Final evaluation of the health initiatives for the private sector (HIPS) project, August 2012-January 2013

Under this project, HIPS aims to increase access to and use of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, reproductive health/family planning (FP) and malaria services through mid and large size employers within the private sector. Working in 57 districts across Uganda, HIPS partnered with over 111 companies and 100 clinics (50% company clinics and 50% private clinics).The strategies HIPS adopted to achieve this objective included: expanding the number of global development alliance (GDAs) partnerships; supporting initiatives to strengthen private sector workers organizations to support health initiatives; and to implement innovative approaches to support orphans and other vulnerable children through the private sector.USAID/Uganda commissioned the HIPS project final evaluation in August 2012 to assess the effectiveness of the approaches implemented under the project and identify factors for success. The final evaluation was designed as a cross-sectional descriptive assessment using mixed methods. Qualitative data was collected through the use of in-depth interviews (1062) and focus group discussions with beneficiary groups. Observable findings were recorded. Quantitative data was collected through exit poll interviews with randomly selected facility clients (343). Findings of this evaluation indicate that HIPS has largely achieved its overall objective of expanding access to key services, including: HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, as well as reproductive health/family planning by increasing the number of clinics, improving the quality and expanding the menu of services provided. (Excerpt, modified)