At a time when HIV is still spreading steadily across the globe, we are also witnessing progress in controlling this deadly disease. Responses to the AIDS epidemic have grown and improved considerably over the last few years. The objective of this E-bulletin is to circulate AIDS-related news, publications, literature and research to affiliated unions and others working in this field. It is a part of our new Global HIV/AIDS project, which is targeting ITF affiliates all over the globe. Get involved! For further information and queries please contact Dr. Syed Asif Altaf, Global HIV/AIDS Project Coordinator, Altaf_Asif@itf.org.uk or the Regional Education Coordinator in your ITF region, ITF Education Department: education@itf.org.uk .

This issue of the E-bulletin will look at the Call for Global fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Round 8 proposals and possible trade union participation. The issue will also have two poems written by Sibusisiwe Moyo, Zimbabwe Amalgamated Railwaymen’s union that reflects different social aspect of the HIV epidemic.

Call for Global fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Round 8 proposals and possible trade union participation

The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has recently announced the call for Round 8 proposals. In this 8th round funding, the Global Fund has also put into place new measures for civil society organizations including trade unions to be more involved in country coordinating mechanism (CCMs) and grant management. The Global Fund has also revised its CCM guidelines to encourage countries to have individuals representing key affected populations as members of the CCMs; new guideline on the participation of these groups now appear in the proposal submission form and guidelines. In addition, the Global Fund has simplified access to CCM funding to better support CCMs to communicate and operate more effectively, including for the needs of civil society members of the CCMs. The last date for submission of the proposals is July 1, 2008. The application form and support documents are available at www.theglobalfund.org/en/apply/call8
   
The Global fund secretariat will review all the proposals for completeness and to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria. All the proposals should;

• Support the scale-up of effective existing interventions and/or bring innovative approaches to prevention, treatment, care and support services
• Clearly demonstrate how the resources are in addition to existing resources and
• Complement and support national strategies for the diseases applied for.
  

 
The vast majority of the people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are engaged in productive activity. Responding successfully to the HIV epidemic requires action from the widest possible range of participants. The workplace – and the workplace partners, employers and trade unions – is a key entry point for prevention, care and support, as well as the protection of rights. In the foreword to a recent report in the UNAIDS Best Practice Collection, Global Reach: how trade unions are responding to AIDS – Case studies of union action, Dr Peter Piot, Executive Director UNAIDS, says, “Successful HIV programmes in the workplace provide ripples of benefit to much wider communities.” He also spoke about “the crucial role” the trade union movement plays within the global response.

The most significant new feature in Round 8 is the scope of civil society organizations to take part in this round with Principal Recipients (PRs) as one from the government sector and one (or more) from the various non-government sectors, including the private sector and trade unions (dual-track financing). It gives the opportunity for you to build alliances with companies, and NGOs to develop joint workplace interventions and lobby with country coordinating mechanisms (CCMs).

Get in touch with GTZ, Solidarity Centre, ILO, UNAIDS, WHO, international trade unions solidarity centres and other national and international development agencies offices in your country, they might help you to find the right partner and collaborator for an effective workplace intervention. You can always contact the ITF Global HIV/AIDS Coordinator at Altaf_Asif@itf.org.uk for further information and help.
    

Poems written by Sibusisiwe Moyo, Zimbabwe Amalgamated Railwaymen’s Union    

What is AIDS?
American ways of discouraging sex
That is what we called you
We did not believe you when you said,
You have come to stay and destroy
Where you choose to stay
Is the heart of every man and woman
It was where joy to all is
It was where a man among men worshipped
It is the source of all kinds of pleasure
Yet, AIDS you have really done what you came for

The name AIDS was translated in many versions
But did not change your mission
You destroyed the rich and the poor
You made everyone feel your presence
You came with such force that shocked everyone
Your havoc has left us with no words

AIDS we are not going to fear you anymore
We are going to approach you face to face
You are not going to scare us anymore
You will leave us AIDS
You will destroy none
We are determined to conquer you AIDS


Tears of Orphans

I sleep in the street
I eat in bins
I bath in Mukuvisi
I am called names
I have no mother and father
I am sick
No hospital, no clinic wants me
I am street kid
Oh! AIDS what you have done to us  

We have learnt to look after one another
We are children, we need love, care and support
Do not treat us like unwanted animals
Give us shelter, food and education
We did not choose to be in this situation

Once we had both parents
We had homes
We were going to schools
We were loved by our relatives
We had food, shelter and education
We are the comforters of ourselves
We safeguard our territory
We protect the youngest from the fortunate