Final Evaluation: African Strategies for Health Project

The project aimed to improve the health status of populations across Africa by providing technical and management support to health systems and regional institutions. With a budget of $19.96 million, ASH was designed to enhance USAID and partner decision-making and investments in the health sector. The project's primary objective was to strengthen health systems and regional institutions, with a focus on improving the health status of populations across Africa. ASH provided information on trends and developments in the region, which informed USAID and partner decision-making and investments in the health sector. The project was implemented through a contract with Management Sciences for Health (MSH) and several African subcontractors. The evaluation of the ASH project was conducted between June and August 2015 by the Global Health Program Cycle Improvement (GH Pro) project. The evaluation aimed to document the accomplishments, results, and lessons learned from ASH during the final phase of implementation at the end of its fourth year. The findings from this report were intended to inform decisions in the final year of the ASH project. The evaluation used a mixed-method approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods. The evaluation team conducted an extensive desk review of relevant documents, as well as interviews with key stakeholders, including USAID staff, project implementers, and African partner health institutions. The evaluation also assessed the project's progress towards its stated purpose and identified areas for improvement. The evaluation found that ASH had made significant progress in achieving its objectives, particularly in the areas of health systems strengthening and regional institution building. The project had established a robust health information system, which provided critical data for decision-making and program implementation. ASH had also supported the development of regional minimum standards for health care, which had been adopted by several African countries. However, the evaluation also identified several challenges and areas for improvement. These included the need for more effective coordination and collaboration among project implementers, as well as the need for greater support for African partner health institutions. The evaluation recommended that ASH focus on building the capacity of these institutions, as well as on improving the project's monitoring and evaluation systems. Overall, the evaluation of the ASH project provided valuable insights into the project's accomplishments, results, and lessons learned. The findings from this report will inform decisions in the final year of the ASH project and contribute to the development of future health initiatives in Africa.