Global Fund

The 53ᵉ Board meeting of the Global Fund took place on May 7, 8, and 9. A thorough examination of integrity and adherence to core ethical values was one of the subjects covered. This article will provide a concise overview of the topics covered at the 53ᵉ board meeting about the Global Fund ethics and integrity program.

On February 18, 2025, the Global Fund launched its eighth replenishment campaign, aiming to raise at least US$18 billion over the 2026–2028 cycle to combat TB, HIV, and malaria while strengthening health systems. The campaign, which is co-hosted by South Africa and the UK, emphasizes broad stakeholder participation and includes a US$2 billion private sector initiative. As it prepares for its 53rd Board Meeting, the Global Fund remains committed to consistent momentum, risk management, and coordinated action to meet its ambitious health goals. This article provides a summary of the primary subjects discussed during the board meeting.

This article offers an analytical and critical reading of the Recoveries Report submitted to the 53rd Global Fund Board Meeting. It examines the dynamics of fund recoveries related to non-compliant expenditures, the risk management tools deployed, and the systemic limitations revealed by trends observed in 2024. The article highlights the growing complexity of the operational environment, country-specific developments, and the tension between financial rigor and field constraints.

Abstract: The Global Fund achieved positive results on lives saved and financial and operational performance in 2022. However, disease incidence reduction progressed to slowly. While there were generally positive trends on key performance, indicators for resilient and sustainable systems for health, final targets were not met for some of them. The OIG 2022 Annual Report warns that the confluence of many major global risks threatens the ability of the Global Fund to deliver on its mission against the three diseases. Attention must therefore be paid to the findings set out in that report. OIG has also drawn attention to the fact that inadequate risk assessment and prioritization of country level interventions have slowed progress in mitigating sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. Also disappointingly, the Agreed Management Actions Progress Report shows a trend of increasing delays in AMA completion which poses risks for improved grant performance. Steps are needed to identify the reasons for those delays in order to take effective remedial action.

Abstract: The Global Fund’s Audit and Finance Committee met on 15 March 2023 to review the current position of resource mobilisation including: the status of the Sixth and Seventh Replenishments; lessons learned from the Seventh Replenishment; resource mobilization priorities for 2023; advocacy and communication activities; and anticipated risks. The meeting noted the need to continue to pursue all opportunities to identify and mobilize additional funding from both public and private sources. This will require the constant adaptation and implementation of a compelling advocacy and communication strategy that shows both the immediate life-saving outcomes of Global Fund financing as well as the effective support it provides to sustainable systems for health.

Abstract: This Office of the Inspector General investigation report on the 2019 LLIN mass distribution campaign in Guinea concludes that two critical data sets from the campaign were fraudulently manipulated. The OIG also found that insufficient controls and a lack of clear accountability for data accuracy contributed to the fraudulent data being used in the campaign; and that widespread data manipulation contributes to an environment in which commodity diversion becomes possible and may go undetected. Of major significance to the Global Fund and partners in the fight against malaria: the findings – and the agreed management actions – apply not only to Guinea but are relevant to mass distribution campaigns in other countries.

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 The Office of the Inspector General’s audit report on the Global Fund’s grants to Madagascar does not paint a picture of progress. While factors outside program control have contributed to the worsening impact of malaria, the overall message is that significant improvements are required throughout the disease programs. There are also similarities with the recent audit report on Zambia. First, there appears to be a need for more rigour in routine performance assessment. Second, given the absence of any mention of the Country Coordinating Mechanism in the report, the role and performance of the CCM must be reconsidered; and this may impact the preparation of the forthcoming funding requests and the views of the Technical Review Panel when it reviews them.

ABSTRACT Funding in the amount of up to $30.8 million has been approved for seven interim applicants. This brings to 37 the number of interim applicants for whom funding has been awarded, out of the 48 invited to apply when the transition phase of the new funding model was launched.

ABSTRACT Incremental funding of up to $46.4 million has been approved for the renewal of four grants in three countries. The largest amount of funding went to Eritrea for HIV and TB.