Bihskek, Kyrgyzstan (January 31, 2012) – On January 29 in the UNDP team managing the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) met with representatives of civil society organizations in the UN House. Main goal of the meeting was to come to consensus and strengthening of cooperation in implementation of activities within grants on AIDS.

The meeting was chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan Alexander Avanessov. There were more than 50 people, including representatives of five main NGOs that work in five key directions. NGOs represented almost all regions of the Kyrgyz Republic except for Talas and Batken provinces.

In his opening remarks Mr. Avanessov noted that as a result of UNDP’s work as a principal recipient of Global Fund grants, drugs and other medical utilities are purchase at lower prices. As the financing from the fund arrived late, UNDP put in its own funds in order to prevent disruption in treatment and other programmes.

Ms. Anna Chernysheva, manager of the project that implements GFATM grants, informed participants about completing review of presented materials and distribution of finances for the work done by NGOs during the period when finances were belated.

Moreover, participants discussed possibilities of expanding the ranges of services, particularly with regards to access to legal assistance for various groups. Participants also asked to speed up the process of signing contracts.

In conclusion, it was decided to open a section on the website of the Country Coordination Committee for fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, and continue presenting the most pressing issues to the secretariat of the Committee and other interested parties. Besides, it was noted that such meetings will be held regularly so that implementing partners and beneficiaries of the project can obtain latest information and provide their opinion on the implementation process.