Issues that were discussed include:
- Planning for the group consultative meeting scheduled for March 2009
- Financing the activities in the preliminary action plan
Planning for the group consultative meeting scheduled in March
During the two previous meetings amongst MFI and AIDS service organisations, consensus was reached on the fact that People Living with HIV should be linked to microfinance services not only as a vulnerable group but moreover to enable them to increase access to financial capital.
The planned meeting in March (proposed date March 2009) should be an opportunity to:
- Gather more information on the current situation of the access to financial capital for PLHIV
- Formal establishment of the network
- Agree on a work plan for 2009
- Define roles and responsibilities of local partners and HIVOS and STOP AIDS NOW!
- The local partners in the network expressed their wish to have a representation of HIVOS and STOP AIDS NOW! during the meeting in March
- The idea is to also invite other practitioners with experiences in linking Microfinance and HIV for experience sharing
- Members of the network working with PLHIV will invite PLHIV to present case studies
Developing a concept note
In preparation for the March meeting, it is proposed that a concept note for the network will be initiated and discussed within the steering committee prior to submission to HIVOS and STOP AIDS NOW!
Proposed time line for the concept note:
- Members of the steering committee (at least 5) who can conveniently organise and meet to develop the concept note in Mwanza 10-15 February 2009.Members requested to attend: ACORD, BRAC, FAIDERS, KADERES, PRIDE and YADEC.
- Circulate the concept note to all steering committee members and receive feedback by 20 February 2009.
- Submit the concept note to HIVOS and STOP AIDS NOW! by 25 February 2009.
Financing the activities and logistical support
The meeting agreed that KADERES prepares a financial request and submit it to HIVOS and STOP AIDS NOW! in the Netherlands by the beginning of February 2009. The funds are meant for two events: Brainstorming and the preparation of the concept paper during the steering committee meeting in March.
