The GAVI Alliance said it has concluded that US$563,000 was misused in two of its cash-based programmes in Mali. GAVI said that “sixty percent of the misused amount, or $335,000, was judged by investigators as ineligible expenses, which although used in the health sector, were outside the scope of GAVI’s funding agreement. The remaining 40% of the funds, $228,000, were spent on nonexistent activities or on fictitious procurement of goods and services.” GAVI added that the Malian Government, which fully cooperated in the investigation, has committed to reimburse the total amount to GAVI and has arrested four individuals under suspicion for the misuse. Helen Evans, interim GAVI CEO, said, “We appreciate the partnership with the Malian government in this investigation and the speed at which it is reacting to ensure that the missing funds are promptly repaid,” said. ”GAVI vigorously condemns any misuse of its funding. Children’s lives are jeopardised when GAVI funds are not used as they are intended.”

http://www.gavialliance.org/media_centre/statements/mali.php