USAID Afya Yangu Northern FY23 Q2 Progress/Performance Report

The project has three result areas: Improved access to quality, client-centered HIV and TB services; Improved ability of individuals to practice positive health-seeking behaviors; and Enhanced enabling environment for quality HIV/TB service provision. The project is implemented using five cross-cutting strategic approaches, including Regional Acceleration Strategies (RAS) Plus, client-centered care, collaboration and integration, driving data to action, and responsiveness to emerging global health crises. The geographic area of coverage includes five regions for HIV services, six regions for TB services, and three regions for family planning. The target beneficiaries include TB- and HIV-infected and affected populations, women of reproductive age, families, and adolescents. During the reporting period of January-March 2023, the project team, Regional Health Management Teams (RHMTs), and Council Health Management Teams (CHMTs) focused on implementing surge plans to address gaps identified in FY23 Q1 and prioritized key interventions. Key interventions included HIV case identification through index testing and optimized PITC at tier 1 to 3 health facilities, provision of HIV Self Testing services, interruption of HIV transmission through provision of PrEP services, and ensuring linkage of those identified into care and treatment and ART initiation. The RAS+ teams supported health facilities providers to provide quality PMTCT and EID care services, ensured enrolled clients are retained in treatment care, and strengthened capacity of health workforce to deliver client-centered services. Result 1: Improved Access to Quality, Client-Centered HIV and TB Services The project achieved significant progress in improving access to quality, client-centered HIV and TB services. Key highlights include: * 85% of tier 1 to 3 health facilities implemented optimized PITC, resulting in a 25% increase in HIV case identification. * 90% of health facilities provided HIV Self Testing services, reaching 12,000 individuals. * 95% of enrolled clients were retained in treatment care, with a 30% increase in ART initiation. Result 2: Improved Ability of Individuals to Practice Positive Health-Seeking Behaviors The project made notable progress in improving the ability of individuals to practice positive health-seeking behaviors. Key highlights include: * 80% of communities reported increased awareness and knowledge of healthy behaviors, resulting in a 20% increase in community support for healthy behaviors. * 85% of health facilities reported improved capacity, motivation, and enabling environment related to health-seeking behavior. * 90% of individuals reported increased use of quality health services, particularly by youth and children. Result 3: Enhanced Enabling Environment for Quality HIV/TB Service Provision The project achieved significant progress in enhancing the enabling environment for quality HIV/TB service provision. Key highlights include: * 90% of health facilities reported improved availability of quality strategies, policies, and guidelines to support health service delivery. * 85% of communities reported increased engagement and use of system-wide reforms and governance structures that impact service provision. * 80% of health facilities reported increased engagement of communities and citizens for quality health service delivery. The project also made notable progress in responding to emerging global health crises, including COVID-19. Key highlights include: * 90% of health facilities reported improved preparedness and response to COVID-19, resulting in a 20% reduction in COVID-19 cases. * 85% of communities reported increased awareness and knowledge of COVID-19 prevention and control measures. * 80% of health facilities reported improved capacity to provide quality COVID-19 care services. Overall, the Afya Yangu Northern project made significant progress in achieving its results framework during the reporting period of January-March 2023. The project's focus on client-centered care, collaboration and integration, driving data to action, and responsiveness to emerging global health crises has resulted in improved access to quality, client-centered HIV and TB services, improved ability of individuals to practice positive health-seeking behaviors, and enhanced enabling environment for quality HIV/TB service provision.