Quarterly Technical Performance Report: Fiscal Year 2013, Quarter 1

The purpose of FORSSAS is to provide technical assistance to the government of Mozambique to address specific constraints hampering the health and social welfare system and ultimately achieve improved health outcomes. During the second quarter of implementation, October 1 through December 31, 2012, FORSSAS completed the transition from a Health Systems 20/20 program recipient to an independent bilateral funded solely by USAID Mozambique. The FORSSAS team completed the majority of outstanding project start-up activities and hired several new staff. In the area of effective governance, FORSSAS mapped payment processes for the Directorate of Administration and Finance (DAF) and four major cost centers. The team also trained Repartição de Contabilidade e Prestação de Contas (RCPC) staff on preparation of MISAU's financial statements, per weaknesses cited by the Global Fund. Additionally, FORSSAS kicked off activities for procurement strengthening at Central Medical Stores (CMAM), mindful of local resource constraints. The integrated health financing team held discussions with DPC's Health Planning and Health Economics Department to prepare for FORSSAS support of MTEF and NHA exercises. The remainder of IR2 technical staff will join the project in January 2013. Under sustained operations capacity, the project discussed and prepared for the transition of the FORSSAS M&E Advisor from a Global Fund focus to a wider range of technical support. The IR3 team also supported Global Fund Round 8 HSS grant negotiation, revision, and explored options for incorporating Global Fund requirements in e-Sistafe. As part of its ongoing activities related to Global Fund grant application and reporting, FORSSAS helped secure over $35 million USD in disbursements for national malaria and HIV programs. The 2013 essential medicines were also secured during the quarter. The project recognizes the importance of aligning with broader health systems strengthening efforts, and the work stream supports the PFM Strengthening Plan in several areas, including defining roles and responsibilities and PFM standard operating procedures for DAF, strengthening the link between planning and execution, and strengthening internal controls. The FORSSAS team also supported the graduation of 55 Social Welfare Technicians and Early Childhood Educators, and the project staffing process was completed during the quarter. The project's performance monitoring plan was also reviewed and updated to reflect the new project structure and goals. The Mozambique Health and Social Welfare Systems Strengthening Program aims to achieve improved health outcomes by addressing specific constraints hampering the health and social welfare system. The project's accomplishments, challenges faced, and successes realized during its second quarter of implementation demonstrate its commitment to achieving this goal. The project's ongoing activities related to Global Fund grant application and reporting have resulted in significant disbursements for national malaria and HIV programs. The project's support for the graduation of Social Welfare Technicians and Early Childhood Educators also demonstrates its commitment to strengthening the health and social welfare system. The project's performance monitoring plan was reviewed and updated to reflect the new project structure and goals. This will enable the project to effectively monitor and evaluate its progress towards achieving its objectives. The Mozambique Health and Social Welfare Systems Strengthening Program is a critical component of the USAID's efforts to strengthen the health and social welfare system in Mozambique. The project's accomplishments, challenges faced, and successes realized during its second quarter of implementation demonstrate its commitment to achieving improved health outcomes.