IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS, THE GLOBAL FUND TO FIGHT AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS, AND MALARIA HAS INVESTED MORE THAN $400 MILLION IN PROGRAMS IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN ARE WE SURE THAT THESE PROGRAMS ARE REALLY BENEFITTING OUR COMMUNITITIES? Created in 2001 by the United Nations, The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is a novel mechanism of financing programs, based on monetary contributions from various countries. This financing is based on the results of the implementation of complementary programs, which were created as national responses to the three diseases. The fundamental philosophy behind the construction of the Global Fund is to make the money collected work for the affected communities, through programs and mechanisms that respond to the comprehensive needs, treatment, and prevention of those affected. This will transform these communities into the principle figures in the implementation of these programs. Despite these intentions, we have found that, after five rounds of funding, that the role of the civil society, and the communities living with the disease, are not a clear front for the implementers and Principle Receivers (PR) at the local level. Established mechanisms do not exist to facilitate surveillance, and there is no social control to guarantee access to resources. At the 2005 Central American Conference for AIDS, held in San Salvador, AID FOR AIDS facilitated a series of discussions between members of the Latin American Civil Society. It was evident during these discussions, that there was a need to develop a system of surveillance or social observation that allowed for monitoring and improved efficiency in the local programs financed by the Global Fund. Specific areas of interest included: Development of the Country Coordinator Mechanisms (CCMs) and participation of people living with HIV Performance and role of the Principal Recipients (PRs). Mechanisms of acquisition and distribution of medication and medical supplies, including prices and quality of the goods. Monitoring access to treatment and integral attention: How many people receive treatment and care? Communication between the Global Fund and Civil Society. The LATIN OBSERVATORY is a program at AID FOR AIDS that allows the CCMs and people living with HIV and Tuberculosis to: Share experiences and lessons on ways to improve the implementation of National Programs financed by the Global Fund Raise "early warnings" about difficulties in the development of programs, and resource handling by governments and the individuals implementing the programs. Establish continuous mechanisms of communication with the Global Fund. Spread information on the progress or bottle necks in access to treatment, treatment coverage, or prevention for HIV and Tuberculosis. The objective of the program is to help improve the efficiency of programs funded through the Global Fund, and increase the participation of the communities living with the diseases. We address all of the concerns of those affected, through information dissemination and social monitoring. HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE LATIN OBSERVATORY? Apply to collaborate as a point-person for communication in your country. Visit and provide feedback on the information provided at our website: www.observatoriolatino.org Communicate with the Advocacy Program at AFA: enrique.chavez@aidforaids.org WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE LATIN OBSERVATORY? The Latin Observatory program is directed at: People living with HIV and people affected Members of the Country Coordinating Mechanisms (CCMs) Principal Recipients and Country Implementers Cooperating Technical Agencies Community activists for HIV/AIDS and TB