African Collaborative for Health Financing Solutions (ACS) -Q2 FY 2018

The project aims to increase regional and country implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Sub-Saharan Africa. ACS will support this goal by sharing knowledge, strengthen accountability, and promote health financing policies and processes that advance UHC. The project has three main objectives: to support multi-stakeholder platforms for Accountability and Application of Knowledge (PAKs) in a subset of countries; to facilitate knowledge sharing and implementation support for health technical solutions and processes that advance UHC; and to support regional bodies, networks, and NGO coalitions to share knowledge and strengthen accountability for UHC. During the second fiscal quarter of 2018, the project engaged with 204 total interviewees, including an additional 7 completed in January, to gather data and identify key themes. The data analysis and report writing process involved coding and analyzing data, identifying trends, and writing key messages according to the data. The writing team combined the raw data with collected literature and reflections from the country visits to create comprehensive reports. A preliminary analysis was completed to examine trends from across the countries, and country reports were circulated to all interviewees and delegates to gather feedback and ensure accuracy. The data analysis and report writing process was guided by a detailed analysis methodology and involved rigorous review processes to ensure continuity and accuracy. The project also convened a regional workshop in Accra, Ghana, from February 13-15, 2018, which brought together 23 country participants and 41 global and regional participants. The workshop aimed to validate the preliminary results of the consultation phase, provide a forum for stakeholders to share experiences and challenges, and collectively interpret consultation findings and experiences to identify shared priorities and challenges. The workshop was structured to give maximum time for country voices, especially those directly involved in implementing UHC policies and those who represent the populations UHC is intended to cover. Key findings from the consultation phase were summarized and discussed by a panel of country and sub-regional representatives. The findings included the existence of fragmented and uncoordinated platforms, a lack of inclusion of key voices, and a technocratic cornering of the UHC process. The workshop also focused on discussing consultation findings, hearing from country-level and regional stakeholders about their challenges, initiatives, and initiatives as they relate to advancing UHC. Through different types of exchanges, participants traced common priorities and knowledge gaps to advancing UHC. The ACS team facilitated a set of activities to collectively prioritize and address these gaps, design supportive activities, and identify potential regional resources to support them. The project has made significant progress in its implementation phase, with a focus on supporting country-led UHC processes. The workshop was a key milestone in this phase, bringing together stakeholders to share experiences, challenges, and challenges, and to collectively interpret consultation findings and experiences. The project aims to continue supporting country-led UHC processes, promoting health financing policies and processes, and strengthening accountability and knowledge sharing. The project has also identified key priorities and knowledge gaps to advancing UHC, including the need for more inclusive and country-driven UHC processes, the importance of regional organizations and networks in promoting UHC, and the need for more effective communication and coordination among stakeholders. The project will continue to support the development of regional learning agendas, facilitate knowledge sharing and implementation support, and promote health financing policies and processes that advance UHC. The project has also established a strong partnership with regional partners, including regional resource persons, external representatives, and USAID, to support the implementation of the project. The project has also established a robust management and administrative team to support the implementation of the project. The project has made significant progress in its financial management, with a total budget of $1.5 million allocated for the second fiscal quarter. The project has also established a robust financial management system to track and report on expenses, income, and other financial transactions. The project has also established a strong partnership with Feed the Children, a key partner in the project, to support the implementation of the project. The project has also established a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track progress, identify challenges, and make adjustments as needed.