Integrated Health Project in Burundi (IHPB) Quarterly Report April 1 – June 30, 2014

The project began in 2014 and is implemented by FHI 360 and its partners. The project's primary objective is to increase access to quality integrated health and support services, particularly for vulnerable populations. The project is divided into three clinical lines (CLINs): CLIN 1 focuses on increasing positive behaviors at the individual and household levels, CLIN 2 aims to increase the use of quality integrated health and support services, and CLIN 3 seeks to strengthen health systems and capacity. Within these clinical lines, several sub-clinical interventions are implemented to achieve specific objectives. One of the key sub-clinical interventions under CLIN 1 is Sub-CLIN 1.1, which aims to improve key behavioral pre-determinants at the individual, household, and community levels. In the second quarter of 2014, progress was made in this area, with the development of a community conversation toolkit (CCT) and the establishment of community-based organizations (CBOs) to promote positive behaviors. Planned activities for the third quarter include the scaling up of CCT implementation and the establishment of additional CBOs. Another important sub-clinical intervention under CLIN 2 is Sub-CLIN 2.2, which focuses on increasing the percent of facilities that provide quality integrated health and support services. In the second quarter, progress was made in this area, with the inventory of equipment needs for 173 IHPB health facilities and the development of concept notes for three pilot studies on innovations to integrate service delivery. Planned activities for the third quarter include the implementation of the pilot studies and the strengthening of health facilities to provide quality integrated services. The project also places a strong emphasis on strengthening health systems and capacity, particularly in the areas of decentralized health care and systems, M&E and data management, and civil society capacity. In the second quarter, progress was made in these areas, with the signing of standard grants with 12 districts and the development of a capacity self-assessment tool for civil society organizations. Planned activities for the third quarter include the implementation of the capacity self-assessment tool and the strengthening of civil society organizations to support positive behaviors and quality integrated services. Overall, the IHPB project is making significant progress in improving health outcomes in Burundi, particularly in the areas of access to quality integrated health and support services and health systems strengthening.