Quarterly Report: Integrated Health Project in Burundi (IHPB) Fourth Project Quarter

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 focuses on three main clinical interventions (CLINs): CLIN 1, CLIN 2, and CLIN 3. CLIN 1 aims to increase positive behaviors at the individual, household, and community levels. This is achieved through three sub-clinical interventions: improved key behavioral pre-determinants, increased accessibility and availability of health products, and strengthened support for positive gender norms and behaviors. Progress was made in Q4 2014, with more than 2,500 farmers receiving training in sustainable agriculture techniques, and demonstration plots showing yield improvements of 60% when applying recommended practices. CLIN 2 focuses on increasing the use of quality integrated health and support services. This is achieved through three sub-clinical interventions: increased access to health and support services within communities, increased percent of facilities that provide quality integrated health and support services, and increased capacity of providers and managers to provide quality integrated health services. In Q4 2014, the project made progress in strengthening facility-based services, drafting in-kind grants for supported BDS, and providing technical assistance to help strengthen the Burundi PBF scheme. CLIN 3 aims to strengthen health systems and capacity. This is achieved through three sub-clinical interventions: strengthened decentralized health care and systems in targeted geographic areas, strengthened M&E and data management systems at facility and community levels, and increased civil society capacity to support positive behaviors and quality integrated services. In Q4 2014, the project made progress in making PFB monthly payments to facilities, providing technical assistance to help strengthen the Burundi PBF scheme, and identifying a research firm. The project also focuses on project management, procurement of vehicles and medical equipment and supplies, and identification of research firms. In Q4 2014, the project encountered some problems, including delays in procurement of vehicles and medical equipment and supplies, but proposed solutions were not applicable. A success story from the project highlights the performance-based financing scheme's ability to strengthen the responsiveness of the Burundi health system. The project's geographic focus is on Burundi, with a particular emphasis on strengthening health systems and capacity in targeted geographic areas. The project's timeframes are quarterly, with Q4 2014 being the fourth quarter of the project. The project's recommendations include continued support for the performance-based financing scheme and strengthening of health systems and capacity in targeted geographic areas.