Irresponsible Journalism: Just One More Plague Faced by the World’s Most Vulnerable
On January 23, 2011, the AP released a piece alleging “discovery” of fraudulent use of Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) grants. The story sought to appeal to readers by invoking the celebrity angle – leading some to believe that Bono himself was somehow implicated. Leaning toward sensationalism, it used inflammatory language and misleading examples to support the allegations against the Global Fund. While the reporter did admit that it was the Global Fund’s own investigations that uncovered misuse of funds, it somehow made it seem like it was the findings of a whistle blower that were going unheard.
Thankfully, there were those (including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) who were quick to report with more accurate information on the realities of the situation – pointing out that the real numbers suggest the amount of money in question is $34 million out of $13 billion in investments, and the troubles have surfaced in only 4 countries out of 145 that have received funds. And further, that the Global Fund is successfully pursuing reimbursement (with $19 million already recovered), and arrests have been made and offenders imprisoned. The responders (links to some responses appear below) have also rightfully pointed out that international development in the poorest regions of the world is a messy business—and the Global Fund has provided an incredible model for this kind of work.
Oh, and by the way, the Global Fund has saved 6 million lives, and continues to save more each day… and that shouldn’t be a footnote.
At FCAA, we work to track the philanthropic response to HIV/AIDS, and a large component of that work includes understanding the global context that surrounds the important work of private funders. In 2009, the Global Fund represented 11% of the total international assistance to HIV and AIDS, serving as the primary mechanism to encourage and mobilize the global health commitment of governments around the world.
This type of irresponsible journalism is an attack on the important work of mobilizing resources to assist the world’s most needy. It provides cover for those looking for excuses not to get involved by vilifying those who are most engaged. It is cynical, small-minded, and most importantly, it is deadly. I hope you will take the time to help combat such misinformation by reading and forwarding on some of the articles below that provide honest perspectives on the important work of the Global Fund.
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