CCM Engages Eastern Province Stakeholders on Global Fund Programmes

Chipata, Eastern Province | 15–19 June 2026

The Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) conducted a five-day stakeholder engagement meeting in Chipata District, Eastern Province from 15 to 19 June 2026. The meeting aimed at gathering feedback and submissions from communities on the implementation and impact of Global Fund-supported interventions targeting HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria.

The engagement was structured to include nine constituencies: Women, Youth, People Living with HIV (PLHIV), Tuberculosis clients, Local Non-Governmental Organisations, Persons with Disabilities, Faith-Based Organisations, Key Populations, and the Private Sector. The final day brought together two representatives from each constituency alongside participants from other districts across the province to consolidate issues and validate key recommendations.

A range of concerns were raised across the constituencies. Women highlighted gender inequality, economic hardship, child marriages, and gender-based violence as key drivers of HIV vulnerability. Youth raised concerns about early sexual debut, low uptake of prevention services, and inadequate use of youth-friendly communication platforms. PLHIV identified self-stigma, late diagnosis, and emerging drug resistance as persistent barriers to timely testing and treatment. TB clients reported drug shortages, long distances to health facilities, and the impact of alcohol and substance abuse on treatment adherence.

Local NGOs and Faith-Based Organisations called for greater investment in community-led interventions, stronger multi-sectoral collaboration, and capacity building for community-based structures. Persons with Disabilities emphasised the need for inclusive and equitable access to health information and services, while Key Populations raised concerns about stigma, discrimination, and limited access to HIV prevention services. The Private Sector acknowledged the importance of workplace-based programmes and improved stakeholder coordination.

Across all constituencies, a common call emerged for enhanced collaboration, increased community participation, strengthened health systems, and sustained investment in prevention, treatment, and support services. Stakeholders expressed appreciation for Global Fund programme support while identifying areas requiring improvement to ensure services remain responsive to community needs.

The feedback and submissions received will inform future Global Fund-supported programming and contribute to strengthening the effectiveness of HIV, TB, and Malaria interventions across Eastern Province and the country at large.

 

Photos from the CCM Eastern Province stakeholders’ engagement on Global Fund Programmes

   

For more information, contact the NAC Communications Office