ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan faces significant funding cuts under the Global Fund’s Grant Cycle 7 (GC7), concerns mount over potential setbacks in the country’s fight against HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria. These financial reductions threaten the continuation of community-led, rights-based services crucial for the health and dignity of marginalized populations.
Despite GC7’s guidance on community engagement, the funding prioritization process in Pakistan involved limited consultation with those most affected. In response, communities have mobilized to ensure their participation in decision-making processes.
The Association of People Living with HIV-Pakistan (APLHIV), in partnership with the Asia-Pacific Council of AIDS Service Organizations (APCASO), organized a national consultation. This community-led initiative aimed to prioritize the voices of those living with and affected by HIV, TB, and Malaria.
The event gathered diverse stakeholders, including leaders of key populations, individuals living with the diseases, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, and members of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM). The consultation emphasized the impact of funding cuts on vulnerable communities and advocated for the protection of essential services.
APCASO Executive Director Ms. RD Marte and UNAIDS Country Director for Pakistan Mr. Trouble Chikoko attended the event, highlighting the need for justice, inclusion, and equity in health systems.
A significant outcome was the endorsement of the “GC7 Reprioritization: Islamabad Statement 2025 by Communities and Civil Society.” Supported by seven CCM members and various networks, this statement presents urgent demands to safeguard community-led services.
The Islamabad Statement serves as a collective act of resistance, emphasizing that health governance must be inclusive and rights-based. It asserts, “Health is a right. Community leadership is a necessity. Nothing about us without us.”
As this critical moment unfolds, it is imperative for all stakeholders to acknowledge and support the vital role of communities in achieving effective and equitable health outcomes.