Buyer Beware? Global Fund Grants and Procurement of Harm Reduction Supplies in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

In Eastern Europe and Central Asia, where the HIV epidemic is concentrated largely among injection drug users, harm reduction programs are crucial to prevent new HIV infections and reduce illness and death. Support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has been instrumental in increasing the availability of harm reduction services and supplies, such as clean needles and syringes. However, harm reduction organizations in the region are confronting an influx of poor quality supplies that threatens the success of their programs.

Buyer Beware? evaluates Global Fund grants and procurement practices in Armenia, Georgia, Russia, and Tajikistan. In each country, needles and syringes have been procured that drug users do not find usable because, for example, they may be the wrong size or type. NGOs also experience delays or interruptions in receiving supplies.

This report highlights good procurement practices and provides recommendations for countries to improve the quality of harm reduction supplies and services.