The Global fund Country Coordinating Mechanism of Ethiopia (CCM/E) conducted the Third Country Dialogue:

The Third Country Dialogue on the GC8 Global Fund Funding Request was conducted on September 15, 2026, in Addis Ababa. More than 60 participants attended the dialogue, representing government institutions, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations (CSOs), bilateral and multilateral partners, Global Fund Country Team members, and other key stakeholders.

The Third Country Dialogue was organized as part of the GC8 Funding Request development process to obtain additional inputs, comments, and recommendations from stakeholders and to further strengthen the Funding Request. The dialogue provided an important platform for reviewing the proposed priorities and interventions and ensuring that diverse stakeholder perspectives were adequately considered in the final application.

Dr. Kassa Hailu, CCM/E Executive Secretary, introduced the agenda for the day and welcomed participants to the third and final Country Dialogue. In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of stakeholder participation throughout the Funding Request development process.

Dr. Girmachew Mamo, CCM/E Vice Chair, delivered the opening remarks and emphasized the importance of the Third Country Dialogue as a platform for broad stakeholder engagement and meaningful participation. He highlighted that the active involvement of stakeholders is essential to enrich the GC8 Funding Request, strengthen the proposed interventions, and ensure that key national priorities and stakeholder perspectives are adequately reflected in the final application.

Following the opening remarks, Dr. Amaha Haile, Lead Consultant, presented an update on the progress and process of preparing the GC8 Consolidated Grant Funding Request. He briefed participants on the current status of the Funding Request and presented the updated Funding Request roadmap, highlighting key milestones and activities leading to submission.

HIV Component

Dr. Achamyeleh Alebachew, HIV Lead Consultant, presented the HIV component of the GC8 Grant. The presentation highlighted the current HIV epidemiological situation, key programmatic priorities, proposed interventions, and areas requiring additional stakeholder input.

The presentation indicated an estimated national HIV prevalence of 0.76%, with approximately 661,112 people living with HIV. Significant regional variations were highlighted, with Gambella reporting the highest estimated prevalence at 3.49% and Somali the lowest at 0.25%.

The estimated national HIV incidence rate was presented as 0.06 per 1,000 population, while Gambella had an estimated incidence rate of 0.62 per 1,000 population. The presentation also highlighted the estimated annual number of new HIV infections and HIV/AIDS-related mortality, including the substantially higher burden observed in Gambella.

Key proposed interventions included targeted HIV prevention, case identification, linkage to care and treatment, and strengthening services for key and vulnerable populations. The plan also includes targeting 300 woredas and transitioning 35 Drop-in Centres (DICs), with the aim of sustaining essential services and strengthening community-based HIV responses.

The presentation generated discussion among participants, who provided comments and suggestions on the proposed priorities, geographic targeting, service delivery approaches, and sustainability of interventions.

TB Component

Dr. Eyerusalem Neguse, TB Lead Consultant, presented the TB component of the GC8 Grant and outlined the strategic priorities and proposed interventions. The key strategic areas presented were:

• Case Finding: Screen, Test, and Link.
• TB Treatment and Care: Decentralize, Support, and Monitor.
• TB Prevention: Prevent TB transmission and disease.

The presentation on screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention facilitated extensive discussion among participants. Stakeholders provided additional comments and recommendations on the proposed interventions and highlighted areas requiring further consideration in the Funding Request.

Malaria and RSSH Components

The Malaria and Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) components were also presented by Mr. Mulugeta and Dr. Abebe, respectively. The presentations outlined the proposed strategic priorities, interventions, and key areas for investment under the respective components.

Participants actively engaged in the discussions and provided comments, questions, and recommendations across the four components. The questions and issues raised were addressed by Dr. Amaha Haile, Dr. Achamyeleh Alebachew, Dr. Eyerusalem Neguse,Mr. Muligeta and Mr.Gudissa  and other presenters as appropriate.

Key Outcomes and Way Forward

The Third Country Dialogue was characterized by strong stakeholder participation and constructive discussion. Participants provided valuable technical inputs, comments, and recommendations that will contribute to further strengthening the GC8 Funding Request.

The dialogue also demonstrated the CCM/E’s commitment to an inclusive, transparent, and consultative Funding Request development process. The feedback received from government institutions, CSOs, development partners, technical experts, and other stakeholders will be consolidated and considered during the finalization of the respective grant components and the overall consolidated Funding Request.

The inputs generated through the dialogue will be reviewed by the relevant technical teams and consultants and incorporated, as appropriate, into the final GC8 Funding Request. This process will help ensure that the application reflects identified national priorities, programmatic needs, implementation realities, and stakeholder perspectives, while maintaining alignment with the Global Fund’s requirements and the country’s strategic priorities.

The Third Country Dialogue therefore marked an important milestone in the GC8 Funding Request development process, providing a final opportunity for stakeholders to collectively review the proposed investments, identify remaining gaps, and contribute to a stronger and more comprehensive Funding Request ahead of its submission.