Meaningful engagement between funders and beneficiaries charts a real path to progress

On March 3, 2025, a vital exchange took place in Cape Town between representatives from the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Technical Support Unit (TSU) and the Global Fund at the SANPUD offices. The true essence of this collaboration lies in the need for meaningful engagement between funders and beneficiaries, as it ultimately shapes how they navigate their shared mission to improve the lives of people who use drugs (PWUD).

Progress and Expansion of the CLM ProgrammeThe SANPUD Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Coordinator delivered a compelling Year 3 progress update, revealing the transformation of the Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) programme. Initially focused on monitoring harm reduction centres, the programme expanded in its third year to include broader community healthcare facilities. This proactive step provided an opportunity to identify hotspots and accurately mapping the services available in different districts to improve the reach, affordability, accessibility, acceptability, and availability of quality services.​Identifying and Overcoming ChallengesHowever, the coordinator pinpointed a significant hurdle: the lack of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) restricted some monitors from engaging with facility managers. Despite this, many monitors successfully conducted their activities, thanks to the solid relationships nurtured prior to the project. As the M&E Coordinator noted, “The more we collaborate, the better we understand where the gaps are.” Yet, challenges arose when reflecting on contracting delays and the absence of pivotal MOUs. As discussions unfolded, the absence of proper documentation became a significant point of contention.

The Importance of Data Collection and FeedbackA crucial part of this dialogue also revolved around data collection and feedback mechanisms. The CLM Coordinator underscored the importance of weekly update meetings, where community monitors shared their experiences and frustrations. This exchange highlighted a critical concept: participation fosters ownership. “When monitors speak up, it helps us chart the way forward,” the coordinator explained, reinforcing the idea that inclusive communication drives the momentum for progress.​Addressing Practical Implementation ChallengesAt the beginning, certain technical issues posed significant practical implementation challenges for the CLM, delaying SANPUD's ability to analyse data and identify critical advocacy issues. This initially required manual data analysis. Despite these hurdles, SANPUD adeptly organised and executed advocacy events across six districts in the last quarter of 2024, showcasing their commitment to addressing the needs of the community. Additionally, feedback from community monitors revealed issues such as tablet malfunctions and varying community attitudes toward participation; however, through iterative improvements to survey tools and involving PWUD in the design process, SANPUD enhanced usability and fostered a sense of agency within the community.

Seeking Deeper Understanding Through CollaborationA Global Fund representative’s inquiry about a site visit to the TBHIVCare Drop-In Centre (DIC) for firsthand observations emphasised the desire for deeper understanding and connection. As this aligns with SANPUD's vision of fostering transparency and collaboration, the coordinator committed to organising this with the local team. The TSU representative highlighted that collaboration between the Global Fund and PEPFAR programmes not only enhanced advocacy and referral initiatives but also significantly improved access to essential services for the PWUD community.

Ensuring Transparency and Future StepsFurthermore, as an actionable next step, the SANAC TSU will draft a comprehensive report based on the site visit, which will be shared with the CCM to facilitate timely discussions regarding the potential extension of the CLM programme and its associated staffing needs.In conclusion, this meeting at SANPUD was a vital step toward fostering impactful, meaningful relationships between funders and beneficiaries. Through recognising challenges and collaboratively seeking solutions, all parties can ensure that funding translates into real-world benefits.