The “Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Governance” (TAG) Project concluded another cycle of training for trainers this week, marking a significant step in strengthening integrity within Guinea-Bissau’s health sector.
Funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), TAG has demonstrated that progress is possible in challenging contexts when national leadership, political commitment, and strategic partnerships are present.
Key results achieved include:
•    The creation and official establishment of the Internal Audit and Monitoring Unit (CAIS) within the Ministry of Health—a historic milestone for sector governance.
•    The execution of pioneering field audits, which not only identified shortcomings but also created opportunities for corrective solutions.
•    The strengthening of technical capacities in audit, risk management, and transparency for regional managers and staff at the Mansoa hospital.
•    The promotion of structured dialogue between the State, civil society, and international partners, leading to the creation of the Health Integrity Network and the National Anti-Corruption Working Group.
•    The integration of the digital dimension, with concrete proposals to improve drug traceability, communication between health units, and the public disclosure of information.
The cycle’s conclusion was also marked by the involvement of civil society. Vitorin Salim, Executive President of the newly created Network of Civil Society Organizations for the Fight Against Corruption in Health, emphasized that “the fight against corruption without the involvement of civil society is an ineffective fight,” reinforcing the importance of prevention and awareness-raising among health professionals and the population.
Elietes Meire Soares, a representative of the Bandim Health Project, also highlighted that the training provided essential tools to strengthen civic awareness: “In the future, I will use what I learned to help people understand what corruption is and how we can prevent it, promoting a culture of integrity that benefits health and Guinea-Bissau.”
Immediately, a new initiative is being prepared in partnership with the IMVF (Instituto Marquês de Valle Flôr). This partnership will allow for the monitoring of corruption cases to be included in the Citizen Convention, with strong participation from civil society.
Through concrete actions, the UNDP, with the support of the Government of Japan, reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting Guinea-Bissau in consolidating transparency mechanisms and promoting a culture of integrity that can be replicated in other governance sectors.