Collaborative Support for Health (CSH) Emergency Ebola Funds (EEF) Quarterly Report October 1, 2017 – December 31, 2017

The program focuses on health system strengthening activities, including capacity-building and technical support, to enhance the MOH's ability to consistently and effectively deliver health services. The CSH Program is implemented in three counties: Grand Bassa, Margibi, and Montserrado, which were most affected by the Ebola outbreak. The program's interventions are designed to scale up achievements and proven strategies from the base counties and support three key objectives. The first objective is to strengthen the capacity of health facilities in the three counties to practice Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) standards and provide health services according to the National Health Quality Strategy and Plan. The second objective is to support the implementation of the national Health Information System and accelerate improvements to health and logistics information systems. The third objective is to strengthen County Health Team (CHT) capacities and systems in the three counties to restore health services and strengthen core systems functions. During the first quarter of FY2018 (October to December 2017), the CSH EEF activity accelerated implementation of activities. A strategic planning workshop was held for project staff to review the approved EEF work plan and develop accelerated implementation plans for the quarter. Staff was convened again in December to review implementation status of the quarter's work plan and plan for the next quarter. The CSH DCOP, EEF coordinator, and county mentors met with CHT management and technical staff in Montserrado and Grand Bassa counties to review the approved EEF work plan with the CHT operational plans and develop a harmonized detailed implementation plan. Staffing was expanded under the EEF activity, including the deployment of additional county mentors, assigning a project coordinator to oversee EEF implementation across the three counties, and engaging the strategic information advisor to lead health information system (HIS) activities. Approximately 90% of required staff are on board, and are now supporting the CHTs to strengthen systems for supply chain, human resources, and quality improvement and quality assurance for health services. Recruitment for the remaining staff is being finalized to begin supporting the CHTs to strengthen laboratory services beginning January 2018. USAID provided provisional approval for the revised robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan, including a revised Program Indicator Reference Table and Performance Indicator Reference Sheets (PIRS). Project staff was trained during the December all-staff meeting to use the newly developed data collection tools, and baseline data collection will begin in January 2018. The CSH M&E team conducted a field visit to the Grand Bassa CHT to gather input on county level data processes to inform the development of data collection tools and to establish data sources for the CSH PMP. The team also visited St. John Clinic and briefly reviewed the facility records to inform the redesign of the LMIS accuracy tool. During the quarter, CSH trained CHT staff and initiated the use of the revised JISS tool. The revised tool guides all government levels to conduct routine supervision that focuses on assessing health facilities. The CSH Program is making progress in strengthening the capacity of health facilities in the three counties to practice IPC standards and provide health services according to the National Health Quality Strategy and Plan.