Accountability

The Office of the Inspector General’s audit report on the Global Fund grants to Republic of Congo provides a picture of disappointing performance over a prolonged period. Low government support and low Global Fund grant amounts are mentioned as key factors in the lack of progress in fighting HIV and TB. However, the report does not take sufficient account of other factors such as the impact of COVID-19. Readers will have to decide for themselves whether they are convinced that the agreed management action plan is the best and only way forward. This article concludes with some suggestions for improvement.

ABSTRACT The Global Fund Observer has always strived to observe its role as the conscience of the Global Fund. These brief articles from the archives demonstrate the importance Aidspan attaches to the good governance and accountability of the Global Fund.

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 Global Fund relies heavily on travel to ensure good grant performance and accountability. However, the coronavirus disease has caused restrictions on all travel. Given that the operating model of the organization does not involve having local offices and branches outside of Geneva, the Global Fund relies on assurance providers to ensure good performance and accountability. Supreme audit institutions (referred to as the Office of the Auditor General) can provide additional support in the absence of the Global Fund team’s ability to travel and by regularly monitoring the implementation of the Office of Inspector General (OIG)’s agreed management actions.

ABSTRACT Although there have been important achievements in managing risk, significant gaps remain, according to a report by the Office of the Inspector General on an audit it conducted of the Global Fund’s risk management practices. The audit identified weaknesses in oversight and accountability at Board and senior management levels.

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.

ABSTRACT The non-profit organization, Publish What You Fund (PWYF), has ranked The Global Fund among the top five donors of global aid for its transparency and accountability. The organization released its Aid Transparency Index on 13 April.

ABSTRACT In providing, online, a subset of good quality indicators for all components and requiring countries to divulge sub-recipient-level and other implementer-level data, the Global Fund would legitimize efforts to assess and evaluate the value for money of the programs it supports. It would also empower watchdogs and other stakeholders as guardians against inefficiency, fraud and corruption. In doing so, the Fund would be able to ensure that every dollar it invests is yielding the best possible result.

ABSTRACT Aidspan has released a new paper on the evolving role of the local fund agent (LFA) in the Global Fund's oversight of grant implementation, risk management and accountability at the country level.

ABSTRACT A new publication, "Access, Accountability and Rights: Your Voices, Your Views on the Global Fund," contains articles prepared by the Key Correspondent (KC) Team, a network of community-based writers hosted by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance. The articles are on five themes: women and children; human rights; saving lives and value for money; risk management; and country-level partnerships.