Thread by @MMKavanagh

Community-led monitoring tools: check out new @RitshidzeSA resources. Proud to be working with SAfrica PLHIV sector to build data & accountability & now support in growing list of countries
Data + Community Insight + Advocacy can fill #GlobalHealth accountability gaps [THREAD🧵]

https://twitter.com/RitshidzeSA/status/1329013823156736000

Accountability gap in many health systems btwn health services & users/communities undermines QUALITY--particularly acute for criminalized & stigmatized populations. Aid-funded efforts, even bigger gap. Community-led monitoring like @RitshidzeSA aims at that gap/2

Community-led monitoring like @RitshidzeSA & WAfrica @ITPCglobal learn from past efforts & have innovated! Communities use surveys, focus groups, etc, gather info from users & staff of #HIV services. THEN
↪️generate solutions
↪️advocate for change
↪️hold officials accountable
/3

Collecting data, community members gather, interpret, and elevate the voices of the actual users of services, not just what officials in capitals or donor agencies think is important, bringing community insights into the system. /4

Even more important, communities then work together to generate solutions & use advocacy toolbox to push those in power to act & improve. Without advocacy component, little changes. "If data or meetings fixed everything we wouldn't need activists"/5

Check out this story from @RitshidzeSA on addressing stock outs through community monitoring and advocacy... directly addressing the accountability gap, during COVID-19, to address the needs of PLHIV & TB /6
ritshidze.org.za/community-gene…

Particularly powerful is the unity & leadership of the PLHIV sector in South Africa, with @TAC, SANERELA+, @PositiveWN, Positive Action Campaign, @Napwasa working together. Our team @oneillinstitute is glad to walk alongside them /fin

And we're excited to be working alongside colleagues in Malawi, Mozambique, Haiti, Uganda, Kenya, and others who are standing up CLM, building off of work in #PEPFARWatch and other efforts. Inspired!
@manasoMW @CedepMalawi @hepsuganda @HealthGAP @housingworks @amfAR