Regional Platforms for Communication and Coordination (since 2024 also known as Regional Learning Hubs) were established by the Global Fund in six regions of the world as part of its Community, Rights and Gender Special Initiative (CRG-SI) which was implemented throughout 2014-2016. The work of the Platforms was reaffirmed to be executed throughout 2017-2020 within a 2nd phase of the now called CRG Strategic Initiative, and then in 2021–2023 as part of the Community Engagement Strategic Initiative. The work of the Regional Platforms is currently continuing as part of the new phase of implementation of this Global Fund’s Strategic Initiative until the end of 2026. The EECA Regional Platform has been hosted by the Eurasian Harm Reduction Network (EHRA) sine 2017. The primary objective of the Regional Platforms is facilitating timely access to information and relevant peer-learning and exchange among communities and civil society to strengthen the leadership and engagement of communities most affected by HIV, TB and malaria in Global Fund and related national processes, throughout the grant cycle. In particular, the Learning Hubs will contribute to the following CE SI outcomes: Communities generate and use data to inform advocacy and decision-making. Communities have capacity to mobilize and hold their representatives and decision-makers accountable. Communities access timely and relevant Global Fund-related information. Communities drive program quality based on adoption of global guidance and sharing best practice. Who may approach the Regional Platform and regarding what issues? The Platform’s activities cover the following EECA countries with active Global Fund HIV and/or TB grants: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan. Civil society organizations from these countries are eligible for technical assistance under the Global Fund’s Community Engagement (CE) Technical Assistance Program. Civil society organizations from EECA countries not eligible for Global Fund’s national grants but being a part of the multi-country grant can apply for CE technical assistance as well in the context of their involvement into the implementation of such grants. The Platform is targeted at working with civil society organizations from the above mentioned EECA countries, including: Key population networks and organizations Youth-led networks and organizations Women’s networks and organizations Networks or organizations of people living with HIV or affected by tuberculosis or malaria Civil society networks and organizations led by or working with other affected communities (e.g. migrants, refugees) The Platform’s team will be happy to offer support in strengthening meaningful engagement of civil society and communities’ representatives in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Global Fund-funded programs in EECA, including: – support in accessing the technical assistance for engagement at all stages of the funding cycle, including country dialogue, development of the grant proposals, participation in monitoring and implementation of the grant program, etc. – support in accessing the technical assistance for the engagement in the development, implementation and monitoring of the strategy for the transition to sustainable development of HIV, TB and malaria programs. – support with issues related to the Global Fund’s structure and activities at the global, regional and country levels, its relevant procedures and policies as well as opportunities for civil society and community representatives to participate in relevant Global Fund’s processes. – help to obtain the information on other issues important for ensuring meaningful participation of civil society and community representatives in the Global Fund processes in order to strengthen the efforts against the three diseases in the EECA region. What is the role of the Platform in the context of the CE Technical Assistance Program? One of the aims of the Regional Platform is to raise awareness of civil society and communities about technical assistance opportunities available under the Global Fund’s CE TA Program, and to assist the interested parties in development of the quality TA requests for the CE Technical Assistance. Therefore, if you have any questions about completing the application form, or if you need advice on the possible content and/or quality of the request, please contact the Regional Platform. Also, starting from 2021, the Global Fund requires the applicants to contact the CE Regional Platform in their region for assistance in shaping the request prior to its submission to the Global Fund. At the same time, the Platform’s Team can’t influence in any way whether the request will be approved by the Global Fund Secretariat and which organization – provider of technical assistance – will be assigned to your request. Contact EECA Platform Please address any questions regarding the work of the Platform or about the Global Fund’s CE Technical Assistance Program at eecaplatform@harmreductioneurasia.org Follow us on the Platform’s Facebook Page as well as join the EECA Regional Platform Facebook group.