SOFIA is L’Initiative’s mechanism designed to empower civil society organizations that support health systems in effectively combating pandemics. This capacity-building effort is backed by financial assistance and tailored technical support.
Context
Led by L’Initiative, the “Structuring Civil Society Organizations: Funding, Impact, and Support” mechanism, known as SOFIA, targets mid-sized civil society organizations (CSOs). It focuses on CSOs addressing HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, while also contributing to the strengthening of health systems and ensuring access to healthcare for key populations, including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). SOFIA aims to empower these organizations by facilitating access to larger and more diversified funding sources, enhancing their operational effectiveness, and bolstering their advocacy capacities. This will enable them to actively participate in national debates and amplify the voices of the communities they represent, particularly in advancing the integration of gender and human rights into health policies.
Description
The SOFIA mechanism offers support for an initial period of fifteen months, renewable up to three times. It begins with an organizational and operational assessment to create a customized five-year capacity- building plan. CSOs collaborate closely with L’Initiative’s SOFIA team to develop the budget for the initial fifteen-month grant, which covers organizational expenses, including human resources, operational costs, and select activities. Additionally, around three technical assistance missions are conducted annually to address institutional, programmatic, and management needs.
Impact
The SOFIA mechanism of L’Initiative currently supports nine organizations: Association Autre Regard (Djibouti), Solidarité Féminine (Djibouti), Djenandoum Naasson (Chad), Association Solidarité, Icône 360° (Benin), Belle Porte pour une Action de Développement Inclusif des Personnes Handicapées (Togo), Maison de la Démocratie et des Droits de l’Homme (Guinea), Monde des Humanistes (Guinea), and Santé Espoir Vie (Guinea). Their activities span awareness-raising, prevention, care, and the defense of the rights of vulnerable populations. This wide range of efforts underscores the diversity of initiatives undertaken in the fight against the three pandemics.
