Where western donations end up.

The AIDS fund scam

By Sun News PublishingThursday, July 07, 2011

"The recent discovery of N74 billion ($474.5 million) fraud in grants processes involving some notable Nigerian organizations by the Global Fund on AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is mind-boggling. The untoward behavior of these highbrow organizations that has cast a slur on the country in international circles is condemnable. As a result of the financial malfeasance involving 15 grants which occurred over a period of six years from 2003 to 2009, the Global Fund, an international financing institution committed to funding of health projects around the world, has threatened to withdraw its funding to organizations in Nigeria.

According to reports, the audit showed that one of the organizations illegally transferred funds amounting to $15.5 million outside the country, incurred extra budgetary expenditure of $5.2 million, un-retired expenditure of $1.2 million and unaccounted management fee of $659,000. Another incurred extra-budgetary expenditure of $71,000 in addition to $679,000 administrative charges not accounted for and $68,000 UN-retired expenditure.

Yet another had $711,000 un-retired staff advances and $10,000 un-refunded balance of rent grant. One of them was unable to account for $335,000 administrative charges as well as un-retired expenditure of $168,000. One illegally transferred foreign currency amounting to $11.6 million to a non-program related account abroad. But this amount was later refunded in local currency. The report also accused another of over-charging on distribution of products to the tune of $256,000 and $77,000 unexpended amount on training.

We strongly condemn the unwholesome attitude of these organizations that has further soiled the country’s reputation. Their insensitivity to the plight of millions of Nigerians suffering from the health conditions the funds are meant to address is callous. This unbecoming action does not portray the country in good light. It is a confirmation of allegations by AIDS patients that donor funds are being diverted to unauthorized uses by some organizations.

Now that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) has waded into the matter, let it diligently prosecute all those involved. Those found culpable should be punished according to the laws of the land and made to refund all misappropriated funds. This matter should not be swept under the carpet like others before it.

It is embarrassing that some privileged Nigerians are ripping off AIDS patients through grants meant to ameliorate their condition. Let government show greater interest in auditing of the accounts of these organizations. If this sleaze can afflict these well known and highly respected organizations, the happenings in the lesser known ones can only be open to conjecture.

As the Federal Government has secured another $225 million World Bank credit to intensify the fight against HIV/AIDS, let the money be judiciously utilized. It should not be allowed to go the way of other mismanaged donor funds. Apart from encouraging donor-fatigue, the unwholesome application of these funds to other uses will exacerbate the burden of the diseases they are meant to contain. The new fund is dedicated towards achieving certain aspects of the 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Let it be used for the stated objective". l think Africa needs a genuine recolonization because our mind is full of wickedness.