IRIN examines allegations of Global Fund grant misuse in Uganda

IRIN reports on allegations that a grant from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to Uganda was misused. "Evidence of the mismanagement of a $51 million malaria grant to Uganda from the Global Fund resulted in the July arrest of three Ministry of Health employees and prompted a police investigation into the matter," the news service writes, adding, "In September, the organization called for the refund of any ineligible expenses under the grant and the strengthening of safeguards to prevent future misappropriation of funds."

"In November 2011, the Global Fund commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers -- the local fund agent -- to review transactions relating to a Round 7 malaria grant, inaugurated in 2009, to procure and distribute 7.4 million long-lasting, insecticide-treated mosquito nets," the news service continues, adding, "Following the review, the Fund recommended 'strengthening accounting records, reinforcing internal controls and oversight of programs.'" IRIN notes, "Marcela Rojo, a Global Fund spokesperson, said the Round 7 malaria grant had not been suspended, but told IRIN/PlusNews in an email that 'any country where the Global Fund identifies irregularities in the use of funding is subject to [a] freeze or suspension of funds.'" The news service discusses Uganda's "rocky history with the Global Fund" and highlights steps being taken by ministry officials to improve financial tracking (10/1).