Improved Reporting of Performance Data Supports Health Decision Making in Bangladesh

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) established the Program Management and Monitoring Unit (PMMU) to manage and conduct monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the sector-wide health program. The PMMU aimed to promote evidence-based decision making and was supported by an external technical assistance team, facilitated by development partners. The Technical Assistance Support Team (TAST) was established in 2011 with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and MEASURE Evaluation. The TAST consisted of M&E advisors and specialists from MEASURE Evaluation, the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), and the MOHFW. Together, the TAST helped the PMMU develop procedures and systems to systematize regular semiannual and annual health sector program implementation reviews and performance reporting. The PMMU's efforts to improve performance reporting led to significant changes in the availability and quality of information on health program performance. A senior MOHFW official noted that the quality of information has improved, with more timely documentation and better quality. The PMMU's work has been well-received, with people appreciating the unit's efforts to strengthen M&E capacity within the MOHFW. The PMMU has implemented various initiatives to promote data use for program and policy decisions. One such initiative was the appointment of M&E focal persons for each operational plan to facilitate periodic data collection and promote MOHFW accountability for performance reporting. MEASURE Evaluation contributed to institutionalizing regular health-sector performance reviews by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh. Today, the PMMU is the recognized management and M&E unit of the sector-wide health program. It produces biannual performance reports (Six-monthly Performance Reports, or SmPRs) and annual program implementation reports (Annual Program Implementation Reports, or APIRs) by collecting performance data, reviewing them with program staff, and reporting progress based on measurable indicators. These reports are used by MOHFW staff, development partners, and independent review teams to assess the progress of health programs and make program and policy recommendations.