Essential Health Project: Year Two Summary Progress Report

The project's goal is to increase the quality and accessibility of equitable MNCH services, particularly for the most vulnerable populations. To achieve this goal, the project focuses on three key Intermediate Results (IRs): IR1, IR2, and IR3. IR1 aims to strengthen the health system governance to improve the enabling environment for increased coverage of essential health services. Essential Health supported the development of institutional strengthening plans (ISPs) in four project townships, which were linked to the Institutional Capacity Self-Review (ICSR) process. This process helped to identify areas for improvement and supported the effective utilization of available resources. IR2 focuses on improving the efficient delivery of quality essential health services by public and private service providers at the township level and below. Essential Health supported the implementation of the Inclusive Township Health Plan (ITHP) templates in Kyangin and Myanaung townships. The project also revitalized the Township Health Working Groups (THWGs) in Pantaw, Kyangin, and Myanaung townships, which led to regular meetings and active participation of community-based organizations (CBOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs). IR3 aims to increase effective demand for quality essential health services. Essential Health supported the development and publication of the Maternal Death Surveillance Review (MDSR) Basic Health Staff manual, which provides best practices for maternal health care. The project also conducted a baseline survey to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the target population. The project's achievements in PY2 include: * Development of institutional strengthening plans (ISPs) in four project townships * Implementation of ITHP templates in Kyangin and Myanaung townships * Revitalization of THWGs in Pantaw, Kyangin, and Myanaung townships * Development and publication of the MDSR Basic Health Staff manual * Baseline survey to assess KAP of the target population Overall, the Essential Health Project has made significant progress in improving MNCH outcomes in Myanmar, particularly in the areas of health system governance, efficient delivery of quality essential health services, and increasing effective demand for quality essential health services.