By Watipaso Mzungu
Civil Society Advocacy Forum on HIV and Other Related Diseases (CSAF) has endorsed Lawrence Phiri as Malawi’s representative in advocating for adequate funding for HIV and Aids and other related conditions and quality and accessible services for recipients of care.
The forum made the endorsement on Saturday under its thematic group of key populations (KPs) at Mount View Lodge in Dedza.
CSAF called the meeting to, among others, identify candidates for Malawi Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (MGFCCM).
In his acceptance remarks, the endorsed KP representative in Malawi said he was delighted for being entrusted with the responsibility.
“I am delighted that I have been entrusted with responsibility to represent the KP at MGFCCM, I assure you all that I will serve the best interest of the community I represent and make sure that I consult my fellow KPs and give feedback after my engagements at the MGFCCM. In a special way, I recognize the work that outgoing representative, Zinenani Lucy Majawa, did in advancing advocacy on issues affecting KPs in MGFCCM. It wasn’t easy, but she stood tall and genuine by not accepting shortcuts,” said Phiri.
CSAF is a network of over 40 organizations whose primary objectives are aimed at advocating for adequate funding for HIV and AIDS and other related conditions and quality and accessible services for recipients of care.
The network is governed by the elected Executive Committee, which comprises the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Vice Secretary and Chairpersons of Key Populations, HIV and Aids treatment, care and support, human rights, gender and structural barriers, sexual reproductive health and rights, financing and social contract, community systems strengthening, resilient, and sustainable systems for health, supply chain, logistics and human resource for health, tuberculosis, malaria and youth.
Others are YFHS, AGYW and ABYM, and Media IEC and Documentation.
Phiri leads a KP-led organization called Lesbian, Intersex and Other Extensions (LITE). Meanwhile, Female Sex Workers Association (FSWA) Board Chairperson, Grace Maonga, a lesbian, has been endorsed as the alternate to Phiri.
CSAF KP Thematic Group exists to share information, experiences and provide strategic direction on KP programming within CSAF and promote advancement on the barriers affecting KPs in access to services.
