Lost in Transition: Three Case Studies of Global Fund Withdrawal in South Eastern Europe

This publication provides three case studies of the transition to domestic financing of HIV response in South Eastern Europe after the withdrawal of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. These case studies—of Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia—are intended as a resource for funders, advocates, and policymakers interested in supporting civil society–led efforts and partnerships with government to ensure the sustainability of services during and after transition.

 

The case studies illustrate the challenges of the transition process and highlight the need for external donors to make targeted investments in countries facing Global Fund withdrawal. Sustainability bridge funding, in the form of time-bound grants to civil society organizations in countries no longer eligible for Global Fund support or about to transition, have the potential to mitigate service interruptions and ensure civil society has a voice in the budget process as these countries take over responsibility for funding HIV response.