261689 Organizational Monitoring and Evaluation in Support of a National AIDS Strategic Plan

Monday, October 29, 2012

Jennifer Scherer, PhD , Vice President Global Evaluation and Training, Danya International, Silver Spring, MD
Luis G. Bravo, BS , Associate Director, Public Health Communications, Danya International, Inc., Silver Spring, MD
During the last 5 years, the Kenya National AIDS Strategic Plan (KNASP II) has guided the goals, visions, and targets of many national organizations, NGO's and partners in the fight to combat HIV/AIDS. While the KNASP II has been implemented successfully, various challenges have been experienced in this process, especially with regard to HIV information. An organizational monitoring and evaluation (M&E) HIV capacity rapid needs assessment (RNA) was performed to understand the specific issues affecting various components of HIV strategic information in Kenya, and to establish the organizational structure and human capacity for M&E of the national HIV response at various agencies, NGO's and key implementing partners. Results helped identify certain strengths, gaps, and challenges with HIV/AIDS data collection, validation, analysis, reporting, and use for decision making.

The RNA was conducted using desk reviews; key informant interviews with the Government of Kenya (GOK), and development and implementing partners; and focus group discussions with provincial, district, and health facility-level personnel. The RNA addressed 6 of the 12 components of the UNAIDS endorsed Organizing Framework for a Functional National HIV M&E System, focusing on the following components: 1) organizational structures; 2) human capacity; 3) partnerships; 4) routine program monitoring; 5) supervision and data auditing; and 6) data dissemination and use.

The findings of the RNA revealed tremendous improvements at the national level and in the various subsystems that contribute to the overall HIV strategic information in Kenya. It also highlighted recommendations for action to continue strengthening the subsystems to support a national M&E system that include; development of standardized M&E guidelines and SOPs, a standardized training curriculum, staff development, and capacity building for the continued provision of successful and sustainable HIV/AIDS programs.

Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe methods for an organizational HIV M&E Rapid Needs Assessment in poor resource countries. 2. Discuss the HIV M&E System’s strengths, gaps and challenges. 3. Design an HIV M&E screener based on gaps and challenges findings for use in resource poor countries.

Keywords: Evaluation, International Public Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I served and have served as Project Director and Lead Evaluator for multiple federal and non-federally funded programs that focused on HIV, STD, TB and Hepatitis prevention, health disparities, mental health and drug use.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3189.0: Poster Session II - Contextual Factors and Their Impact on Public Health Agencies