LMG-AF Annual Report: Leadership, Management, and Governance for Afghanistan

The project had three main objectives: Health IR 1, Health IR 2, and Education IR 3. Health IR 1 focused on improving the capacity and governance of the central MOPH to support the delivery of BPHS and EPHS services, primarily through nongovernmental organization (NGO) service providers. Key achievements included the MOPH completing the necessary groundwork and successfully integrating USAID-funded program activities into the On-budget program. The MOPH also led the implementation of the national Community-based Healthcare (CBHC) strategy and oversaw the execution of a sustainable CBHC program throughout the country. Sub-IR 1.3 aimed to improve evidence-based decision making in MOPH by supporting Health Information Systems (HIS). The MOPH In-Service Training (IST) unit effectively fulfilled its stewardship role for the national IST program. The Ghazanfar Institute of Health Sciences (GIHS) and the Midwifery & Nursing department of the MOPH enabled effective leadership and management of midwifery and nursing programs across the country. Sub-IR 1.6 focused on improving the capacity of the Child & Adolescent Health (CAH) department to govern, coordinate, and oversee all child health programs throughout Afghanistan. The stewardship role of the IQHC department of the MOPH was enhanced to lead and coordinate the implementation of the Harmonized Quality Improvement Program in BPHS. National/specialty hospitals completed phase I (budget-based management) and initiated phase II (Human Resource rationalization) of the hospital autonomy process. Health IR 2 aimed to improve the capacity and governance of the MOPH Provincial Liaison Directorate and PHO in 17 provinces to support the delivery of BPHS and EPHS services. Key achievements included the Provincial Health System being strengthened to perform the stewardship role in the provinces. The project also focused on developing overall leadership, management, and governance capacity of the MOPH and 17 Provincial Health Offices. Challenges faced by the project included limited capacity and resources, while opportunities included the potential for increased health service delivery and improved health outcomes. The project's plan for the next five months included continued support for the MOPH and PHO in implementing the CBHC strategy and strengthening the Provincial Health System. The project also aimed to enhance the capacity of the MOPH and PHO in areas such as health information systems, in-service training, and leadership and management. The project was implemented by Management Sciences for Health (MSH) under the terms of Cooperative Agreement Number AID-OAA-11-00015 with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project's results framework, revised in June 2014, outlined the project's objectives, indicators, and targets. The project's achievements were demonstrated through various figures and tables, including the comparison of baseline and internal assessments, training participation, and improvements in health service delivery.