MALARIA CONTROL PROGRAM (AUDIT REPORT OF 8/17/81)

Evaluation covers the period 8/26/78-12/31/80 and was based on inspection of loan transaction records, interviews with A.I.D. and GOI personnel, and visits to two sites where loan-financed commodities were used. Although the GOI implemented a modified plan of action, established 350,000 drug distribution centers, and regularly sprayed most areas where malaria case incidence was over 2 per 1,000, the incidence of malaria declined only 12%. in 1980, well short of the project"s goal of a 30% reduction. The project was delayed by the GOI"s failure to meet conditions precedent in a timely manner. Malathion, which reduced case incidence in two states, would have had an even greater impact if State Governments had not restricted its use to only the most severely affected areas. In addition, some mosquitoes developed a resistance to insecticides. Although 46,575 lbs. of technical abate, 12 fog generators, and 30,625 kgs of DDT had been available to the GOI for 11-15 months, field delivery was untimely and inadequate. GOI records on receipt and distribution of loan-financed insecticides were incomplete and inaccurate, thereby reducing accountability for these commodities. Appropriate claim records were not established and timely action was generally not taken in filing claims for shortages, thus making recovery for losses and damages uncertain. Compounding this was a lack of adequate transportation and an insufficient number of surveillance workers and supervisors. It is recommended that: (1) A.I.D. verify the utilization status of stockpiled materials and file claims for their cost if the GOI does not intend to use them in a reasonable amount of time; (2) the GOI keep better records and that A.I.D. verify their accuracy and completeness; and (3) A.I.D. assist in following-up on claims for shortages discovered by the audit evaluation team to assure that all claims are filed and that any indemnification received is used to replace shortages or is refunded to A.I.D.