Launching the PEPFAR-funded Local Capacity Initiative (LCI) Policy Advocacy Strategic Plan

April 18, 2016

The Local Capacity Initiative (LCI) project officially launched the Policy Advocacy Strategic Plan in Bamenda, Cameroon on April 14, 2016. The Governor of the region, the Regional Delegates of Health for the Northwest and Southwest, and administrative and traditional authorities attended the event. LCI’s goal is to increase local ownership and control of health by engaging local councils through advocacy interventions. The Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Board is implementing LCI in 10 selected Health Districts in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon. 

Through LCI's work, local stakeholders are demonstrating commitment, ownership and participation in project activities and in the development and implementation of district action plans. Mayors of local councils are integrating health into budget plans and communities are leveraging local resources to support health activities.Through local council support, more health care providers have been hired.

LCI has raised funds to buy two beds for a postnatal ward in the Bafut health district and mobilized resources to complete construction of a pharmacy in the Finge district.

The Local Capacity Initiative (LCI) was established by the U.S. Government in 2013 to strengthen sustainability of national HIV and AIDS responses through increased advocacy capacity of local civil society organizations (CSOs.