Investigation and Integrity Risk Management Conference

Global Fund grant implementers – who attended the first Investigation and Risk Management Conference organized by the Global Fund Secretariat and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) 25-27 June – said they are keen to undertake their own investigations and show how their offices can safeguard funds. 

More than 80 representatives from implementers of Global Fund grants attended the first-of-its-kind event, held at the Global Health Campus. The aim of the three-day conference was to discuss how implementers could better coordinate with the OIG in responding to allegations of fraud and abuse, and together better manage integrity and fiduciary risks.  

The event also highlighted the importance of anticipating through thoughtful risk management.  

“The IRM conference provided a candid platform for mutual learning and sharing with Principal Recipient representatives from 13 of the top 20 countries that drive the Global Fund risk landscape,” said Purnima Mishra, Chief Accountant of the Global Fund.  

“It was an important reminder that we cannot continue managing risks, conducting assessments and assurance in isolation. For risk management to be effective and sustainable it must be inclusive, with implementing partners and their assurance providers at the forefront of Global Fund risk and assurance plans. Regular sharing of risk assessment outcomes and strategic repositioning of Principal Recipient internal audit will be an integral part of our commitment.” 

Adda Faye, Chief Financial Officer of the Global Fund, Rahul Singhal, Chief Risk Officer, Caty Fall, Head of the Africa and Middle East department, and Tracy Staines, the Inspector General, also participated in a panel discussion on grant implementation in a heightened risk environment. The panel agreed that grant implementers know the context better and play a crucial role in mitigating risks. Panelists dispelled the myth of needing 'more controls' to mitigate risks and encouraged implementers to adapt to the heightened risk environment with the appropriate controls.  

As global economic constraints and security challenges continue to jeopardize effective grant implementation, the need to vigilantly protect the impact of the Global Fund’s work fighting the three diseases has exacerbated, making the safeguarding role of implementers even more critical.  

Allegations of wrongdoing continue to rise relating to the Global Fund-funded activities. The number of complaints received by the OIG increased by 24% in 2023 over the previous year, reaching a total of 443 complaints. This is due in part to greater awareness through the I Speak Out Now platform, but also due to stronger collaboration with Secretariat and implementers on spotting red flags. The increase has in turn required close coordination with implementers to assess and respond appropriately, including referral to second-line internal oversight functions within the Global Fund and other assurance providers where relevant. Since 2021, implementers have led 47% of total cases overseen by OIG. 

“It was particularly encouraging to hear from Principal Recipient oversight representatives that this conference and our conversations with them gave them the feeling that we view them as peers in the fight to safeguard funds and uncover prohibited practices,” said Samir Fahoum, OIG’s Head of Investigations. “The conference also gave us an opportunity to hear directly from implementers how we can better coordinate and share lessons learned on matters of integrity. The take-away for us is that the collaboration needs to be ongoing and not limited to specific investigations or the occasional conference.”