Global Fund OIG Reports Widespread Data Fraud in Guinea’s LLIN Distribution Campaign

February 22, 2023

The Global Fund’s investment of over $1.2 billion in long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) distribution campaigns between 2018 and 2020 accounted for 63% of international financing for malaria prevention. During this period, a total of 516 million LLINs were distributed globally. However, a recent report by the Global Fund Office of the Inspector General (OIG) reveals critical data sets were fraudulently manipulated during Guinea’s 2019 LLIN mass distribution campaign.

Fraudulent Manipulation of Household Counting Database

The OIG investigation identified substantial issues with the household counting database and LLIN distribution data in Guinea. This database, which determines the number of beneficiaries and corresponding LLINs required, was found to have been falsified. The following points highlight the fraudulent manipulation:

• Falsified household counting database: The database was critical in determining the number of beneficiaries and corresponding LLINs needed across Guinea.
• Insufficient controls: Lack of proper controls led to the manipulation of data.
• Lack of accountability: Clear accountability for data accuracy was not established.

These factors contributed to the widespread data manipulation, making it difficult to detect suspicious activity.

Commodity Diversion and Alleged Transfer of LLINs to Mali

As a result of the fraudulent data usage, 117,500 LLINs from the 2019 Guinea LLIN mass campaign were allegedly transferred to neighboring Mali. Over 10,000 of these redirected nets were financed by the Global Fund. The following points summarize the discovery:

• Discovery of LLINs transfer: Initial reports indicated 117,500 LLINs were diverted from the 2019 Guinea campaign.
• Redirected nets to Mali: Over 10,000 of these nets were found in Mali.
• Funding source: These nets, valued at roughly $13 million, were financed by the Global Fund.

Although the value of these nets is not substantial, the extent of data manipulation raises concerns that the true number of diverted nets could be higher.

Initiation of the Investigation and Future Transparency Measures

The initiation of this investigation followed the reports of LLINs being diverted from the 2019 Guinea campaign. The case has emphasized the need for:

• Enhanced controls: Stronger controls for data validation processes.
• Greater transparency: Increased transparency to prevent fraudulent activities in future Global Fund projects.