On April 27, 2022, FGFJ hosted the third webinar in a three-part series on the “Global Fund in the COVID-19 era,” in partnership with Friends of the Global Fight (US) and Friends of the Global Fund Europe. The event featured Motoko Seko as the moderator, and Ayo Ipinmoye, Anu Karunanithy, and Carol Nawina as guess speakers who discussed the vital role of community health workers (CHWs) in Nigeria, Malaysia, and Zambia in their health systems and COVID-19 response. They also highlighted how the Global Fund supports and empowers CHWs to strengthen health systems and prepare for future pandemics.
Ms. Emina Rye-Florentz opened the event by discussing how CHWs are critical actors and an essential component of a health system in the pursuit of universal health coverage (UHC). She noted that, where healthcare is scarce, CHWs are often the first to be aware of emerging issues, including during the COVID-19 pandemic but also during the persistent pandemics of AIDS, TB, and malaria (ATM). Ms. Motoko Seko provided additional introductory remarks as the moderator, and introduced the speakers of the discussion.
Ms. Karunanithy shared her experience as an outreach worker and now as a handler for key populations. She discussed how the Global Fund aided in helping funds to be used towards humanitarian aid to key populations in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also noted how the Global Fund engages with country coordination mechanisms (CCMs) and NGOs at the state level to ensure communities are served. Mr. Ipinmoye described how the COVID-19 pandemic altered health system workflows, and that community-led monitoring programs through the Global Fund has helped CHWs promote community involvement and raise additional funds.
Ms. Nawina spoke of the importance of CHWs in connecting to an entire community through multiple systems (law enforcement, neighborhood watch, etc.) to ensure everyone is aware during a public health crisis. During the Q&A discussion, speakers highlighted the importance of community-led monitoring, as well as the importance of distinguishing the roles of CHWs within and around clinics and health facilities. The speakers concluded the session in mutual understanding about the essential roles of CHWs within communities, as well as how the Global Fund is able to rely on the accountability and sustainability of services thanks to the efforts of CHWs.
To view the video of the webinar, please click below.
Event Details
ORGANIZERS: Friends of the Global Fund, Japan
CO-ORGANIZERS: Friends of the Global Fight and Friends of the Global Fund, Europe
SPEAKERS:
– Emina Rye-Florentz, Executive Director, Fund for the Global Fund (United Kingdom; Introduction)
– Motoko Seko, Senior Lecturer, Eikei University of Hiroshima; Member, Global Fund Technical Review Panel (Japan; moderator)
– Ayo Ipinmoye, National Coordinator of Civil Society, Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN); 2nd Vice Chair of the Global Fund CCM (Nigeria)
– Anu Karunanithy, Partnership and Special Initiatives Manager, Malaysian AIDS Council; Delegation member, developing country NGOs, Global Fund board (Malaysia)
– Carol Nawina, National Coordinator, Community Initiative for Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and Malaria (CITAM+) (Zambia)
