About us
The Civil Society Institute for HIV and Health in West and Central Africa is a regional mechanism for consultation, coordination and synergy.
We understand that technology alone will not solve the AIDS epidemic, but that people and communities will continue to be at the heart of this fight, especially as we combat stigma, discrimination and legal barriers to health and rights. Furthermore, we believe that communities are best equipped to formulate their own needs, priorities and solutions. Thus, our advocacy work promotes the leadership of civil society and key populations in the effort to end AIDS.
We do this through collaborative partnerships with individuals and organisations in all regions and in various sectors, always with the aim of serving and empowering communities.
Vision
& Mission
TheInstitute's vision is to end the HIV epidemic and develop a sustainable health response system, with the contribution of civil society and communities, ultimately achieving universal access to health care and promoting human rights.
The Institute's mission is to develop an effective and sustainable health response in West and Central Africa through a regional mechanism for consultation, coordination and synergy of civil society organisations working in the health sector.
The principle of greater involvement and meaningful engagement of people living with HIV is central to our approach. As described by UNAIDS:
"It is a principle that aims to realise the rights and responsibilities of people living with HIV, including their right to self-determination and participation in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Objectives
Ensure the visibility and representation of West and Central African CSOs in national, regional and global fora and frameworks in order to actively participate in decision-making processes on key health issues in West and Central Africa.
Promote, influence and monitor the implementation of more effective and efficient health policies that value the contribution of WCA CSOs (anticipation, warning, strategic information, monitoring body).
Promote and monitor the implementation of more effective and inclusive health financing mechanisms that fund CSO contributions in the WCA region and mobilise contributions at global, regional, sub-regional and national levels.
Strengthen the coherence, synergy and quality of CSO health interventions through the development of partnerships, exchanges, knowledge management (sharing of know-how and good practices) and the creation of a resource centre that identifies, promotes and supports community innovation and expertise in WCA (e.g. mentoring, rostering of experts, sharing of best practices), promotes innovative and high-impact interventions, and advocates for community initiatives.
Optimise/pool the use of resources (human, financial and technical) to strengthen the contribution of CSOs to the health response in WCA, and implement sustainability and transition plans for capacity building.