Transparency

Abstract: When the Global Fund was created over twenty years ago, it was celebrated for recognizing that every member of the public in every country needs to be able to find out how effectively each grant is being implemented. Unfortunately, the Fund no longer honours this commitment to transparency. Bernard Rivers, founder of Global Fund Observer, wrote to Global Fund leaders to complain about this.

Abstract: This is the pre-Board edition of the Global Fund Observer, in which we cover issues of particular relevance to stakeholders (lack of transparency, Challenging Operating Environments and the Additional Safeguards Policy - how well are they working? and the Global Fund's 2022 performance). Other topics include fraudulent practices with long-lasting insecticidal treated nets in Guinea, an update on resource mobilisation and the worrying state of HIV in Eastern Europe and Central Asia region.

ABSTRACT The Ethics and Governance Committee (EGC) is coordinating consultations on the processes for selecting the members and leaders of Board committees, according to a paper prepared for the 40th Board meeting, just concluded in Geneva. The consultations will also cover the size of the EGC. The EGC will prepare recommendations in time for the Board meeting scheduled for May 2019.

ABSTRACT There is so much happening in 2022 that the Global Fund Board has asked for more meetings this year to address the topics requiring more attention. It also wants to discuss how best to “communicate transparent, routine performance and results data”. But in this regard the Global Fund’s openness has worsened, not improved, over the years. Transparency has gone backwards. Is the pot calling the kettle black?

ABSTRACT We couldn’t resist – three more brief examples from the archives of Bernard Rivers that show his incisive journalism, great style and also his playfulness. Whether or not you play the Corruption Quiz, agree with him that the Global Fund could be a better communicator, or have a particular interest in mismanaged grants in Kenya ― his passion shines through.

ABSTRACT The Additional Safeguard Policy has been in place in Nigeria since 2016. The country has met the criteria for the ASP to be revoked. It is important that the country exits this policy.

ABSTRACT An article published in January in The Lancet leveled a major criticism of the Global Fund’s results reporting methodology, saying that it is, “insufficiently rigorous to inform the allocation of scarce resources.” The Fund countered, claiming that its methods are widely accepted, were developed in close collaboration with other institutions, and represent the best available way to communicate impact to donors and others. This article describes the arguments advanced by the authors and by the Fund; and includes comments from other stakeholders.

ABSTRACT In its report to the Board, the Technical Evaluation Reference Group provides updates on two key initiatives: the TERG’s Strategic Review 2017 and the launch of prospective country evaluations. Of particular interest: In future, the new TERG Documents Procedure, adopted by the Strategy Committee in October, will result in many TERG reports being made public.

ABSTRACT An assessment conducted by the Multilateral Organisation Performance Assessment Network, a group of 18 donor countries, concluded that the Global Fund provides strong leadership and “fully meets the requirements of an effective multilateral organization.” The assessment also identified areas requiring improvements.

RÉSUMÉ Le 15 décembre 2016, le Secrétariat du Fonds mondial a notifié tous les pays de leurs montants d'allocation pour le cycle de subvention pour 2017/2019. Les lettres d'allocation permettent de déterminer quels pays sont admissibles à un financement supplémentaire en plus des allocations de leur pays, par le biais d'investissements à effet catalyseur appelés « fonds de contrepartie ». Aidspan a recueilli des lettres d'attribution de 25 pays afin de créer une plus grande transparence autour de ces priorités d'investissement à effet catalyseur.