To be noted in 2007:

● Acceptance of the proposal for funding in "Round 7" of the Global Fund, supported by Solthis. Solthis will be sub-beneficiary for "training" and "short-term technical assistance."
● Free medical care for HIV-positive patients written into the law on HIV/AIDS, adopted in April 2007.
● Support for planning of more extensive patient treatment in Niger.
● Ongoing training program for members of the NGO Rail/AIDS.
● Partnership with Epicentre for a study on the prevalence of all infections in severely malnourished children.

Throughout 2007, regular meetings were held with the Ministry of Public Health and the Intersectorial Coordination of the Fight Against AIDS (CISLS) to facilitate implementation of the National Initiative for Access to ARV (INAARV).

At the same time as these institutional collaborations, Solthis strengthened its links with the Medical School in Niamey, in particular with Prof. Abarchi, dean of the Medical School, to create a University Diploma specialized in HIV/AIDS in Niger. Solthis will be one of the partners in this national training program and provide support in two areas: drafting a final project and defining the main training modules.

Participation in workshops and conferences:
The different members of Solthis participated in several workshops. Here are a few examples which were important in terms of technical support:

● National Health Committee: initial review of the healthcare sector with all partners, validation of Annual Action Plans
● Workshop on universal access to treatment: with the goal of providing ARVs to 80% of patients in need, or 4,800 patients, by 2011
● Drafting a multisectorial strategic plan
● Global Fund/ WHO/UNAIDS training workshop for improving expertise in drafting proposals for Round 7
● UNAIDS Workshop on the preparation of regional plans for the fight against AIDS
● Workshop organized by the Public Health Minister with all the health NGOs (national and international)
● UNGASS workshop: drafting the first UNGASS Report in Niger
● "Women and HIV" presentation for a workshop organized by the GEPS (Gender, Environment, Poverty, Health) for local elected officials and Ministerial focal points for HIV

Role of Solthis in the CCM (national mechanism for the coordination of projects financed by the World Fund)
As a representative of International NGOs, Solthis, Niger has been an active elected member of the CCM Niger for three years. Within this framework, our team helped draft the proposal to obtain additional funding within the framework of the new call to proposals for 2008-2012.

Support of Local NGOs

Solthis Niger is very involved in the support of NGOs both in Niamey and Zinder
Besides supporting the testing centers in Niamey, Solthis also supports the RENIP+ network to help:
● Obtain solidarity funds from PNUD and UNICEF for the biological follow-up of patients in Niamey
● Develop projects to strengthen the network.