Health Leadership Project (HLP) Annual Progress Report Fiscal Year 2021, Quarter 1 Progress Report

The program aims to build the GOH's capacity to lead and finance the health sector, as well as improve the GOH's planning and oversight of the health workforce. HLP's two objectives are to build the GOH's capacity to lead and finance the health sector, and to improve the GOH's planning and oversight of the health workforce. HLP is implemented by Management Sciences for Health (MSH) and local solution partners Group Croissance (GC) and the Centre de Formation et d'Encadrement Technique (CFET). In years one and two, MSH is USAID's prime implementing partner and is accountable for achieving the targets and deliverables for HLP's objectives, in collaboration with GC and CFET. MSH also works closely with GC and CFET to strengthen their organizational capacity to ensure that they meet USAID's technical and financial standards to receive direct funding from USAID in years three to five. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, HLP supported the Direction d'Administration et du Budget (DAB) and the Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population (MSPP) in conducting a public financial management assessment in all 10 departments. HLP developed technical reports analyzing the results of the 10 departmental health directorates and 39 health institutions assessed, which were submitted to the DAB in Q1 of FY21. During this reporting period, the MSPP validated the public financial management assessment report. HLP has continued to implement its COVID-19 contingency plan to provide guidance on maintaining staff health and safety while ensuring project continuity. The project provides personal protective equipment (surgical masks, gloves), hand sanitizer to all staff, and visitors. All who enter the office are required to wear masks and sanitize their hands. During this quarter, an HLP staff member tested positive for COVID-19, and the project tested all staff on June 4, followed by a 15-day quarantine period. HLP collaborated with the MSPP to continue implementing approved activities in the year two work plan. Objective 1: Build GOH capacity to lead and finance the health sector. Result 1.1: Sustainable financing for health increased. Activity 1.1.1: Support the MSPP in analyzing the health financing context in Haiti; assess management and use of internal revenue. Last quarter (Q2), HLP—in collaboration with the Unité d'Etudes et de Programmation (UEP)—completed the analysis of the data on internal revenue management and use in the 74 health institutions evaluated. The analysis results were used to produce 15 tables and graphs to highlight key findings, including recommendations to strengthen the collection, management, and use of internal revenues in the health institutions. HLP will engage with USAID to conduct work planning for the upcoming fiscal year. Staff phase out is ongoing, with most of the HLP staff having been given notice of their end dates at the end of the fiscal year. HLP remains open to discussing the continuation of certain staff with USAID to support priority activities. Office space needs evaluation is required, as the downsizing of staff necessitates a review of office space needs. Complete all required reports, including quarterly accrual and progress reports, is an ongoing requirement to enable HLP and USAID to monitor progress. Conduct monthly meetings with HLP leadership and USAID team is also an ongoing requirement. Monitor sub-award compliance is necessary, as HLP will monitor GC's and CFET's compliance with their sub-awards and mitigate any identified financial, contractual, and technical risks. Monitor and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and ongoing insecurity on project implementation is also ongoing, with HLP's project director continuing to share weekly updates with USAID on the impact of COVID-19 and the ongoing insecurity for project activities and strategies.