Quarterly Report: October 1–December 31, 2018 for USAID/Neema Integrated Service Delivery and Healthy Behaviors (ISD-HB) Project

The project aims to increase access to and utilization of quality health services and products in the public sector, as well as promote healthy behaviors among the population. The project is implemented by IntraHealth International and covers seven concentration regions in Senegal, including Diourbel, Kédougou, Kolda, Matam, Saint-Louis, Sédhiou, and Tambacounda. Additional regions with HIV/AIDS hotspots, such as Dakar, Mbour, and Ziguinchor, are also targeted. The project has two main objectives: Objective 1 focuses on increasing access to and utilization of quality health services and products in the public sector, while Objective 2 aims to increase adoption of healthy behaviors. To achieve these objectives, the project implements various interventions, including training of healthcare workers, establishment of community-based health services, and promotion of healthy behaviors through social and behavior change communication. During the reporting period of October 1-December 31, 2018, the project made significant progress in achieving its objectives. In terms of Objective 1, the project trained over 1,000 healthcare workers on integrated service delivery and healthy behaviors, and established 20 community-based health services in the targeted regions. Additionally, the project distributed over 10,000 health education materials to the community. Regarding Objective 2, the project implemented various activities to promote healthy behaviors, including the establishment of 50 hand-washing stations in schools and communities, and the distribution of over 5,000 vitamin-A supplements to children under the age of 5. The project also conducted social and behavior change communication activities, including radio broadcasts and community meetings, to promote healthy behaviors among the population. The project also made progress in monitoring and evaluation, research, and learning. The project conducted regular monitoring and evaluation activities to track progress towards its objectives, and conducted research on various topics related to health and behavior change. Additionally, the project established a technical working group to provide technical assistance and support to the project team. In terms of challenges, the project faced difficulties in recruiting and retaining healthcare workers, particularly in rural areas. The project also faced challenges in establishing community-based health services, due to lack of infrastructure and resources. However, the project implemented various solutions to address these challenges, including providing incentives to healthcare workers and establishing partnerships with local organizations to support community-based health services. Overall, the USAID/Neema project made significant progress in achieving its objectives during the reporting period of October 1-December 31, 2018. The project's interventions have contributed to improved access to and utilization of quality health services and products in the public sector, as well as increased adoption of healthy behaviors among the population.