USAID|MIKOLO Quarterly Progress Report

The project aims to increase the use of community-based healthcare services and the adoption of healthy behaviors among women of reproductive age, children under five, and infants. The project revolves around two main objectives: improving health by enhancing the quality of primary health services at the community level, as well as access to and demand for these services; and strengthening the capacity of local NGOs to support quality community health services and to be direct recipients of funding in the future. To achieve these objectives, the project is designed to sustainably develop systems, capacity, and ownership of local partners; increase availability of and access to primary health care services in project target communes; improve the quality of community-level primary health care services; and increase the adoption of healthy behaviors and practices. The project uses a community-based approach that incorporates approaches to reduce gender inequity and maximize sustainability. By empowering the Malagasy people to adopt healthy behaviors and providing access to integrated family planning (FP), reproductive health (RH), maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), and malaria control services, the project aims to help put Madagascar back on the path to health and development. The project emphasizes the involvement and development of NGOs, community organizations, and a cadre of community health volunteers (CHVs) who provide quality services, and serve as change agents and elements of a sustainable development approach. During the period of April 1st to June 30th, 2015, the project made significant progress in achieving its objectives. The project's sub-purposes were implemented through various activities, including the training of community health volunteers (CHVs), the establishment of community health committees, and the provision of health services to target communities. The project also worked with local NGOs to strengthen their capacity to support quality community health services. The project's results for the quarter include the training of over 1,000 CHVs, the establishment of 20 community health committees, and the provision of health services to over 10,000 individuals. The project also made significant progress in increasing the adoption of healthy behaviors and practices, with over 50% of target communities reporting an increase in the use of family planning methods. The project's monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system was also strengthened during the quarter, with the establishment of a results matrix and the conduct of regular monitoring and evaluation activities. The project's financial management system was also strengthened, with the implementation of a new financial management software and the conduct of regular financial reviews. Overall, the USAID Mikolo Project made significant progress in achieving its objectives during the quarter, and is well on track to meet its goals by the end of the project period in 2018. The project's community-based approach and emphasis on sustainability and capacity building have been key factors in its success, and are expected to continue to drive progress in the coming quarters.