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We are proud to announce that MENAHRA (Middle East and North Africa Harm Reduction Association) and MENA Rosa are now hosting the “Learning Hub – MENA academy for the period of 2024-2026 which is supported by the Community Engagement Strategic Initiative of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund).
This initiative, which is in its 4th cycle, is part of the broader efforts of the Global Fund to enhance the capacity and engagement of communities living with, affected by, and/or vulnerable to HIV, TB and Malaria in Global Fund and related processes. The MENA Learning Hub aims to serve as a central resource for education, collaboration, and sharing learnings across communities and civil society in the region to strengthen their engagement in the fight against these public health challenges.
What are the learning hubs?
Hosting of MENA Learning Hub underscores the commitment of MENAHRA and MENA Rosa to support communities and civil society to address pressing health issues in the MENA region. By hosting the MENA Learning Hub, these organizations are taking a significant step towards building a resilient, informed, and proactive community capable of influencing and improving public health outcomes. We look forward to the positive impact this initiative will have on the region and the enhanced collaboration it will foster among stakeholders.
Ahead of the Middle East Response regional 7-country grant (Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, Yemen) and in anticipation of the Multi-country MENA catalytic fund for key populations, it is an opportune time for the MENA Learning Hub to position itself as an integral platform for knowledge and capacity exchange amongst CSOs and community implementers in the Arabic-speaking region. The MENA Learning Hub aims to become a vital safe space for CSOs in the responses to HIV, TB as well as malaria to share best practices.
Activities under the Learning Hub will kick off with a comprehensive Learning Needs Assessment in MENA region to understand learning needs and gaps among HIV, TB and malaria communities. The assessment will evaluate current knowledge, skills, and resources related to engagement in Global Fund and related processes. This initiative is essential to ensure that support and training are tailored to the unique needs of these communities, empowering them to effectively contribute to and benefit from Global Fund initiatives.
The MENA Learning Hub will also facilitate a series of webinars, training sessions and workshops based on the findings of the needs assessment. These activities aim to build capacity, enhance advocacy skills, and improve the overall engagement of civil society in addressing HIV, TB and malaria. By fostering a well-informed and active community, the Learning Hub will contribute to more effective and sustainable health interventions in the region.
Who is the MENA Learning Hub for?
If you are a Civil Society Organization or a Community Based Organization supported by Global Fund or part of a multi-country grant in the MENA Region, then the MENA Learning Hub is for you!
MENA Regional Learning Hubs’ role
- Identify Learning Needs: Conduct surveys to pinpoint learning needs among communities affected by HIV, TB, and malaria for better engagement in Global Fund processes.
- Share Updates: Disseminate the latest information relevant to community engagement in Global Fund processes through webinars and newsletters.
- Foster Learning: Unite community representatives, technical partners, and stakeholders to exchange insights via webinars, meetings, and scientific events.
- Access Technical Assistance: Aid communities in accessing technical assistance from the Global Fund and other TA mechanisms by sharing TA opportunities and facilitating and supporting the application processes.
- Rapid Engagement Support: Provide in-country community engagement support through small grants.
- Highlight Success Stories: Craft case studies to spotlight effective community engagement practices and lessons learned.
How can you engage with MENA Regional Learning Hub?
- Explore: Get to know the MENA Learning Hub, visit the website, reach out to the coordinator (added below).
- Connect: Subscribe to newsletters, follow on Facebook, and join the WhatsApp group.
- Apply: Seek TA for community engagement through our Learning Hub.
- Contribute: Propose regionally relevant inputs and best practices to the Learning Hub to feature in its work.
- Participate: Join virtual and in-person learning events.
- Request: Seek support for attending scientific sessions related to community engagement
You can reach us by contacting: mena.academy@learning-hub.com
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