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Geneva, 25 February 2013 - The GAVI Alliance has been requested by Ms Zainab Hawa Bangura, a former Minister of Health of Sierra Leone, to clarify certain details of its on-going review of GAVI Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) funding support to Sierra Leone.
The review followed indications of misuse of funds used between 2008 and 2011. Ms. Bangura was appointed on 4 December 2010 as Minister of Health of Sierra Leone and served in that capacity from 3 January 2011 until 31 August 2012.
With one exception, all aspects of the review relate to HSS funds which were spent between 2008 and 2010. The exception relates to the procurement process for the purchase of three ambulances that started in November 2010 and was completed in March 2011. This purchase was conducted by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation’s Procurement Committee constituted in accordance with the National Public Procurement Agency Act 2004. As a Minister, Ms Bangura did not participate in that Procurement Committee.
The GAVI Alliance review in Sierra Leone has not yet been finalised. When this occurs a report will be made publicly available in accordance with GAVI’s practice.