A New Dance Begins

Every movement begins with a first step. In this blog, our newest team member Ghita Zaoui reflects on GFAN’s new partnership with ITPC MENA and the delicate art of advocacy in a new region.

GFAN’s expertise and independence from the Global Fund are well known. Its networks, GFAN Africa and GFAN Asia Pacific, have also earned recognition for their ability to strengthen interregional capacities. A new chapter begins for GFAN with its partnership with ITPC MENA, marking the start of deeper engagement with one of the world’s less visible—yet equally inspiring—civil societies in global health, all while facing what can only be described (with great understatement) as a challenging replenishment year.

GFAN’s role is to mobilize civil society and amplify voices that are too often sidelined. However, in the MENA region, GFAN was largely unknown—whereas the Global Fund had a strong reputation. To address this gap, GFAN partnered with the dedicated activists of ITPC MENA to engage local civil society with a clear objective: securing greater donor engagement from the region, particularly from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Engaging in MENA required not just institutional presence but also a deep understanding of how advocacy works in the region—something I had already learned firsthand. I joined the GFAN team after honing my skills alongside MENA activist’s. I speak their language. One might think I mean Arabic, but the real challenge is first learning to read silences. I came into this adventure with Katy and Quentin, ready to navigate this new chapter together.

The initial roadblocks were significant: almost no one knew about GFAN, but everyone was familiar with the Global Fund. And, like many actors in implementation countries, they had plenty of positive things to say about the Global Fund’s impact—yet also many grievances, as is the case across all implementation settings. This was particularly true for civil society organizations operating in countries at various stages of transition from Global Fund support.

To address this, we relied heavily on our partner, ITPC MENA, whose deep roots in the region and strong adaptability proved invaluable support. With patience and flexibility, we adjusted our approach step by step to meet the unique realities on the ground.

From February 5 to 7, we held a meeting— one that didn’t just feel different but moved to an entirely new rhythm. Engaging with MENA’s civil society felt like learning a new dance—both sides eager to move together yet still searching for the right rhythm.  Everyone came with their vulnerabilities, challenges, and strengths. And at a time when global health financing and its sustainability are under threat, the expertise of MENA’s civil society proved invaluable:

1. They are the true experts in their region and the best suited to carry forward their advocacy messages.
2. Entering a new regional advocacy space requires humility and a willingness to align with existing agendas.
3. They have mastered the art of advocacy in highly unfavorable environments—offering valuable lessons for all of us.

Today, we walk with a clearer roadmap, a deeper understanding of the region, and a broader coalition of actors committed to this effort—now strengthened by the inclusion of the MENA H coalition.  In MENA, advocacy—like dance—is never a solo act but a collective movement. That’s how our alliance continues to grow.

The dance has begun, but this is only the first step.  The real challenge now is keeping the rhythm—and making sure this movement lasts.

MENA H Coalition is a regional coalition of networks engaged in the fight against HIV, including the Coalition PLUS MENA Platform, RANAA, MENAHRA, MENA ROSA, Seba Network, and ITPC MENA.