Leadership, Management and Governance Project – Afghanistan Semi-Annual Report, July 1, 2013 – March 31, 2014

The project has four main objectives: to improve the capacity and governance of the central MoPH, to improve the capacity and governance of the MoPH Provincial Liaison Directorate and Provincial Health Offices, to develop overall leadership, management, and governance capacity of the MoPH and Provincial Health Offices, and to improve the capacity of the Ministry of Education's Management Support Unit. The project has made significant progress in achieving its objectives. In the area of Health IR 1, the MoPH has successfully integrated USAID-funded program activities into the On-budget program, and is able to lead the implementation of the national Community-Based Healthcare (CBHC) strategy. The MoPH has also improved evidence-based decision making through the support of Health Information Systems (HIS), and the In-Service Training (IST) unit is able to effectively fulfill its stewardship role for the national IST program. In the area of Health IR 2, the Provincial Health System has been strengthened to perform the stewardship role in the provinces, and the Provincial Health Offices have improved their capacity to deliver Basic Package of Health Services (BPHS) and Essential Package of Hospital Services (EPHS). The project has also made progress in developing overall leadership, management, and governance capacity of the MoPH and Provincial Health Offices, with the MoPH enabled to steward leadership, management, and governance capacity building in the Health Sector. Despite these achievements, the project has faced several challenges, including limited capacity and resources, and security concerns in some provinces. However, the project has identified opportunities for growth and development, including the potential for increased funding and support from the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA). The project's plan for the next six months includes continued support for the MoPH and Provincial Health Offices, as well as the development of a comprehensive plan for the implementation of the national CBHC strategy. The project will also continue to work with the MoE's Management Support Unit to improve its capacity to administer, monitor, and report on USAID on-budget activities. The project has made significant progress in improving the capacity and governance of the MoPH and Provincial Health Offices, and has identified opportunities for growth and development. However, continued support and funding will be necessary to sustain these gains and achieve the project's objectives.