31 May 2018
An OIG proactive investigation found that some Global Fund Principal Recipients had bought HIV rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits that were non-compliant with the Global Fund’s policies for health products. The Global Fund had not detected some of these purchases. It has since implemented measures to reduce the risk that Global Fund implementers procure non-compliant health products.
The investigation found that four Principal Recipients in three countries bought HIV RDT kits valued at US$230,268 that were non-compliant. No evidence of wrongdoing was found in these procurements and in this instance, the procurements did not result in a public health risk.
However, the Global Fund had not detected some of the non-compliant purchases and had erroneously verified some inaccurate product information provided by implementers. Consequently, some components of the Global Fund’s monitoring and verification of health product purchases by grant recipients were found to need strengthening.
In response, the Global Fund Secretariat has added clarifications to the LFA guidelines to ensure that similar verification errors do not reoccur. It has also agreed to re-visit and clarify its quality assurance mandate for all health products. These steps will help to ensure that recipients purchase health products that are good quality, safe, appropriate and affordable.
For more information:
Etienne Michaud
Email:
Telephone: + 41 (0)58 791 1087
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The Office of the Inspector General safeguards the assets, investments, reputation and sustainability of the Global Fund by ensuring that it takes the right action to defeat AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Through audits, investigations and consultancy work, it promotes good practice, reduces risk and reports fully and transparently on abuse.
Established in 2005, the Office of the Inspector General is an independent yet integral part of the Global Fund. It is accountable to the Board through its Audit and Ethics Committee and serves the interests of all Global Fund stakeholders. Its work conforms to the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing and the Uniform Guidelines for Investigations of the Conference of International Investigators.
The Global Fund believes that every dollar counts and has zero tolerance for fraud, corruption and waste. Through its whistle-blowing channels, the Office of the Inspector General encourages all to speak out to report fraud, abuse and human rights violations that prevent Global Fund resources from reaching those who need them.