Performance evaluation of the high-impact health services (SSGI) and the social and behavior change communication (KJK) programs : final evaluation report

This Mid-Term Evaluation explores whether these programs’ activities are making progress toward planned results, and to what extent financial, management, and M&E systems are affecting implementation and achievement of results. The evaluation relied on document and data review, Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, observation of program teams, and a randomized, 30-cluster sample survey of health facilities (30) and individual women (320). Findings: Though designed to work together, the two programs function separately. Both experienced delays due to difficulties setting up administrative processes; hiring and retaining qualified staff; and contracting with and strengthening local NGOs. KJK is on track to meet its program targets; however, Jigi, the local NGO contracted to sustain the activities, is not yet implementing SBCC activities. SSGI is on track to meet training targets and has improved performance at some facilities, but not yet consistently or sustainably. Both programs will require additional time to achieve planned results. Recommendations: 1. USAID should extend both programs, creating a 3-month overlap with subsequent programs to ensure service continuity. 2. KJK should second technical staff to Jigi and the CNIECS in the remaining project period to build their capacity to continue SBCC after KJK ends. This should be prioritized over research. 3. SSGI should second its staff to regional and district offices in the remaining project period and focus on sustaining quality health service delivery and addressing barriers to access. 4. Both programs should work to strengthen the financial management capacity and accounting systems of the local NGOs with whom they work.