After the introduction of the 'first learning wave' of Global Fund financing through 'National Strategy Applications (NSAs)', many countries (22) made significant efforts through their Country Coordinating Mechanisms (CCMs) to apply under this funding stream. The NSA involves submitting a well articulated national strategy for funding rather than a country specific proposal in different Rounds. The aim of the first 'learning wave' was to draw on policy and operational lessons to guide the broader roll-out of the new application procedure beyond 2009. It was also aimed at reducing transaction costs as well as ensuring that the implementation is aligned to country priorities.

In eastern Africa, Rwanda and Kenya were invited to apply under the NSA, the outcome of which Rwanda was successful while Kenya's application was unsuccessful respectively. The Kenya AIDS NGOs Consortium (KANCO) working with EANNASO, the National AIDS Control Commission (NACC) and the Ministry of Public Health in Kenya lobbied and advocated for Kenya and other countries whose proposals were unsuccessful to appeal. The appeal process was approved by the board of the Global Fund during its 20th board meeting in Ethiopia 2009.

EANNASO is now working at documenting civil society experiences around NSAs in both Rwanda and Kenya to draw lessons learned and share any good practices with other CSOs in the region.

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