USAID’s Health Evaluation and Applied Research Development (HEARD) Project Semi-Annual Technical Report (October 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021)

The project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under cooperative agreement AID-OAA-A-17-00002. The project team includes prime recipient University Research Co., LLC (URC) and sub-recipient organizations. The HEARD Project focuses on advancing implementation science learning and advocacy, inclusive development, and advancing and sustaining priority maternal, newborn, child health (MNCH) issues. Key activities include advancing implementation science learning and advocacy, inclusive development, and advancing and sustaining priority MNCH issues. These activities are implemented through various work areas, including mental health and psychosocial support, child protection, assistive technologies, and respectful woman-centered care. Implementation science learning and advocacy is a critical component of the HEARD Project. This involves advancing the field of implementation science through research, training, and capacity building. The project team works with partners to develop and implement implementation science research studies, provide training and technical assistance, and build capacity in implementation science. Inclusive development is another key focus area of the HEARD Project. This involves promoting inclusive and equitable development practices that address the needs of marginalized and vulnerable populations. The project team works with partners to develop and implement inclusive development strategies, provide technical assistance, and build capacity in inclusive development. Advancing and sustaining priority MNCH issues is a critical component of the HEARD Project. This involves working with partners to advance and sustain priority MNCH issues, including postpartum hemorrhage care, respectful woman-centered care, and urban health. The project team works with partners to develop and implement research studies, provide training and technical assistance, and build capacity in MNCH. The HEARD Project has made significant progress in the reporting period, October 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021. Key achievements include the development and implementation of implementation science research studies, the provision of training and technical assistance, and the building of capacity in implementation science and inclusive development. The project team has also made significant progress in advancing and sustaining priority MNCH issues, including postpartum hemorrhage care, respectful woman-centered care, and urban health. The HEARD Project has a strong focus on monitoring and evaluation, with a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan in place. The project team uses a range of monitoring and evaluation tools and approaches to track progress and measure impact. The project team also conducts regular reviews and assessments to ensure that the project is meeting its objectives and making progress towards its goals. The HEARD Project has a strong commitment to gender, human subjects protection, and environmental compliance. The project team works to ensure that all project activities are implemented in a way that is respectful of and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders, including women, children, and marginalized and vulnerable populations. The project team also works to ensure that all project activities are implemented in a way that is environmentally sustainable and responsible. Overall, the HEARD Project is making significant progress in advancing implementation science learning and advocacy, inclusive development, and advancing and sustaining priority MNCH issues. The project team is committed to ensuring that all project activities are implemented in a way that is respectful of and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders, including women, children, and marginalized and vulnerable populations.