Quarterly Report: Integrated Health Project in Burundi (IHPB) - July 1 – September 30, 2014

The project began in 2014 and is implemented by FHI 360 and its partners. The project's overall goal is to increase access to quality integrated health and support services, particularly for vulnerable populations. The project is divided into three clinical objectives (CLINs): CLIN 1, CLIN 2, and CLIN 3. CLIN 1 focuses on increasing positive behaviors at the individual, household, and community levels. This includes improving key behavioral pre-determinants, increasing accessibility and availability of health products, and strengthening support for positive gender norms and behaviors. Sub-CLIN 1.1, which aims to improve key behavioral pre-determinants, has made progress in the third project quarter, with more than 2,500 individuals receiving training in health and hygiene practices. CLIN 2 aims to increase the use of quality integrated health and support services. This includes increasing access to health and support services within communities, increasing the percentage of facilities that provide quality integrated health and support services, and increasing the capacity of providers and managers to provide quality integrated health services. Sub-CLIN 2.1 has made progress in increasing access to health and support services, with more than 80% of target communities reporting improved access to health services. CLIN 3 focuses on strengthening health systems and capacity. This includes strengthening decentralized health care and systems in targeted geographic areas, strengthening M&E and data management systems at facility and community levels, and increasing civil society capacity to support positive behaviors and quality integrated services. Sub-CLIN 3.1 has made progress in strengthening decentralized health care and systems, with the Burundi PBF scheme showing improved performance. The project has also made progress in procurement of vehicles and medical equipment and supplies, identification of a research firm, and project management. However, some challenges have been encountered, including problems with procurement and logistics. The project has proposed solutions to address these challenges, including improving procurement processes and increasing communication with stakeholders. The project has also reported a success story, highlighting the impact of performance-based financing on the responsiveness of the Burundi health system. The project has also participated in various meetings and events, including a meeting with the Burundi Ministry of Health to discuss project progress and challenges. The project's geographic focus is on Burundi, with a particular emphasis on rural areas and vulnerable populations. The project's timeframes are quarterly, with the third project quarter covering July 1 to September 30, 2014. The project's recommendations include continuing to strengthen health systems and capacity, improving access to quality integrated health and support services, and increasing the capacity of providers and managers to provide quality integrated health services.