Program(CSHGP). The deadline is Nov 21.

For more information, go to http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/AID/OP/WAS/M-OAA-GH-HSR-06-001/listing.html.

 

USAID RFA FOR ADVANCING SURVEILLANCE, POLICIES, PREVENTION, TREATMENT, CARE AND SUPPORT TO FIGHT HIV/AIDS

In this new phase of the HIV/AIDS program in Nepal, USAID plans to sustain the successes of the program to date including: promoting strong local ownership and building capacity in the public sector to oversee HIV/AIDS services; encouraging and supporting more public-private partnerships; implementing targeted behavior change activities in close collaboration with all partners involved in HIV/AIDS programs; and optimizing coordination among all partners involved in research, surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation to track progress and monitor trends. Estimated Total Program Funding: $14,715,000.00. The deadline is Nov 22.

For more information, go to http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/AID/OM/NEP/367-06-001/Attachments.html.

 

CDC FUND: AIDS INTERNATIONAL TRAINING AND RESEARCH PROGRAM

Fund Number:   2862
Fund Title: AIDS International Training and Research Program

Estimated Total Program Funding: $5,600,000.00.
The purpose of this announcement is to invite applications from eligible institutions for innovative, collaborative training programs that would contribute to the long-term goal of building sustainable research capacity in HIV/AIDS and HIV-related conditions at institutions with which they have ongoing research collaborations, in low- and middle-income countries. These research-training programs will strengthen scientific knowledge and skills to enhance prevention of, and treatment and care for, HIV/AIDS and HIV-related conditions in these countries.

 

The deadline to submit a letter of intent is Nov 21, 2007.

 

For more information, go to http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/display/FundDisplay.asp?FundNbr=2862

 

 

 

CDC FUND FOR GLOBAL RESEARCH TRAINING IN POPULATION HEALTH

 

Fund Number:   2922

Fund Title: Global Research Training in Population Health

Estimated Total Program Funding: $1,500,000.00
The Fogarty International Center (FIC), in collaboration with the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) of the National Institutes of Health, invites applications from non-profit public or private institutions in the U.S. and low- and middle-income countries,to support advanced international research training in population health sciences. Emphasis will be placed on collaborative activities in countries and regions where population growth adversely impacts public health, the environment and economic progress. Interdisciplinary and translational research approaches are especially encouraged. The deadline is Jan 13,2006.

 

For more information, go to http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/display/FundDisplay.asp?FundNbr=2922

 

CDC FUND: W.K. KELLOGG FOUNDATION

Fund Number:   2924
Fund Title: W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grants

Estimated Total Program Funding: Not established
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. There is no deadline.

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

 

KENYA RFA EXPECTED FOR AIDS, POPULATION, AND HEALTH INTEGRATED ASSISTANCE PROJECT

Although not yet formally issued, an RFA is expected soon for a large health project in Kenya. It is anticipated that this AIDS, Population, and Health Integrated Assistance Program (APHIA II) will be a five-year initiative that will address HIV/AIDS and TB prevention services, treatment, care and support and, to a lesser extent, reproductive health/family planning, malaria, and maternal and child health services. 

 

USAID - AIDS SUPPORT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE RESOURCES (AIDSTAR) PROGRAM

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.

For more information, click here.

 

DFID CHALLENGE FUND FOR HIV/AIDS (INDIA)

The Programme Management Organisation (PMO) has been contracted by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) to set up and manage a Challenge Fund for HIV and AIDS to support the national response to HIV and AIDS. The Challenge Fund has been established as part of the agreement with the Government of India to support its National AIDS Control Programme (NACP II). It is part of the technical package which complements existing financial support through the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO).

 

For more information go to http://pmo-hiv.org/challenge_fund.html.

 

 

4. OTHER NEWS AND RESOURCES